Montana's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has adopted 'More Than An Athlete' as its slogan, hoping to showcase that each of them have interests, passions and pursuits beyond their field of play. Each week throughout the summer, Griz student-athletes will share personal, first-hand letters about who they are and what the slogan means to them.
To read more about the initiative, click here. For an archive of previous first-hand stories, click here. Carly Anderson hiking Mount Proctor in British ColumbiaCarly Anderson, Volleyball
Carly Anderson is an All-Big Sky Conference volleyball player, starting at setter each of the past three seasons and currently ranked fifth in school history for assists per set. Off the court, she is a three-time Academic All-Big Sky Conference selection, where she is working toward a degree in integrative physiology. Carly, though, is More Than An Athlete, as described below, in her own words:
As much as I love my sport, I also love my free time away from athletics. I think it is so important for me to take time for myself to make sure that my self-identity does not rely solely on athletics.
Carly photographing Missoula's beauty
Skiing in Fernie, British Columbia
I really enjoy hiking and have been learning other outdoor activities like skiing, golfing and skating. I have recently been learning more about photography and signed up for an introductory course at UM. Over the past two summers, I have worked at the campus recreation kids camps. That has been an amazing experience and such a fun work environment!
I also worked at the campus golf course this past summer, where I met many other working student-athletes. I think it is so important to volunteer and spend free time helping in the community. I have organized team volunteering events with Run Wild Missoula and Chief Charlo Elementary School. I also volunteer intermittently as a crisis counselor for the national Crisis Text Line.
Having these interests outside of my sport has brought so many great new people into my life!
