Student Athlete Advisory Committee Profile-Maya Ah You Dias
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 Maya Ah You Dias who is one of the committee representatives from Eastern Oregon University and participates in women's basketball.
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Student Athlete: Maya Ah You Dias, Eastern Oregon
Sport(s) - Basketball
Major/Minor- Psychology/Physical Education
Year in School (Fr., So., Jr., Sr.) - Jr. (athletically), Sr. (academically)
GPA -3.6
Hometown- Middleton, ID
High School Attended- Middleton High School
Parent’s Names- Jennifer Ah You, Harland Ah You, Ted Harris
Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC)-How did you choose EOU to continue your athletic and academic career?
Maya Ah You Dias (MA)-I visited the campus and really loved the atmosphere and the mountains surrounding La Grande. I suffered from a second ACL tear towards the end of my senior year in high school and lost some offers, Coach Weissenfluh was willing to sign me late in the recruiting process and I was so thankful for the opportunity to play for such a successful coach and program while also gaining a great education! I couldn’t have asked to be anywhere else!
CCC- What are some of the demands of being a student athlete?
MA- The biggest demand of being a student athlete for me is the time dedicated to the sports we play. It takes some really great time management skills in order to be a successful student-athlete, and at times it can be very difficult. That being said, the experience of being a student-athlete is very special and well worth it. The friends we make, the memories we have, and the opportunities we are provided definitely makes up for the time demand of being an athlete.
CCC- What are some of your best experiences so far, both academically and athletically at college?
MA- I’ve really enjoyed getting to know my professors. Because of small class sizes I am really able to connect with my professors, which makes my learning experience even more enjoyable. I have been blessed to have professors that are supportive and open to working with me when I miss class because of athletics. My best experiences as an athlete are definitely getting to travel the country with some of my best friends as well as being successful as a team on the court. Making it to the National tournament two years in a row was also one of the best experiences I have had while being a Mountie and look forward to a couple more trips to Nationals as well ?
CCC- Who are some influential people in your life at EOU?
MA- It is hard to limit all the people that have influenced my life while at Eastern. I really commend the entire athletic faculty for the time and effort they put in to making our lives as student-athletes positive and successful. They really make us feel important and cared for and I am beyond thankful for that. Stephanie Upshaw has been a great example of hard work and positivity and the efforts she puts into our SAAC group is amazing. She really wants to make Eastern a better environment for athletes and her dedication makes me care even more for the welfare of our student-athletes. I have also been lucky to be coached by some of the best coaches. Coach W. has made me an even better athlete than I could imagine, I don’t know where I would be without her. There is nothing I could do to thank her for all of the opportunities she has provided me. Megan Yanda has been a huge part of my many knee recoveries and has put in countless hours creating specialized workouts and rehabilitation programs to make sure I get and stay healthy. The amount she cares for every athlete is amazing and I am so grateful for her hard work. I also had the pleasure of being coached by, and finding a friend in, Mike Weissenfluh. His contagious smile and selflessness has been a big part of my experiences at EOU, and words can’t explain how much I’ll miss him. Rest in Paradise Coach Mike!
CCC- When not competing or studying what do you do for fun?
MA- I really love the outdoors and mountain biking with my husband on the trails nearby. I also LOVE taking naps and watching Netflix. There is not a lot of time to be lazy as an athlete so when the opportunity arises I take full advantage!
CCC- What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the CCC-SAAC?
MA- I really just want to educate student-athletes on the voice they have toward certain changes and problems that may arise during their collegiate careers. Sometimes as young adults we feel as if we do not have control over much. Thankfully this is not the case in the Cascade Conference and I do not think enough students are aware of this. If more students understood the impact they can have on athletic changes and policies, I think we would be able to create an even better environment for our athletes and bring to pass more possibilities and ideas than we could ever imagine.
CCC- What do you see yourself doing after graduation?
MA- After graduation I find myself being a counselor and hopefully working with at risk youth. I would also really like to start a family and be a mom. I think that’s one of my biggest goals in life, and once I am settled into a good career and am stable financially I plan on making that happen!