The NCAA Convention from the eyes of a SCAC Student-Athlete - Day One

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference is being represented by 18 student-athletes at the 2012 NCAA Convention this week. Made possible through the NCAA Division III Strategic Initiative Grant, the 18 student-athletes will participate in activities ranging from education sessions to business sessions to the NCAA Honors Celebration.

The student-athletes arrived in Indianapolis on Tuesday evening and enjoyed a meal together at TGI Fridays.

Junior volleyball player Raven Scott of Millsaps College (pictured left) will write a daily blog, recapping some of the activities that she and her fellow student-athletes are experiencing. Below is her entry for Tuesday: 

It's a funny feeling going to the NCAA Convention as a student. It is an honor and a privilege definitely. What is even more special is knowing you represent so many others who are pushing to the limit in their own respective sports everyday. Not only is that feeling powerful and special, it is quite humbling. As I walked through the Indianapolis airport, I couldn't help but look at each person and wonder if they are part of the Convention and how their journey has brought them to this place. The blue circle logo is everywhere. It is showcased on our transportation shuttle, taking over the windows of the hotel, and of course the convention center. To all those involved, that logo is more than a pleasant blue circle, it is a large chunk of our daily lives.

The hotel is buzzing with coaches, athletic directors, athletes, and many others affiliated with collegiate athletics. The student-athlete delegates from the SCAC all gather for a casual dinner. All from the SCAC, but also all from different sports and schools yet sharing one very important bond...our sports experiences. As we talk about the Convention and the fact that we wished we stayed in hotels this nice when we have away games, we all bonded over common experiences: crazy coaches, injury stories, locker rooms, road trips, ends of seasons, off season training, and what happens after senior year.

All these factors create an instant bond regardless of the sport, but the strongest bond we all shared was FOOD! With the SCAC picking up dinner tab, none of us knew what to do without the usual dinner limit. "What do you mean no $8 limit? Now I have no idea what to eat. You mean I can get an actual Coke and NOT WATER? Is my coach watching in the back to see what I'll choose?" We laughed, ordered appetizers, laughed some more, ordered dinner, and laughed even more as we were too stuffed to eat dessert.
 
"This is what happens when you don't have limits..."

As we prepare anxiously for our next few days of meetings, trade shows, keynote speakers, and luncheons, we can all feel the excitement. Days of networking and nights of sharing experiences from our common bond. Food, sports, and good company, what more could you ask for?

Check back each day for more updates from Raven. You can also follow along for updates on twitter - @SCAC_Sports.