Student Athlete Advisory Committee Profile- Aspen Abbott - Cascade Collegiate Conference Skip To Main Content

Cascade Collegiate Conference

Student Athlete Advisory Committee Profile- Aspen Abbott
Aspen Abbott-Southern Oregon University Raiders

Student Athlete Advisory Committee Profile- Aspen Abbott

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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 Aspen Abbitt who is one of the committee representatives from Southern Oregon and participates in cross country and track/field.

Student Athlete: Aspen Abbott, SOU
Sport(s) - Cross-Country and Track and Field
Major/Minor- Interdisciplinary Studies Pre-Physical Therapy/Psychology
Senior
GPA 3.89
Hometown- Gardnerville, NV
High School Attended- Douglas High School
Parent’s Names- Jim and Deanna Abbott
 
CC (Cascade Conference) - How did you choose SOU to continue your athletic and academic career?
Aspen Abbott (AA) - I chose SOU for two reasons.  First, I was accepted into the first Honors College at SOU and received a considerable academic scholarship. Second, I was recruited by Grier Gatlin to run and when I visited the school I loved the town of Ashland and the beautiful trails and scenery.
 
CC- What are some of the demands of being a student athlete?
AA- As a student athlete you have to learn to balance your studies with the large amount of time spent at practice and travelling to meets.   Time management is extremely important. 
 
CC- What are some of your best experiences so far, both academically and athletically at college?
AA- At SOU I have had the opportunity to compete at the national championships for both indoor track, outdoor track, and for cross country.  Through that I have earned All- American and broken my school’s 800m record. Academically, being the first cohort of the Honors College has been a great experience and I have been able to join two other honors societies.
 
CC- Who are some influential people in your life at SOU?
AA- My parents have both been extremely influential and have pushed me to strive for my best in both my academic and athletic career.  My sister is also extremely supportive and we are very close even though we don’t attend the same school.  At SOU, our AD Matt Sayre, my Honors College Director Ken Mulliken, and my coach Grier Gatlin, have been significant in my success in athletics and academics.
 
CC- When not competing or studying what do you do for fun?
AA- I love being outdoors, so in the summer I will go hiking or camping and in the winter I enjoy skiing.  I also love sitting down with a good book.
 
CC- What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the CCC-SAAC?
AA- As a member of the CCC-SAAC I hope to fully represent my own school and communicate effectively with the committee CCC committee and the student athlete committee on the campus of SOU.  I would like to allow the voices of the athletes and students to play a role in the decisions of the Cascade Conference. 
 
CC- What do you see yourself doing after graduation?
AA- I am currently applying for graduate school and after graduation I hope to be attending a Doctorate in Physical Therapy program.  I would also like to take some time to travel around Europe.
 

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