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8/14/2009 - WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Q&A with JU's Danielle Gray, A-Sun SAAC Representative
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Danielle Gray, who is enter her senior season as a center with the JU women's basketball team, made her first appearance as the Atlantic Sun Conference SAAC Representative in Denver, Colo. over the summer. She recently sat down to answer some questions about the conference and her new position...
How did you first get involved with SAAC on campus?
My former JU women's basketball teammate DaVina Hamilton told me about
the group and asked me to join her at some of the meetings on campus.
From my first meeting with Matt Dobbins and Louisa Ward leading the
committee, I knew this was a place my voice would be heard and would be
able to possibly change things off the court.
As the A-Sun's representative to the National SAAC, what are your responsibilities?
I am the voice between the National SAAC and the Atlantic Sun
Conference SAAC. Therefore, I make sure that all parties know what is
going on with each other and I also collect my conference's opinion and
stance on certain issues and legislation so that the National SAAC can
develop a full student-athlete position on issues and legislations.
How does the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee work as part of the NCAA?
We offer the NCAA insight about how different issues will effect
student-athletes and their well-being. With our voice, we are able to
influence the NCAA and offer a perspective from the people that make up
the NCAA, the student-athletes.
How does it feel to continue the tradition of a JU
student-athlete representing the A-Sun after Becky Watt (rowing) and
Matt Dobbins (baseball)?
It is definitely an honor because it's rare that three
consecutive representatives would be elected from the same school, but
it goes to show how much other A- Sun student-athletes respect
Jacksonville University and our JU SAAC. I am so honored to be
mentioned with such leaders as Becky and Matt, and that pushes me that
much more to be a great representative for both the A-Sun and JU.
What was the best advice that you received after being selected for the position?
The best advice probably came from Matt Dobbins when I told him I was
nervous about taking on such an important role. He told me to relax
because the people I would meet would be unbelievable and that was
definitely the truth. I have met the most amazing group of people in
this position and felt comfortable with them in the short time I have
known them.
Describe your experience at the recent national SAAC meeting in Denver.
It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had in my life
because I was surrounded by so many committed, smart and outgoing
student-athletes speaking about important issues that were heard by the
NCAA. These people were students that know how to be professional and
know how to have fun at the same time. The meeting also showed me that
there are no limits to how far I can go and I learned things that will
impact me forever.
