The SAAC Student-Athlete Spotlight is a weekly series that will highlight and promote senior Zag student-athletes on and off the playing field. This week's student-athlete is Laura Stockton from the women's basketball team.
 
Throughout her four years at Gonzaga, Laura has received All-WCC honors on the court, and in the classroom she has also made the Presidents List as a kinesiology major. We caught up with the point guard from Spokane, Wash., to gain some insight on her experience as a student-athlete at Gonzaga.
 
What were your first thoughts/feelings/emotions when competing as a Division 1 athlete for your first time?
I was super excited because it was something I had worked toward for so long!
 
What does it mean to be a Zag?
For me, it's always been about family and being a part of the community.
 
What is your favorite memory as a Zag?
Winning WCC Championship.
 
Favorite community service event at Gonzaga?
Camp Goodtimes. This is a summer camp where children affected by cancer can attend for free. I always felt extremely blessed for the opportunities I had to play and enjoy life, so I love getting to be a part of that for the next generation, especially these kids who have gone through so much and have had to grow up faster than they should.
 
Why is community service important to your role as a student-athlete at Gonzaga?
I think it is especially important to me being from Spokane. I have a special place in my heart for Spokane and I feel so strongly connected to this community that I want to leave it better than I found it.
 
What attracted you to Gonzaga?
I wanted to be a part of something that was bigger than myself, and the community here was everything I was looking for.
 
What advice do you have for prospective Gonzaga student-athletes?
It really does go by fast so enjoy every moment! Whatever you are doing, make sure you're being the best at it as you can possibly be.
 
What do you like most about being a student-athlete at Gonzaga?
The athlete community is so close, and each team supports each other like no other school does.
 
What are you hoping to do with your degree post-graduation?
I want to become a coach or strength and conditioning specialist.
 
If you could go on a vacation, where would you go and why?
Ireland or Croatia. I'm 50 percent Croatian and have some Irish on my dad's side, so I would love to visit and learn more about my heritage.
 
What do you enjoy most about playing this sport?
Basketball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It has given me the most incredible opportunities and continues to take me to new places and experiences.

What would you say is the hardest part of your sport?
Time commitment!!!
 
What is the biggest challenge as a student-athlete?
Managing my time between my sport, school, sleep and friends.
 
Who is your role model and why?
I don't think I could narrow it down to one because I feel like there are so many people who have touched my life and really impacted me. But mostly my family starting obviously with my parents, and then each of my 5 siblings, including my little brother.
 
A favorite quote you live by:
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." -Winston Churchill