Friday, March 4, 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: Claire Henninger
Sport: Women’s Soccer
Institution: Western Washington University
Year: Grad Student (4th year at WWU)
Major: Master’s in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Hometown: Sequim, Wash.

Why Did You Choose To Attend WWU?: I chose Western because of the immensely successful soccer program, quality academic environment and beautiful location.

What Is Your Favorite College Class And Why?: Behavioral neuroscience. It was fascinating to learn about the functions and neural pathways of the brain, how information is processed and stored and about how neurotransmitters work. The brain is so intelligently designed!

Who Is Your Favorite Professor?: Dr. Arthur-Cameselle (or Dr. A-C). She taught a few of my undergrad classes and provided stimulating content while also challenging me to produce quality work.

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

Why Did You Choose To Get Involved With SAAC?: I value making the needs of student-athletes heard and hopefully improving their experience.

What Has Been The Most Memorable SAAC Activity?: Making and donating Lydia Place baskets was an impactful way that our SAAC at WWU was able to help the community.

What Have You Learned From Needing To Balance Athletics And Academics?: Relentlessly prioritize your priorities.

What Is The Biggest Obstacle You Have Overcome During Your Collegiate Career?: I suffered a major concussion, fractured nose and facial laceration during a game, which set me back both mentally and physically by putting me out of the game for months.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It means I get to play the sport I love while simultaneously learning about the world, which is making me into an integrated and well-rounded member of society.

What Advice Would You Have For An Incoming Freshman?: Learn what matters the most to you, and make it central to everything you do.

What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being Part Of The GNAC?: The beauty of the Pacific Northwest and quality of competition.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person, Who Would It Be?: Jesus Christ, because it would be incredible to get to meet Him in the flesh and learn from Him.

Favorite Sports Team: U.S. women’s soccer national team

Favorite Athlete: (USWNT midfielder) Julie Ertz

Extracurricular Activities: Skiing/snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, cooking, playing piano, guitar and reading.