Friday, March 25, 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: Keegan Wise
Sport: Softball
Institution: Central Washington
Year: Junior
Major: Web and Database Management
Hometown: Ridgefield, WA

Why Did You Choose To Attend CWU?: I chose to attend Central because of its amazing IT program. When I visited campus, the team was very welcoming and Ellensburg felt like home.

What Is Your Favorite College Class And Why?: Computer Science 110 because I learned a lot about algorithms and Java. It also helped confirm that computer science was a passion of mine.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor?: Dr. David Douglas. He makes every class something to look forward to. He gives us a quote at the beginning of class and always helps us to see the bigger picture of life. He’s there not only as a professor but as a friend, confidant and supporter.

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

Why Did You Choose To Get Involved With SAAC?: Originally, it was because my team needed a freshman to be on it, but once I found out all that SAAC was a part of, it was great to be a voice for our team, school and conference.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You After You Graduate?: I think I’ll be more willing to join boards at work or in general life to be a part of something bigger to help make life a little better for everyone.

What Have You Learned From Needing To Balance Athletics And Academics?: The most important thing I’ve learned from balancing athletics and academics is that you can’t let these two things define you, or you’ll drown. Flexibility is a skill you’ll need to learn very quickly because it’ll help you figure out how to manage your way through.

What Is The Biggest Obstacle You Have Overcome During Your Collegiate Career?: The biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome during my college career is figuring out who I am outside of being an athlete and student. I’m still working on this one.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It means the people who told me anything except being a Division II athlete isn’t worth it were incorrect. Being a Division II athlete means I get to continue to play the sport I love while pursuing a degree in something that makes me happy.

What Are Your Future Goals After Graduating?: My future goal is a job in an IT-related position in the medical field.

What Advice Would You Have For An Incoming Freshman?: There’s going to be a lot of different things pulling at you for attention, but don’t forget who you are and your values. Ice cream can temporarily solve most problems.

What’s Your Favorite Sports Moment?: Being GNAC champs in my freshman year.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person, Who Would It Be?: I would spend the day with Jesus because he’s the strongest, fearless and most loving person I know.

Favorite Sports Team: Seattle Mariners

Favorite Athlete: Ichiro Suzuki

What’s Something People Don’t Know About You?: According to the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator test, I’m an INFJ personality.