CORVALLIS, Ore. – Heading into the 2020-21 year, 24 student-athletes were named to the Cascade Collegiate Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), representing their schools.
Tasha Hungate is one of The Evergreen State College’s two representatives, along with volleyball teammate
Lexi Sanchez. The junior middle blocker chose TESC after falling in love with the campus and Geoduck team.
“I chose Evergreen after visiting the beautiful campus and spending time with the volleyball team,” said Hungate. “The more I learned about the school, the more I realized it was a perfect fit for me.”
It has also opened up a lot of doors for Hungate.
“Academically, I have been allowed to work for so many amazing opportunities like being on the Presidential Search Advisory Committee and creating my own programs to study my interests and passions at the school,” said Hungate. “Athletically, I can’t choose a single moment because there have been so many amazing memories that have been made at the school.”
TESC has also allowed Hungate to meet some influential people.
“Even though he is now working a different section of the college besides athletics, Andrew Beattie has been an amazing SAAC supervisor in the past,” said Hungate. “He has driven me to keep my peers at the top of my priority list while also being a hardworking and considerate person.
“Another person would be my Coach Alexis Garrison, who always pushes me to be better on and off the court,” added Hungate. “Lastly, one of my favorite professors Bradly Proctor who really helped me with my academics and taught me more about research methods than Google ever could have.”
The Pullman, Wash., native has learned the importance of time management over the years of being a student-athlete at TESC.
“You have to be on top of completing your class work and extra athletic work, like game film, all while maintaining some time for self-care as well,” said Hungate.
Hungate is majoring in United States history and activism, with hopes of going to law school after graduation.
“I am currently working towards going to law school to focus on environmental and climate justice, as that will be extremely important in the upcoming years,” said Hungate. “All I want to do is strive towards being the best ally I can be and help the earth and everything included on it.”
When not out on the volleyball court, Hungate enjoys hiking, reading and cooking, which she says has been her savior of boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Especially during the time of COVID-19 cooking has been my boredom savior,” said Hungate. “While diminishing the number of people I see on a daily bases, it has opened up a lot of my time to make more home-cooked meals and has allowed me to spend more time with my pet bunny. I have lost access to a full workout facility so instead, I do home workouts but am anxiously waiting until I can use a rack again.”
While this year might look different than most, Hungate is excited to continue being a part of SAAC.
“I hope to bridge the different communities at the school by creating bonds through activities, meeting new people, and supporting the amazing diverse things that students and student-athletes create at the school,” said Hungate.