Student Spotlight: Elaina Mack - A slam dunk in sports and studies
by Jessica Degnan |
Meet Elaina Mack, a dedicated Kinesiology major and student-athlete at UAA’s College of Health. Originally from King Cove, Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ, Elaina came to UAA to play for the women’s basketball team and found her academic home in the School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences. Passionate about leadership and exercise science, she dreams of becoming an athletic trainer for a collegiate or professional team. Through her time at UAA, Elaina has embraced opportunities for growth—both on and off the court—developing leadership skills, gaining hands-on experience, and inspiring others along the way.
Name: Elaina Mack
Major: Kinesiology + Applied Leadership in Technologies
Anticipated graduation date: May 2026
Unit: School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences
Hometown: King Cove, Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ
What brought you to the UAA College of Health?:
I decided to come to UAA to play on the women's basketball team. In choosing my educational path, the College of Health program stood out to me because my values aligned with their mission and vision.
Why did you choose the degree you are pursuing? What would your dream job be?:
I chose the Kinesiology degree because it offers many leadership development courses with focus on physical activity and exercise science. My dream job is to be an Athletic Trainer for a high level collegiate or professional team.
What are you involved in on campus (IE: Clubs, student organizations, etc.)? How have they contributed to your personal and professional growth?:
I am a player on the UAA women's basketball team. Being a part of this program has taught me many important aspects both on and off of the court. Throughout my time here, I've learned how to be a better leader, teammate, and competitor. My coaches and teammates have taught me how rewarding it can be to sacrifice individual feelings and success for the greater good of the team. I have come so far from the person I was when I first joined!
Have you been involved with internships, practicum placements, research, study abroad, or any other experience you’d like to tell us about? Please tell us how these experiences have shaped you personally, academically, and professionally.:
I had the opportunity of traveling to New Halen, Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ to lead in a program called SNAP week. I lead the topic of basketball with my classmates Lavar Marshall and Tim Hunter. We taught basic level basketball skills, and the importance of teamwork to students aged K-12th grade from the Lake and Peninsula School District. This experience helped teach me how to better lead with confidence, public speaking, and to obtain a level of patience when our lesson plan wasn't running as smoothly as we had originally planned.
What words of wisdom do you have for underclassmen or youth who are still considering their options after high school?:
My advice to underclassmen or youth considering options after high school would be to choose something that you would enjoy spending your time doing. There will be uncomfortable times where you will be challenged, but that's the perfect opportunity for growth.
What did you want to do when you were 10? Why?:
When I was 10 years old, I wanted to grow up to be a professional basketball player. This was around the time when I started to fall in love with the game, I spent every recess time at school playing, went to open gym every night to play, and would play on my outdoor hoop everyday when the Aleutian weather would allow me to.
What was your favorite class while here at UAA, and why?:
My favorite class here at UAA was Leadership in Activities for Special Populations. I enjoyed this class because I got to learn about different disabilities that affect people on a daily basis, and how to modify activities to help create a fun and safe environment for them. We got to lead and play a lot of fun sports that I otherwise probably would have never tried. One that I really enjoyed was Sled Hockey!
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?:
My favorite spot on campus is the UAA Consortium Library because it has Kaladi Brothers, and quiet places to study.
What is your favorite quote? Why?:
My favorite quote is from a book called "Pound the Stone" by Joshua Medcalf and reads, "There's no such thing as microwavable success". I like this quote because it's a reminder that you can't put in half-hearted effort and expect exemplary results.
What is your secret to college success?:
My secret to college success is to believe in yourself and make time during the day for yourself to complete assignments.
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