DALLAS – Conference USA hosted its annual Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Meetings virtually July 30-Aug. 1. The conference’s 28 representatives and two Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) liaisons participated in group discussions and deliberated on official SAAC business.

The discussions centered on important topics and current events affecting collegiate athletics, including career development, mental health and social justice awareness. The group hosted two guest presenters including Ivy Watts, a mental health empowerment speaker, and diversity and inclusion consultant Nevin Caple.

The 28 student-athlete representatives also participated in breakout sessions with their respective working groups. C-USA SAAC is comprised of an executive leadership council and five working groups – diversity and inclusion, top issues, student-athlete health and safety, student-athlete engagement and future planning.

Additionally, Damon Chronis of Ryan, LLC presented the 2019-20 C-USA SAAC Cup to UAB. The third-annual award was given to the institution with the highest overall point total amongst the member schools. The areas of emphasis for the SAAC Cup include academic excellence, career development, financial literacy and community service.
 
C-USA SAAC representatives attending this year’s meetings included:
 
Ellinor Sudow, Charlotte Women’s Golf, Diversity and Inclusion
Mason Bhatia, Charlotte Men’s Track & Field, Top Issues
Kara Wilkins, Florida Atlantic Swimming & Diving, Student-Athlete Health and Safety
Sean Barone, Florida Atlantic Men’s Cross Country, Top Issues
Kallie Jones, FIU Softball, Student-Athlete Engagement
Francesco Montali, FIU Men’s Soccer, Diversity and Inclusion
Conner Killian, Louisiana Tech Men’s Track & Field, Chair
Ashley Channell, Louisiana Tech Women’s Bowling, Top Issues
Pedro Dolabella, Marshall Men’s Soccer, Future Planning
Torren Kalaskey, Marshall Women’s Golf, Student-Athlete Health and Safety
Reed Blankenship, Middle Tennessee Football, Student-Athlete Health and Safety
Maddison Falter, Middle Tennessee Women’s Soccer, Diversity and Inclusion
Lauryn McCollum, North Texas Women’s Track & Field, Diversity and Inclusion
Ethan Mooney, North Texas Football, Future Planning
Victoria Morris, Old Dominion Women’s Basketball, Top Issues
Broughton Hatcher, Old Dominion Football, Student-Athlete Engagement
Jasmine Smith, Rice Women’s Basketball, Student-Athlete Health and Safety
Evan Marshman, Rice Football, Top Issues
Drew Boyd, Southern Miss Baseball, Student-Athlete Engagement
Kenzie Smith, Southern Miss Volleyball, Student-Athlete Engagement
Brianna Muller, UAB Volleyball, Student-Athlete Engagement
Aodan O’Hara, UAB Men’s Soccer, Future Planning
Kayla Larry, UTEP Women’s Track & Field, Student-Athlete Health and Safety
Gary Theard, UTEP Football, Vice Chair
Collin Clark, UTSA Men’s Golf, Diversity and Inclusion
Katia Mexsen, UTSA Women’s Golf, Future Planning
Nikki Ogorek, WKU Women’s Track & Field, Secretary
Dawson McDaniel, WKU Men’s Golf, Future Planning
Alec Dominguez, FIU Men’s Track & Field, National SAAC Rep
Dr. Christy Crutsinger, North Texas FAR Liaison
Dr. Alan Thompson, Southern Miss FAR Liaison

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