Friday, January 28, 2022

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: Emily Paulson 
Sport: Softball
Institution: Western Washington University
Year: Sophomore
Major: Journalism/Accounting
Hometown: Tigard, Ore.

Why Did You Choose To Attend WWU?: I choose to attend WWU for the beautiful campus, academics and to compete at a high level of softball. I love the support the school provides both academically and athletically.

What Is Your Favorite College Class And Why?: My favorite class I have taken so far at WWU is JOUR 307: Reporting. The class has helped me grow my interview and writing skills while being engaging and fun. It allowed me to get better at what I want to do in the future.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor?: Dr. Carolyn Nielson. She was my teacher for JOUR 307: Reporting. She helped me improve my writing and reporting skills and always gave extra one-on-one help during office hours.

How Many Years Have You Been Involved In SAAC?: This is my first year.

Why Did You Choose To Get Involved With SAAC?: I got involved to understand the NCAA better and make an impact. I have always had an interest and drive to work in and with sports. The SAAC committee is a great place to start.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, What Would It Be?: The possession arrow in basketball. For playing great defense, the possession of the ball is decided by an arrow. I think it should be changed to a jump ball like the NBA.

What Have You Learned From Needing To Balance Athletics And Academics?: I have learned that the most important thing for balancing athletics and academics is time management. I've found what is most important to me and focused on those things while still having fun and attending social events.

What Is The Biggest Obstacle You Have Overcome During Your Collegiate Career?: The increased time commitment. In college, you spend way more time focusing on your sport than you do in high school or club ball.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: To be a Division II student-athlete is much more than athletics. I get the opportunity to further my education while doing what I love.

Who Is Your Current Mentor(s)?: My supportive parents, my hitting coach Wade Sahlfeld, and Freddy Quintero.

What Are Your Future Goals After Graduating?: I hope to attend graduate school and pursue sports journalism. I want to go into sports broadcasting and land a job on a sports network.

What Advice Would You Have For An Incoming Freshman?: Take advantage of what the school and your sport have to offer. Go to as many sporting and social events as you can to meet people.

What’s Your Favorite Sports Memory?: Last season (2020), when we won the GNAC conference tournament and got an automatic bid to regionals.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person, Who Would It Be?: I'd choose Buster Posey. I would choose him because we are both catchers, and he would provide advice on the game.

Favorite Sports Team: New York Yankees or Oregon Ducks

Favorite Athlete: Buster Posey

Extracurricular Activities: I volunteer at Everybody Athletics (with children with developmental disabilities) and I have my own sports podcast.

What’s Something People Don’t Know About You?: I am an only child.