Cheyenne Baird- Photo Courtesy Josh Whetmore
Student Athlete Advisory Committee Profile- Cheyenne Baird
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 Cheyenne Baird who is one of the committee representatives from The Evergreen State College and participates in volleyball. Cheyenne was selected as Vice- Chair of the committee for the 2016-17
SAAC.
Cheyenne Baird, Evergreen
Volleyball
Major- Education
Junior
Hometown- Puyallup, WA
Puyallup High School
Parent’s- Chad Baird, Jackie Baird
CC (Cascade Conference)- How did you choose TESC to continue your athletic and academic career?
CB (Cheyenne Baird) - I originally found the college when I was recruited for volleyball, but upon visiting the campus I fell in love with it. I was really intrigued by the unique academics, beautiful campus and dedicated athletic department
CC- What are some of the demands of being a student athlete?
CB- Having to balance school, practices, homework, games, work and travel for games that sometimes causes you to miss class. You have to be organized and have good time management in order to stay on top of everything on your plate; we do not generally have much free time.
CC- What are some of your best experiences so far, both academically and athletically at college?
CB- Academically I have really enjoyed that my teaching programs allow me to be placed in the local schools, actually gaining teaching experience. In my time at Evergreen I have gained so much experience working with people that will help me be successful in the future. Athletically, I have felt really lucky to be part of building a great program from the bottom up and building a legacy for those after me to follow, the best is still yet to come.
CC- Who are some influential people in your life at TESC?
CB- My coaches Angela Spoja and Colleen Pancake have been huge influences for me here at Evergreen, after all they are the reason that I am here. Both of them always hold me to high expectations and push me to be better every day. Also one of my professors, Grace Huerta has had a huge influence on me due to her genuine passion for teaching and her students. She is the kind of teacher I aspire to be.
CC- When not competing or studying what do you do for fun?
CB- I enjoy being outdoors, I love to hike, snowboard, cliff jump, camp, wakeboard and snowmobile.
CC- What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the CCC-SAAC?
CB- I hope to become a voice for the athletes in our conference, in turn helping to solve issues we may face. As well as helping to make our concerns as athletes apparent to those higher up in the conference such as the athletic directors and the commissioner. I want to make CCC athletics a safe and enjoyable experience for every athlete.
CC- What do you see yourself doing after graduation?
CB- After graduation, I hope to enter a Master’s program to work toward becoming a teacher and one day having my own classroom.