Beyond the Bio: Arayael “ARay” Brandner
6/22/2020 9:57:00 AM | My GW: Celebrating our Stories
Welcome back to Beyond the Bio, where we'll get to know more about the people behind the scenes at GW Athletics.
In this edition, we learn about Arayael Brandner, who is entering her fifth year with the Buff & Blue family. Arayael was the Educational Support Services graduate assistant for two years, graduated and then returned as a full-time advisor in August 2018. She serves as the academic advisor for seven of GW's teams – Women's Basketball, Men's Soccer, Softball, Men's and Women's Squash and Men's and Women's Water Polo.
When I'm not working, my favorite thing to do is?
Take group fitness classes around the city – Rumble and 305 are my go-to sweat sessions! I also LOVE to cook and enjoy my meals on my rooftop.
If I was an animal, I would be?
A lion – my name, Arayael, means Lion of God, so the animal is very special to me.
If I could only eat one meal for every meal for the rest of my life, it would be?
TACOS – easy! Queso, salsa, rice and beans and LOTS OF TACOS!
My favorite place I've ever been is?
This is tough because I love to travel, my go to answer is always BRAZIL. I've traveled there many times and even lived there the summer after I graduated from GW with my masters. It feels like a second home to me. BUT, most recently I traveled to ISRAEL, and that was a once in a lifetime trip!
If I could have coffee with anybody in the world, living or historical, he/she would be?
Either Etta James or Patsy Cline.
The one job in GW Athletics I'd like to do for a day is?
Strength and Conditioning Coach
The person I'm most inspired by is?
My family – Mom, Dad, and younger brother, Gabriel. They have their own way of making a positive impact on others and have inspired me to do the same. They taught me that faith, love and grit are the keys to lighting the paths you take.
My favorite book, movie, TV show or podcast is?
Book: The Book of Longings – Sue Monk Kidd
Movie: Pretty much anything with Julia Roberts
TV Show: Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Peaky Blinders
My top #OnlyAtGW moment was?
Just being able to put on my running shoes, leave the office, and run down to the National Mall is my top #OnlyAtGW moment. I am grateful for that opportunity every time I run that reflection pool loop and end at the top of the Lincoln Memorial steps.
If I could be granted the gift of elite athleticism, I'd like to be able to?
Run the 4x100 relay in the Olympics.
In this edition, we learn about Arayael Brandner, who is entering her fifth year with the Buff & Blue family. Arayael was the Educational Support Services graduate assistant for two years, graduated and then returned as a full-time advisor in August 2018. She serves as the academic advisor for seven of GW's teams – Women's Basketball, Men's Soccer, Softball, Men's and Women's Squash and Men's and Women's Water Polo.
When I'm not working, my favorite thing to do is?
Take group fitness classes around the city – Rumble and 305 are my go-to sweat sessions! I also LOVE to cook and enjoy my meals on my rooftop.
If I was an animal, I would be?
A lion – my name, Arayael, means Lion of God, so the animal is very special to me.
If I could only eat one meal for every meal for the rest of my life, it would be?
TACOS – easy! Queso, salsa, rice and beans and LOTS OF TACOS!
My favorite place I've ever been is?
This is tough because I love to travel, my go to answer is always BRAZIL. I've traveled there many times and even lived there the summer after I graduated from GW with my masters. It feels like a second home to me. BUT, most recently I traveled to ISRAEL, and that was a once in a lifetime trip!
If I could have coffee with anybody in the world, living or historical, he/she would be?
Either Etta James or Patsy Cline.
The one job in GW Athletics I'd like to do for a day is?
Strength and Conditioning Coach
The person I'm most inspired by is?
My family – Mom, Dad, and younger brother, Gabriel. They have their own way of making a positive impact on others and have inspired me to do the same. They taught me that faith, love and grit are the keys to lighting the paths you take.
My favorite book, movie, TV show or podcast is?
Book: The Book of Longings – Sue Monk Kidd
Movie: Pretty much anything with Julia Roberts
TV Show: Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Peaky Blinders
My top #OnlyAtGW moment was?
Just being able to put on my running shoes, leave the office, and run down to the National Mall is my top #OnlyAtGW moment. I am grateful for that opportunity every time I run that reflection pool loop and end at the top of the Lincoln Memorial steps.
If I could be granted the gift of elite athleticism, I'd like to be able to?
Run the 4x100 relay in the Olympics.
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