Knight's campus involvement adds to Bryant experience

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University volleyball student-athlete Jenna Knight (Scottsdale, Ariz.) approaches her college experience with a philosophy that suits her well.

Stay busy, stay productive.

It has been a strategy for success in Knight's time in Black & Gold, as she balanced multiple roles in her sophomore year as a Bryant student-athlete: a college student on the NEC Academic Honor Roll, a Division I volleyball player, and cross-campus involvement as a Court Justice for the University Student Government.

"I wanted to be involved in an organization that was outside of athletics," Knight said. "I like the aspect that student government is involved in almost everything. They have their hand in so much around campus that I wanted to be able to help bridge the gap between athletics and student government."

Knight's role as the Court Justice involved ensuring that Student Government rules and bylaws are followed. She served as one of a three-member panel that would rule on matters.

Before signing on to run for the position, Knight met with head coach Theresa Garlacy to get a stamp of approval to take on the additional responsibility.

Garlacy was in favor, recognizing both the opportunity for Knight to add to her college experience and the benefit it would bring the program.

"Jenna is a natural leader and her involvement in Student Government bridges the gap between traditional students and student-athletes at Bryant," said Garlacy. "The unique perspective and experience of a student-athlete at Bryant is often not understood or embraced by all. With Jenna's personality, she will win more fans and more support from all of campus. It has also been an opportunity for Jenna to expand her leadership experience and guide her in her role as a setter for our program."

Knight encourages student-athletes at Bryant and other colleges who are considering involvement in campus organizations to "go for it."

"There aren't a lot of athletes involved in campus organizations," Knight said. "It's a great way to meet other people on campus who aren't athletes and to learn more about your school. Athletics is so involved and time-consuming that many people focus on just their sport and their schoolwork, but Student Government has made a positive impact on my experience at Bryant."

Knight has added to her already-impressive resume at Bryant with a selection to the Bryant SAAC Executive Board for the 2020-21 year. When the Bulldogs return to the Chace this fall, she will aim to add another accolade as Bryant works toward its goal of a second NEC title in three years.

Jenna Knight welcomes the full calendar this fall. It's how she operates best.

In the classroom, on the court, and in the campus community, she will look to keep busy and keep succeeding.

Bryant opens the 2020 season Friday, Aug. 28, with the first of three matches in a weekend invitational at Army West Point. The Bulldogs will host New Hampshire in the 2020 home opener at the Chace Athletic Center Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m.

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