GNAC Insider

GNAC Pitcher of the Year Corbin Talley joins the podcast to discuss his journey to Northwest Nazarene, how he's adjusted to his role on the team, and how he's preparing for the upcoming GNAC Championships.

Dionne-Yahr joins the podcast to discuss his path to collegiate golf and career at Western Washington, along with how him and his team are gearing up for the GNAC Championships.

Heather Ebner joins the podcast to discuss her career at Saint Martin's, how she has grown as a leader on the team, and how The Saint's are clicking this year and looking for a GNAC Championship run. 

Jack Nehler joins the GNAC Insider to discuss his time at MSUB, how head coach Derek Waddoups has had an impact on his life and career, and how the Yellowjackets are gearing up for another potential postseason run this season.

The all-time leading scorer in GNAC Women's Basketball history, Asher Cai joins the podcast to discuss breaking the record and what the moment was like for her, her time and experience playing at CWU, and her outlook on the rest of the season and her career. 

Accomplished sprinter Emma Cannan from Simon Fraser University discusses what life was like growing up in British Columbia, including playing hockey, her passion outside of sports, her success so far, and what she's looking forward to at the upcoming 2026 GNAC Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Senior captain Hailey Rath joins the podcast to discuss her exceptional career at Western Washington, why she loves the program, and how her and her team are preparing for the upcoming season.  

Hansen join's the podcast in this weeks episode and discusses his family history with basketball, the ups and downs of his college basketball career, and how his team has been able to be a GNAC contender so far this season. 

Mack joins the podcast and shres what life was like growing up in a small Alaskan village, how she has grown and become a leader in the Seawolf program, and her outlook on the season ahead.

Jack joins the podcast to discuss his time playing soccer in Englad and for the Falcons, how he's grown and developed as a leader and a player, and his high hopes and expectations for the remainder of the season. 

Jonah and Jill join the podcast and discuss how they manage a busy competition schedule, the resources around them that have helped them succeed, and their mindset and goals heading into the GNAC Championships meet. 

Senior Goalkeeper for the Simon Fraser Red Leafs' Sarah Loewen discusses her path to collegiate soccer, the support from her teammates, and how her and her team handle the pressure to succeed. 

A member of the original Western Oregon soccer team, senior forward Abe Villalobos shares his story of his four year journey at Western Oregon, including overcoming an unexpected health scare that nearly ended his soccer career.

WWU Outside Hitter Devyn Oestreich reflects on her time at Western Washington, including her decision to attend, the players she looked up to as a young player and their success and leadership, and how she has become a leader and successful player. 

Chloe Leverington, a senior pitcher from Saint Martin's University reflects on her softball career, as well as discusses what she is looking forward to in the GNAC championship tournament along with her future goals. 

The reigning GNAC Champion, Dana Smith reviews what she is looking forward to for the 2025 GNAC golf championships. Additionally, she reflects on her previous season and what she has learned from her time at Simon Fraser. 

Sunny Huerta reflects on her collegiate career, diving into her record-breaking stats. She also discusses what it is like to be a part of Central Washington's women's basketball team and the Wildcats journey to the Sweet 16.

Joshua Caleb shares insights into his journey running for the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves and the motivation behind his impressive accomplishments, including breaking Nigerian and African U20 records in the 60m. 

Carter Walsh looks back on his freshman year accomplishments, including being named GNAC Freshman of the Year and helping lead the Nighthawks to a historic 36-15-1 season. He also discusses the mentality it takes to help a team succeed.  

Maleah Andrews reflects on her team’s journey to the NCAA Division II College World Series and earning national runner-up honors. She also elaborates on the importance of a strong team dynamic.

Senior Guard, Aspen Giese reflects on her time as a part of MSUB Women's Basketball team and discusses the mentality it takes to become a successful student- athlete.  

Senior Guard, Myles Samuels reflects on his goals going into the 2024-2025 basketball season. As well as discusses the team dynamic and his most memorable moments on and off the court. 

Halle Noel looks back on her time as part of Western Washington’s women’s soccer team. She discusses the team chemistry, while reflecting on past successes and aiming to leave a legacy of hard work and dedication.

Brody Kemble reflects on the role models that shaped his running journey and the thrilling details of his recent victories. Brody discusses the mental and physical strategies he employs to tackle the pressures of competing against top-tier programs and how he prepares for the unique challenges of the upcoming GNAC Championships.

Karli Nielson discusses her gameday preparation and the program's development over her five years at Alaska Fairbanks. Karli shares her future aspirations and the valuable lessons learned as a competitive athlete as well as what type of legacy she wants to leave behind.

