Friday, December 3, 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: Analynn Bohner
Sport: Basketball
Institution: Northwest Nazarene University
Year: Freshman          
Major: Social Work with a minor in Psychology and Criminal Justice
Hometown: Eagle, Idaho

Why Did You Choose To Attend Northwest Nazarene?: I really wanted to be a part of a friendly and welcoming campus. I also made it a priority to go to a Christian school because I’ve always wanted to study in an atmosphere that can give me both scientific and faith-based education, which was really important for me.

What Is Your Favorite College Class And Why?: So far, my favorite class in college has been Abnormal Psychology. I love learning about the brain and getting a better understanding of why people are the way they are.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor?: Professor Stephanie Altenbern has been my favorite professor thus far. She gave a very personalized class and did a great job answering all of my questions from both a real worldview and from a Christian perspective.

How Many Years Have You Been Involved In SAAC?: Two.

Why Did You Choose To Get Involved With SAAC?: I enjoy the community and I love being able to meet and interact with other athletes.

What Have You Learned From Needing To Balance Athletics And Academics?: Without academics, you can’t do athletics. My parents instilled this in me as a kid and I’ve done well to remember it. It’s important that we, as student-athletes, take care of our lives off the court and make sure that we stick to our schedules and priorities.

What Is The Biggest Obstacle You Have Overcome During Your Collegiate Career?: COVID-19 was definitely a kicker. But I also got injured. I blew out my elbow and had ulnar transportation surgery (Tommy John). The majority of my preseason and most of my freshman year was dedicated to gaining full strength back in my elbow and learning how to retrain my shot.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It means a lot. I trained throughout most of my childhood so that I could have the opportunity to play at the next level. I’m very grateful for the opportunity that I have today to play for Northwest Nazarene University. Now that I’m here I can only fight to become a better athlete, student and Christian, and fight to win a national championship.

Who Is Your Current Mentor?: My parents are huge role models in my life. They’ve sacrificed so much and taught me countless lessons about life. I can’t thank them enough for all that they’ve done for me and for always showing me by example what love and faith look like.

What Are Your Future Goals After Graduating?: I hope to graduate NNU with a master’s in social work and minors in psychology and criminal justice. After graduation, I plan on attending law school and becoming an adoption attorney.

What Advice Would You Have For An Incoming Freshman?: Be patient, trust the program and most importantly be present. In college, it’s easy to keep to yourself or get too stressed about schoolwork to fully recognize what the day has to offer. College is a great place to meet new people, learn about yourself and grow overall as a person. You just have to show up and be present.

What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being Part Of The GNAC?: The competitive drive. Every university is excited to compete and represent itself. It makes for great energy and an even better atmosphere.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person, Who Would It Be?: If I could spend the day with one person, it would be my Grandma Anita (mom’s side). My mom is my superhero and unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet the woman that raised her. I would love to meet her and be able to at least say thank you.

Favorite Sports Team: Northwest Nazarene University’s women’s basketball team (of course).

Favorite Athlete: Bo Jackson.

What’s Something People Don’t Know About You?: I’m actually ambidextrous. I write, eat and play golf and tennis left-handed, but play all other sports with my right side.