The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of representatives from all intercollegiate sports at Saint Leo University. At least one representative from each sport assemble to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes' lives on the Saint Leo campus.
The SAAC is meant to serve as a local student-athlete voice in addressing issues of student-athlete welfare on our campus. It facilitates better communication among student-athletes from various athletics teams to address issues common to all.
The Saint Leo SAAC also serves as a conduit of communication among student-athletes, coaches and athletics administrators on issues to improve the student-athlete experience and promote growth and education through sports participation. Concerns can be voiced and solutions offered regarding any issues that may be national in scope and relevant to NCAA student-athletes.
Saint Leo student-athletes celebrate the 2016 Make-A-Wish reveal at the Lions' home softball game against Flagler College.
Saint Leo SAAC 2024-25Â Executive Board Members
President -Â Kristina Arwady, Women's Soccer
Vice President -Â Shyanne Waller, Softball
Secretary - Luzia Obermeier, Women's Tennis
Treasurer - Spencer Bronner, Acrobatics & Tumbling
Social Chair - Mina Haeggstroem, Women's Soccer
Social Chair - Tajma Muharemovic, Volleyball
Advisors: Jesse VerVelde (Assistant Athletic Director of Internal Operations), Spencer Henke (Interim Head Men's Basketball Coach)
| TEAM |
2024-25Â SAAC MEMBERS |
| Acrobatics & Tumbling |
Kaylee Banks, Mackenna Kunitzer |
| Baseball |
Ryan Robinson, Matt Bernas |
| Beach Volleyball |
Emma Laade, Erin Johnson |
| Basketball, Men's |
Logan Ryan, Amar Hot |
| Basketball, Women's |
Kamaria Sheriff, Alayna Harris |
| Golf, Men's |
Enzo Barbaglia, Francois Cilliers |
| Golf, Women's |
Pia Perthen, Maya Cote |
| Lacrosse, Men's |
Shane Jones, Joey Graham |
| Lacrosse, Women's |
Abby Fortuna, Carly Bitner |
| Soccer, Men's |
Anel Crnac, William Gregory |
| Soccer, Women's |
Marina Callvo, Rhyanne Pascoe |
| Softball |
Nia DeBenedittis, Tierney Hocquard |
| Tennis, Men's |
Vincent Thiel, |
| Tennis, Women's |
Claudia Borbon Roca, |
| Volleyball |
Chloe Ates, Giada Solorzano |
| Cross Country, Men's  |
|
| Cross Country, Women's |
|
Functions of the Saint Leo University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
- Promote communication between athletics administration and student-athletes
- Disseminate information
- Provide feedback and insight into athletics department issues
- Generate a student-athlete voice within the campus athletics department formulation of policies
- Build a sense of community within the athletics program involving all athletics teams
- Solicit student-athlete responses to proposed conferences and NCAA legislation
- Organize community service efforts
- Create a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide committees (e.g. student government)
- Promote a positive student-athlete image on campus
Responsibilities for Committee Representatives
- Attend all committee meetings and activities
- If unable to attend, select a responsible alternate team representative
- Represent team views at committee meetings. Team representatives must talk to their teammates about issues or projects that will be discussed
- Report to the team and the coach on the committee meetings and distribute the minutes of the meeting
- Organize team members to help with special projects like "Make a Wish"
- Help plan and set up annual awards banquet
