Student Athlete Advisory Committee Profile- Brookelynn Cole

9/30/2014 8:34:46 AM

LA GRANDE, Ore.- The Cascade Collegiate Conference sponsors a Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) made up of representatives from each member institution. The function of the committee is to; discuss and provide feedback on conference issues affecting student-athlete welfare, assist in educating student athletes about CCC/NAIA issues on their home campus, increase and improve student-athletes’ understanding of the CCC and NAIA Legislative process, promote student-athlete participation in department wide Champions of Character programs and provide a forum for addressing student-athlete concerns.

The CCC office caught up with Brookelynn Cole who is one of the  committee representattives from SOU and participates in volleyball. Brookelynn is begiining her second year as a member of SAAC.

 
Cascade Conference (CC)- How did you choose SOU to continue your athletic and academic career?

Brookelynn Cole (BC)- I chose SOU for many reasons but  mainly to continue my athletic career, and then because it was a short 5 hour drive home. I chose the SOU volleyball program because I believed in the coach’s philosophy and the girls on the team were absolutely amazing. I chose SOU to pursue my academic career because it is a small college and I wanted to be able to develop close relationships with my professors. 
 
CC- What are some of the demands of being a student athlete?

BC- Some of the demands of being a student athlete involve juggling academia, athletics, workouts, family and social life. It is difficult to give all aspects the same amount of attention. Even though it can be very challenging to give each aspect 110%, I wouldn’t give up this experience for anything in the world.  
 
CC- What are some of your best experiences so far, both academically and athletically at college?

BC- Academically, my best experiences came in the Spring of 2014 when I received the Leon Mulling Communication Studies: COCS 2014-2015 scholarship for my academic achievements. Athletically, my best experiences have been the time I have spent with my teammates, not specifically on the court, but the time and memories we’ve created together off the court. They are my family!
 
CC- Who are some influential people in your life at SOU?

BC- My coach, Josh Rohlfing, one of my Communications professor, Jon Lange, and Bobby Heiken, our Associate Athletic Director. 
 
CC- When not competing or studying what do you do for fun?

BC- I enjoy hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities. I also enjoy relaxing within my home and finishing a Netflix series!
 
CC- What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the CCC-SAAC?

BC- As a member of the CCC-SAAC, I hope to help expand the knowledge of the 5 Core Characteristics to my fellow athletes who are not on SOU’s SAAC committee. My goal would be to get my teammates and my friends who are also athletes to live by these characteristics every day.
 
CC- What do you see yourself doing after graduation?

BC- After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology.