Friday, September 10, 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: Caleb Larsen
Sport: Basketball
Institution: University of Alaska Anchorage
Year: Redshirt Sophomore
Major: Journalism and Public Communications
Hometown: Wilsonville, Oregon

Why Did You Choose To Attend Alaska Anchorage?: I chose to attend the University of Alaska Anchorage because the school offered me a great opportunity to continue to play the sport I love and pursue my degree. I also love being able to live in a new place and climate I had never been in before.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor?: Professor Elizabeth Arnold. Even though I have never met her in person due to COVID-19, Professor Arnold is very understanding, a great communicator, and overall a great teacher. I really enjoy the way she explains things and she makes it very easy for me to learn.

How Many Years Have You Been Involved In SAAC?: Three. I was in SAAC for two years at my old school, Concordia University.

Why Did You Choose To Get Involved With SAAC?: I got involved to be a representative for the sports team I play on, as well as to push myself out of my comfort zone and do something new.

What Have You Learned From Needing To Balance Athletics And Academics?: I’ve learned to plan out the week with what I’ll be doing each day, for both schoolwork and sports. If I have something written down, I can stay on top of everything on my plate and not get behind.

What Is The Biggest Obstacle You Have Overcome During Your Collegiate Career?: The last school that I was at closed down. It was very shocking and challenging to find a new school that fit me well athletically and academically.

Who Is Your Current Mentor(s)?: My dad, trainers, coaches and the NBA players I look up to.

What Are Your Future Goals After Graduating?: To get a job that I love, get married and have a beautiful family.

What Advice Would You Have For An Incoming Freshman?: In your sport, have confidence and always believe in yourself. You are not always going to have the best days but stay true to yourself and believe you will be successful.

What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being Part Of The GNAC?: Having the opportunity to travel to so many different places to play the sport that I love.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person, Who Would It Be?: I would spend it with Jesus. I would choose Jesus because I feel as a believer I could learn endless amounts of valuable knowledge.

Favorite Sports Team: Portland Trail Blazers

Favorite Athlete: Damian Lillard

Extracurricular Activities: Spending time with family and friends, water sports, hiking, working out.

What’s Something People Don’t Know About You?: I have a titanium plate that acts as my left cheekbone.