March 31, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Amanda Glaza enjoys wearing a few different hats at GRCC.
Her primary role is to help student-athletes maintain eligibility. She helps them register for classes that meet NJCAA eligibility requirements, answers their questions about GRCC eligibility, helps them through any course schedules issues, and connects them with other departments on campus that can support them.
Amanda also mentors student-athletes and helps them navigate their academics.
"I created a mentorship program in which student-athletes are paired up to help each other succeed both academically and athletically," she said. "The mentor program also provides students who are new, or may be struggling academically, with peer support."
Amanda can relate to student-athletes in a way not all GRCC employees can because she was a student athlete at GRCC not too long ago.
"As a former student athlete at GRCC and GVSU I had to balance a full-time academic load on top of a practice and competition schedule," she said.
Amanda cites affordability and quality for the reasons she chose to attend GRCC after high school.
"I also received a volleyball scholarship to compete at GRCC and always wanted to play collegiate volleyball," she said. "GRCC gave me the opportunity to work towards earning credits for my bachelor’s degree, while improving my volleyball skills to transfer to GVSU to play on its volleyball team after graduating from GRCC!"
Amanda was able to maintain her connection with GRCC while working towards her bachelor's degree.
"While at GVSU, I was required to complete an internship for my Sport Management Degree," she said. "I had reached out to the GRCC Athletic Department to see if there was an opportunity for me to complete an internship there."
Amanda became an important member of the GRCC Athletic Department as an intern, and was hired as an employee after she earned her bachelor's degree.
"I am also currently pursuing my Master's Degree from GVSU in Adult and Higher Education to learn how to better serve our students!" she said.
Amanda is proud to know she helps students achieve both their academic and athletic goals while at GRCC.
"I enjoy working with each student-athlete who stops into my office knowing I can help support them on their journey," she said. "Every student who comes to GRCC has a story, and I love hearing why they chose GRCC to continue their academic and athletic career. I also love to hear about their goals for what they would like to do after GRCC. If students are unsure about what they would like to do after GRCC, I enjoy having conversations to help steer them in the direction of thinking about their futures as well."