Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

What is SAAC? 

As defined by the NCAA, The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, also known as SAAC, was designed to:

• Provide insight on the student-athlete experience;
• Offer input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes' lives on NCAA member institution campuses and;
• Assist in the review of NCAA proposed legislation

In short, SAAC represents the voice of the student-athlete in the NCAA governance structure.

Mission and Goals

The Columbus State University Athletic Department takes great pride in the accomplishments and contributions of its Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.  SAAC on the campus of Columbus State commits to…

• Promote communication between student-athletes and CSU athletic administrators;
• Provide feedback and insight into department issues, team concerns, etc.;
• Provide a student-athlete voice within the CSU athletic department and the formulation of policies;
• Foster a sense of community among all CSU athletic teams;
• Solicit student-athlete responses to proposed Peach Belt Conference and NCAA legislation;
• Organize and implement community outreach events;
• Create a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide committees (e.g. Student Government Association, etc.) and;
• Promote a positive student-athlete image on the CSU campus.

Furthermore, SAAC has set goals that will serve as the core and main focus of any service project planning or implementation:   

• To increase support and camaraderie among individual sports;
• To increase involvement and support for the student body;
• To increase involvement and activity within the Columbus community and;
• To reconnect with Alumni and donors

Membership

SAAC is comprised of student-athlete representatives from Columbus State University’s 16 varsity sports.  Each team has one rep, at minimum, serving on SAAC.  In addition to fulfilling the Committee’s obligations and goals, a major responsibility for each delegate lies in communicating with fellow team members.  The voting members of SAAC shall establish and maintain open channels of communication with their teammates, and all student-athletes, in order to appropriately express concerns relevant to student-athletes.

Fundraising

The fundraising efforts of CSU’s SAAC, as an NCAA Division II member, go toward the Make-A-Wish® Foundation.  With each event planned, we will hold close the importance of doing our part to raise funds for such a wonderful organization.  We are proud to help “share the power of a wish…”

2011-2012 Executive Council
Executive Council Responsibilties

Lauren Matheney (Women’s Basketball) – Chair

Justin Grice (Men’s Golf) – Co-Chair

Stephen Bowers (Men’s Cross Country/Track and Field) – Treasurer

Kayla Brown (Women’s Soccer) – Social Chair

Jackie Ellis (Women’s Soccer) – Public Relations Co-Chair

Jeremy Williams (Men’s Track and Field) – Public Relations Co-Chair

2011-2012 SAAC Members

Idell Bell (Men’s Basketball)

Johnathan Murphy (Men’s Basketball)

Chatil Bradford (Women’s Basketball)

Baleigh Coley (Women's Basketball)

Marina DeFoor (Women’s Basketball)

RJ Conroy (Cheer)

Mike Rocha (Cheer)

Amelia Chandler (Dance)

Steven Paine (Men’s Golf)

Heather Altiser (Women’s Golf)

Kimesha Anthony (Women’s Golf)

Jennifer Brueshaber (Women’s Golf)

Courtney Duncan (Rifle)

April Dunn (Rifle)

Mary Mancin (Women’s Soccer)

Ashton Ziadie (Women’s Soccer)

Kara Gordon (Softball)

Nina Rubio (Softball)

Danilo Sardelli (Men’s Tennis)

Milica Tomic (Women's Tennis)

Shan Crawford (Women’s Track and Field)