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.
Lexi Sanchez is one of the student-athletes representing The Evergreen State College on the SAAC committee this year. The junior dual athlete, who competes in volleyball and track and field, has learned to manage her busy schedule during her time at TESC.
“Some demands of a student-athlete are definitely keeping an organized schedule to accommodate time for practice, games, classes, homework, grades and still maintain a healthy social life with friends,” said Sanchez. “Athletes are leaders and can help take on responsibilities from their schools and out into their communities.”
The Pickney, Mich., native is majoring in elementary education, hoping to pursue a master’s degree and start teaching after she graduates from TESC.
“Some of my favorite academic experiences have been the field trips that I have been on within my classes,” said Sanchez. “I have been to Portland to see art museums, and performed plays created by myself and other classmates to elementary through high school students.”
Traveling has also been a perk to being a student-athlete with the Geoducks.
“When it comes to athletics, I love all of the traveling that comes along with it,” said Sanchez. “Going on adventures with my teammates, playing a game I love, and enjoying the new experiences that come with being a student-athlete.”
Sanchez’s fall season may not look like it normally does due to the coronavirus, but she has been trying to find the bright side in the chaos.
“COVID has played a role in impacting my daily routine, as it has many others,” said Sanchez. “Taking classes online has been a challenge that I am learning to navigate through, and even simply seeing my friends from a screen rather than in person. I miss being on the court with my teammates and playing together. I have learned to spend more time with my family and enjoy the little moments in life, a lot more than I did before COVID.”
Over her time at TESC, Sanchez has met lots of people, but her SAAC advisor has been a big influence on her.
“One very influential person from my school was one of our SAAC advisors,” said Sanchez. “He helped us accomplish tasks throughout meetings that were in favor of the future and how we wanted other people to view the athletes at our school. He helped me personally grow as a leader.”
When not studying or competing, Sanchez enjoys exploring her new backyard.
“Being in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, there is an endless adventure waiting outdoors,” said Sanchez. “I have found a new love for hiking and adventuring, rock climbing, doing yoga and just being around all of my friends.”
As a SAAC rep, Sanchez hopes to be a good role model and leader.
“I hope to accomplish, showing how even though we are athletes competing against each other, in the end we are a unit that wants to help our communities and continue competing in games,” said Sanchez. “To be a role model for younger athletes that may one day walk in our shoes on the CCC SAAC committee.”