Marie-Eloise Leclair: Simon Fraser University, Track & Field

In this episode, we are joined by Marie-Eloise Leclair, a member of the Women’s track team at Simon Fraser University. Marie recaps her time competing in the women’s 4x100 meter relay at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as well as shares her advice for those wanting to compete at a higher level. 

Emy Ntekpere: Central Washington, Track & Field

In this episode, we are joined by freshman track & field standout Emy Ntekpere who claimed an All-American honor in her first year at Central Washington. Emy recounts her experience competing at the NCAA DII Indoor Track & Field Championships, expressing her surprise at the warmth and camaraderie among her competitors. Despite her relative inexperience in the high jump and triple jump, Emy showcases immense potential across all jumping events and her enthusiasm is palpable as she looks ahead to the outdoor season. Don't miss out on Emy's infectious joy and promising trajectory in the world of track and field.

Dustyn McKenney: Western Oregon Men's Cross Country / Track, National SAAC Representative


In this episode, we are joined by Dustyn McKenney, a member of the men's cross country and track team from Western Oregon University and the newly appointed National SAAC Representative for the GNAC. Dustyn shares insights into how his involvement in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has enriched his collegiate experience. We delve into what aspects of SAAC he finds most fulfilling and how it has positively impacted both his athletic and academic journey. Additionally, Dustyn offers a glimpse into his new role on the national stage and shares his excitement for the opportunity to represent the student-athlete voice as he joins the National SAAC. 

Zharon Richmond: Montana State Billings, Men's Basketball


In this episode, we are joined by Zharon Richmond, the seventh-year senior from Montana State Billings Men's Basketball team. Zharon shares his unconventional collegiate odyssey, marked by challenges with injuries and mental health. Despite the hurdles, Zharon's resilience shines through as his team rises to the top of the conference and he remains a strong contributor to their success.

Emma Mulligan: Northwest Nazarene, Softball, Senior


In this episode, we are joined by Emma Mulligan from Northwest Nazarene. As a key player for the three-time reigning GNAC softball champion Nighthawks, Emma discusses the excitement surrounding their top 25 preseason national ranking. Emma reflects on her previous season interrupted by injury and how this setback has offered her a unique perspective from the sidelines and has grown a new appreciation for her sport.

Emma Kramer: Simon Fraser Women's Basketball


In this episode, we are joined by Emma Kramer, former Simon Fraser Women's Basketball player. Having just completed her term as DII National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Chair, Emma reflects on how her experience as a representative has molded her into the leader she is today. In a candid discussion, we delve into Emma's journey as a student-athlete, where she bravely opens up about her mental health challenges and encourages others to seek help without shame.

Vanessa Aniteye: Seattle Pacific Women's Track and Field, Woman of the Year Top 30 Nominee

In this episode, we are joined by Vanessa Aniteye, a standout student-athlete from the Seattle Pacific women’s cross country and track and field team who graduated in the spring of 2023. Aniteye's achievements extend beyond the track, earning her a well-deserved spot among the 2023 NCAA Woman of the Year Top 30 Nominees. The 2023 national champion in the indoor 800 meters, Aniteye’s prowess on the track is matched only by her dedication off it as a stellar student, an active community volunteer, and a loving mother.

Dyauni Boyce: Montana State Billings Women's Basketball, Junior


In this episode, we are joined by Dyauni Boyce from the small town of Winifred, Montana, who had an opportunity earlier this season to return home and play in her high school gym. Dyauni shares with us what it was like growing up in a small town and expresses her gratitude for where basketball has taken her. Join us and hear how Dyauni, along with 9 of 11 teammates, is successfully representing their home state of Montana this season as they excel on the court.

Jaden Nielsen-Skinner: Saint Martin's, Men's Basketball, Junior


In this episode, we are joined by Jaden Nielsen-Skinner, the captain of Saint Martin's men's basketball team, who has played a pivotal role in guiding his team to its highest national ranking in the history of Saint Martin's men's basketball. Jaden shares with us the history of "The Salem Trio," comprised of Jaden and Saint's guards, Tyke Thompson and Kyle Greeley, who grew up playing basketball together in Salem, Oregon. As Jaden reflects on his journey and achievements at SMU, it becomes evident that camaraderie, teamwork, and honing a "Championship Mentality" have been integral to both his individual and team success on the court.

Sophie Beadle: Seattle Pacific University, Women's Soccer, Senior


In this episode, we are joined by Sophie Beadle, the 2023 Women's Soccer Player of the Year from Seattle Pacific University, who helped lead her team to victory in the regular season conference. Sophie humbly discusses what distinguishes her team from others and what has allowed them to find both team and individual success. In preparation for the GNAC Women's Soccer Championships in Ellensburg, WA at Tomlinson Stadium, starting November 9, Sophie shares how her team is gearing up to face their competition.

