Friday, December 13, 2019

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: Jessica Brennis
Sport: Volleyball
Institution: Northwest Nazarene University
Year: Senior
Major: Philosophy and Social Work
Hometown: Snohomish, Washington

Why Did You Choose To Attend Northwest Nazarene?: I chose Northwest Nazarene because of volleyball but, throughout my time here, I could not be more grateful that my sport led me to this amazing school.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class was Ethics. It was very formative in my first year of college because it helped me to build a moral framework and a coherent view of the world. This class opened my eyes to different perspectives, cultures and moral practices around the world.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professor is Dr. Joseph Bankard. He is my favorite professor because he pours so much time and energy into his students in the classroom and in his own time. He is passionate about what he teaches and leads by example, sharing stories about his own successes and failures. He has been a mentor in my life and continues to be someone who I can count on to push me to learn more, hold me accountable and encourage me to be the best person I can be.

Years Involved In SAAC: Three years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: My coach presented the opportunity to our team and I volunteered because I think it is important to exercise our right to vote and have our voices heard.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: Make-A-Wish during the men’s basketball game.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: You need to learn to manage your time. Sometimes, there will be things you cannot do in order to finish more important things.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: Not playing as much as I hoped to at the beginning of my career.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Winning a five-set match in regionals against Central Washington.

Current Mentor(s): Scott Daniels, Olivia Metcalf and Joe Bankard.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Go to events at school, get involved, do your homework, be honest and share your story, show up to class and work hard.

Extracurricular Activities: SAAC President, member of the senior class council, member of the student government social board and captain of the volleyball team.

Future Goals After Graduation: Travel, go to graduate school and live in a new country.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: I think it would be such a fun job to be a naturopath.