Andrew Rotter, a standout men’s soccer player at Western Washington University, has achieved significant accolades including GNAC honors and was recently named GNAC Offensive Player of the Week. Andrew's journey and insights provide an inspiring perspective on collegiate athletics.

Podcast Guest:Marie-Eloise Leclair: Simon Fraser University, Track & FieldIn 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. 

Podcast Guest: Emy Ntekpere: Central Washington, Track & FieldIn 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.

Podcast Guest: Dustyn McKenney: Western Oregon Men's Cross Country / Track, National SAAC RepresentativeIn 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. 

Podcast Guest: Zharon Richmond: Montana State Billings, Men's BasketballIn 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.

Podcast Guest: Emma Mulligan: Northwest Nazarene, Softball, SeniorIn 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.

Podcast Guest: Emma Kramer: Simon Fraser Women's BasketballIn 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.

Podcast Guest: Vanessa Aniteye: Seattle Pacific Women's Track and Field, Woman of the Year Top 30 NomineeIn 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.

Podcast Guest: Dyauni Boyce: Montana State Billings Women's Basketball, JuniorIn 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.

Podcast Guest: Jaden Nielsen-Skinner: Saint Martin's, Men's Basketball, JuniorIn 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.

Podcast Guests: Sophie Beadle: Seattle Pacific University, Women's Soccer, SeniorIn 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.

Podcast Guests: Kendall Kramer: University of Alaska Fairbanks Women's Cross Country, JuniorRosie Fordham: University of Alaska Fairbanks Women's Cross Country, JuniorIn 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.

Podcast Guests: Ryan McCarthy: UAA Women's Basketball Head CoachVishe' Rabb: UAA Women's Basketball, Guard, SeniorKate Robertson: UAA Women's Basketball, Forward, SeniorWe 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.

Podcast Guests: Liberty Palmer: Montana State University Billings, Women's Soccer, SophomoreJoin 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. 

Podcast Guests: Cole Nash: Cole Nash, University of Alaska Anchorage Men's Cross Country, JuniorIn 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.

Podcast Guests: Enrique Gomez: Western Oregon Men's Soccer, Defender, seniorIn 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. 

Podcast Guests: Hannah Hair: Seattle Pacific Volleyball, Middle, SeniorWe 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.

Podcast Guests: Katie Watt: Western Washington Women's Soccer Defender SeniorWe 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.

Podcast Guests: Makayla Roggow: Northwest Nazarene Women's Soccer Defender SeniorOn 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.

Podcast Guests: Devin O'Hea: Simon Fraser Men's Soccer Forward, SeniorOn 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.  

Podcast Guests: Tia Andaya Central Washington University Women’s Volleyball Setter/Outside, SeniorMario 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. 

GNAC Insider - Episode 202 - Mar. 10, 2020Guests:• Anissa Zacharczuk - Simon Fraser softball• Riley Killip - Concordia men's golf• Tyler Cronk - Saint Martin's track and fieldThe host for season 6 is Rob Lowery. Produced by GNAC media relations assistant Kaho Akau, this 30-minute program will air live Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Pacific time during the 2019-20 academic year.

GNAC Insider - Episode 201 - Mar. 3, 2020Guests:• Greg Sparling - Alaska head men's basketball coach• Harry Cavell - Seattle Pacific men's basketball• Emma Duff - Western Washington women's basketballThe host for season 6 is Rob Lowery. Produced by GNAC media relations assistant Kaho Akau, this 30-minute program will air live Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Pacific time during the 2019-20 academic year.

GNAC Insider - Episode 200 - Feb. 25, 2020Guests:• Blake Timm - GNAC assistant commissioner for communications• Paige Johnson - Concordia women's track and field• Adalberto Diaz - Northwest Nazarene men's basketball team• Andy Derrick - Seattle Pacific head women's rowing coachThe host for season 6 is Rob Lowery. Produced by GNAC media relations assistant Kaho Akau, this 30-minute program will air live Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Pacific time during the 2019-20 academic year.

GNAC Insider - Episode 199 - Feb. 18, 2020Guests:• Rudy Carlton - Azusa Pacific Head Football Coach• Addy Townsend - Simon Fraser Track and Field• Jakob Chamberlin - Concordia Track and FieldThe host for season 6 is Rob Lowery. Produced by GNAC media relations assistant Kaho Akau, this 30-minute program will air live Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Pacific time during the 2019-20 academic year.