Kendall Kramer: University of Alaska Fairbanks Women's Cross Country, Junior
Rosie Fordham: University of Alaska Fairbanks Women's Cross Country, Junior

In this episode, we sit down with Kendall Kramer and Rosie Fordham, the dynamic duo from the University of Alaska Fairbanks women's cross-country team. Fresh off their remarkable first and second-place finishes at the GNAC Cross Country Championships, they share with us their reflections after competing in Alaska. Kendall discusses the transformation of their once underrated team, while Rosie provides a unique perspective as an international student-athlete from Australia. Both standout runners express their excitement for competing at the 2023 NCAA West Region Championships on Nov. 4, where Kramer was the regional runner-up a season ago.

Ryan McCarthy: UAA Women's Basketball Head Coach
Vishe' Rabb: UAA Women's Basketball, Guard, Senior
Kate Robertson: UAA Women's Basketball, Forward, Senior

We are joined by Ryan McCarthy, the Head Coach of the University of Alaska Anchorage Women's Basketball team, as well as this season's captains, Vishe' Rabb and Kate Robertson. They shared their insights on their recent team trip to Taiwan, emphasizing that their journey was focused on fostering team unity and cultivating the essential team chemistry needed for the upcoming season. This episode gives us a deeper understanding of their collective identity and the values they embody as both a program and as individuals.

Liberty Palmer: Montana State University Billings, Women's Soccer, Sophomore


Join us in this episode as we sit down with Liberty Palmer from Montana State University Billings women's soccer. Liberty's resilience shines through as she shares her journey of overcoming her second ACL tear and achieving a career-defining brace. In a candid conversation, we delve into the mental challenges she faced during her recovery and the reasons she kept going. We also explore the energy among her team as they chase their chance to make it into the conference tournament for the first time since 2015. 

Cole Nash: Cole Nash, University of Alaska Anchorage Men's Cross Country, Junior

In anticipation of the 2023 GNAC Cross-Country Championship in Anchorage, Alaska, we had the privilege of sitting down with Cole Nash, a standout athlete on the men's cross country team. In this exclusive interview, Cole offers us a glimpse into the demanding physical and mental challenges that come with being an elite runner. He also expresses his team's enthusiasm for the honor of hosting a GNAC championship and the special opportunity to compete before their hometown community, Anchorage, which boasts a vibrant running culture.

Enrique Gomez: Western Oregon Men's Soccer, Defender, senior

In this episode, we sit down with  Enrique Gomez, a senior defender from Western Oregon Men's Soccer team. We get insights into how a team that is only in its second year of existence has found its way to the top of the conference. We explore the beauty found in the struggles of pursuing college athletics, and Enrique shares his dreams of becoming a mental health professional to help Spanish-speaking individuals. 

Hannah Hair: Seattle Pacific Volleyball, Middle, Senior

We are joined by Seattle Pacific University volleyball standout, Hannah Hair. Hannah shares with us the infectious excitement and energy of her team, which is in the midst of an 11-game winning streak and enters the week in first place in the GNAC standings. She attributes much of their achievements to the exceptional coaching staff and team culture on and off the court. While her team has been moving up the ranks, Hannah has found individual success and recognition at the national level. However, it's Hannah's humility that really shines through in this episode.

Katie Watt: Western Washington Women's Soccer Defender Senior

We are joined by Katie Watt, starting center back for the defending DII National Champions Western Washington women's soccer team. Katie shares with us her first-hand experience of what it took to win a national title and how that is shaping who they are as a team this season. We get the inside scoop on the culture of a historically successful program and insights into how Katie's teammates support one another on and off the pitch. In this episode, we really get to know Katie as a student, an athlete, and as a person.

Makayla Roggow: Northwest Nazarene Women's Soccer Defender Senior

On this episode of GNAC Insider, we are joined by Makayla Roggow who shares invaluable advice on embracing open-mindedness and adapting to change. She reveals how she transitioned from being an attacking player to becoming a formidable center back, a position she's excelled in throughout her college career, having played in every game. As her team sets its sights on the GNAC tournament, Makayla reflects on her personal growth from freshman to senior year, even sharing stories of how her older sisters have inspired her collegiate soccer career.

Devin O'Hea: Simon Fraser Men's Soccer Forward, Senior

On this episode of GNAC Insider, we explore Devin's untraditional route to becoming one of Simon Fraser's top players. Additionally, he shares highlights from his team trip to Norway where they had a chance to connect on and off the field. He gives us insights into the Red Leafs' goals for this year's season and how pre-season is helping them get there one day at a time.  

Tia Andaya Central Washington University Women’s Volleyball Setter/Outside, Senior
Mario Andaya Head Coach Central Washington University Women’s Volleyball 

On this episode of GNAC Insider Mario and Tia, a father-daughter duo, share insights into their pre-season expectations and goals for the 2023 volleyball season. We get to explore the relationship between Tia and Mario and how they have navigated family ties on and off the court.