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.
Mary Grace Blaser is one of Bushnell University’s two reps, along with
Morgan McKinney. The senior volleyball player is gearing up for her final season at Bushnell, despite the season getting pushed to the spring because of the pandemic.
“Most importantly, my family is safe and healthy,” said Blaser on dealing with COVID-19. “My volleyball season got moved to the spring so we can only have open gyms, and our weight room isn't open yet so I've had to be creative with workouts. Luckily, we are able to have classes in person, but we have to wear masks and stay 6 feet apart. On-campus housing is also open, but there are limited capacities based on the size of each living space. As an RA, there are more rules that we have to enforce because of COVID-19, but I am just happy to be back at school.”
The Mesa, Ariz., native chose Bushnell because her dad’s side of the family is from North Bend, Ore., and Blaser and her family would visit every summer, giving her great memories of the state.
“I have always wanted to live in Oregon, and I also wanted to play volleyball, so I checked out a bunch of small schools in Oregon,” said Blaser. “I knew once I visited Bushnell that it was the school for me because of how small it was, how welcoming and friendly the community was, and how close it was to my family.”
Blaser is studying business administration with a focus in sports management and a minor in communications. She is a big Phoenix Suns fan and would love to stay in the sports world after graduating.
“I hope to work for the Phoenix Suns or any NBA team and be the coordinator for their youth basketball program and their events,” said Blaser. “I would also love to coach young kids in basketball or softball.”
Not only is Blaser a captain on the Beacon volleyball team, which has its own demands, she also is a resident assistant (RA), SAAC rep, and a small group leader.
“The biggest demand is trying to balance being a student-athlete and everything else that I am involved with including being a resident assistant, leading a Catholic small group, a SAAC rep, a captain, and being a friend/sister/daughter,” said Blaser.
Blaser has a lot going on but balances it well. She helped the Beacons qualify for the Cascade Collegiate Conference Tournament, presented by U.S. Bank, last year and has even been a speaker at Bushnell chapel.
“My favorite volleyball experiences was when we made it to the conference tournament for the first time in school history last season,” said Blaser. “My favorite academic experience was when I spoke about Catholicism and our traditions and practices at our university chapel.”
Bushnell has also provided Blaser with some influential people in her life.
“Jennifer Little, who is the Assistant Director of Residence Life, Coordinator of Campus ministries, and my boss, has had a huge impact on me and has taught me so much on how to lead by example, live my faith out, and love people well,” said Blaser. “Pastor Troy Dean, who is our campus pastor, has supported me in my Catholic faith and given me opportunities to speak on campus about it.”
When not playing volleyball or studying, Blaser plays “lots of spikeball” and loves to watch movies, get coffee with her friends and cheer on her Suns.
Blazer is a veteran SAAC rep, last year representing Bushnell when it was Northwest Christian University.
“I want to help people understand our new name change and help bridge the gap between athletes and non-athletes,” said Blaser.