Friday, April 23, 2021

Part of a regular series.

Throughout the year, GNACsports.com uses this space to profile conference student-athletes who are members of their respective institutions’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). In addition to providing feedback on the student-athlete experience, conference and institutional SAAC members also offer input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses.

Name: Julia Lucas
Sport: Softball
Institution: Saint Martin’s University
Year: Senior
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: Legal Studies
Hometown: San Jose, California

Why Did You Choose To Attend Saint Martin’s?: I chose to attend Saint Martin’s because I wanted to stay on the West Coast but I also wanted a change of scenery. I liked going from the California heat to the Washington rain.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class was Victimology because I think it’s important to learn about victims of crime and their experiences in the criminal justice system. The professor was a victim advocate and was very knowledgeable.

Years Involved In SAAC: Four years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I chose to get involved in SAAC as a freshman because I didn’t know many other student-athletes on campus. I was able to meet new people with similar experiences to me outside of my team.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: The Marty Awards was the most memorable SAAC activity because all of the student-athletes were honored with a fun banquet.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: Participating in SAAC has allowed me to develop leadership skills. I will be able to use those skills in any job I get after graduation.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It means that both school and sports are equally important to me. I have time to work on school but softball is still a priority.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: Time management is no joke. You really have to be on top of everything because getting behind is dangerous and an endless cycle.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: I struggled during my sophomore season with my performance and mental health. I was able to overcome those struggles as a junior as I got more confidence.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: I like getting to explore the Pacific Northwest.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Hitting a home run in the first at-bat of my junior season.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Don’t be afraid to fail because failure always leaves room for improvement for the future.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: I would spend the day with Russell Martin because he was my favorite catcher.

Extracurricular Activities: I am the president of the Saint Martin’s Pre-Law Club.

Future Goals After Graduation: I hope to work as a victim advocate and help victims of crime.

Favorite Sports Team: Los Angeles Dodgers.

Favorite Athlete: Corey Seager.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: I like to hike in my free time.