Throughout the 2020-2021 year, the Aurora University athletic department will highlight the senior student-athletes. The seniors will provide some insight to their time at AU while getting to know them as individuals they have grown into in their time as a Spartan.
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Senior Spotlight: Anna Zak (Women's Hockey)
Major:Â Human Animal Studies and Environmental Sustainability
What are your plans after graduation? I plan on moving back home to Colorado and letting future Anna figure it out from there. Hoping to get a job working at a national park or for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department. Also applied to the Peace Corps so that is a possibility.
What is your most memorable/best academic experience at AU? Making Dean's List five semesters in a row.
What is your most memorable athletic moment at AU? All of the now seniors playing in our first collegiate game together which was also the inaugural game of the program.
Other than the sport(s) you play; what other sports activity are you good at? Anything but soccer. I just can't run with something in my feet.
Outside of sports, what is your favorite hobby or activity? I like games. I don't mean like let's casually play a game, I'm talking like let's understand the rules, let's all explain the rules, and let's all abide by the rules. And if we don't, I will have a problem with that. Let's play a game. That's what I'm into. I'm not fun to be around. I also like reading and being with friends and family.
What is your favorite meal in the cafeteria? Captain Crunch or the Oreo toppings for the ice cream which I would put in a bowl with milk and make Oreo soup.
What AU faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you and why? Dr. Jane Davis has had the greatest impact on me because she is so knowledgeable in her field and I have learned so much being her student. She truly cares about what she is teaching and about her students. She is a great mentor and teacher and I am grateful for her.
What do you enjoy most and least about practice? The thing I enjoy most about practice is when we play small area games and just being with my team. The thing I enjoy the least is a tie between shuffles and the 60 second drill.
Do you have any pregame rituals? I put on all my gear in order left to right. Me and some teammates always kick around the soccer ball after off ice warmup. I have to stand in the same spot on the ice for the lineup and anthem. And me and another teammate tie the strings on each other's jerseys before games.
What advice would you give to underclassmen at AU? Everyone was telling the truth; it DOES go by fast! Have fun, enjoy the time with your friends, and go to class.
If you had to listen to one song on repeat forever, what would it be and why? This is impossible but Cotton Eyed Joe.
What is something that people may not know about you but should? I have a pet snake named Toast and my family has a pet turtle that is over 100 years old.
If you could spend an hour each with three people (past or present), who would you choose and why? I would use all 3 hours on one person: Tyler Joseph. That man is a genius and his music is one of the most important things in my life. We'd chill and get Taco Bell and I'd pick his brain.
