When I got to college as a freshman, one of the upper class men on my volleyball team told me that I should be a Student Athlete Advisory Committee representative for the team because I am vocal and like to get involved. I had no idea at all what SAAC was, but I went anyways. I soon found out that SAAC was very similar to Student Government, but for athletes. I loved being apart of it, and eventually become SAAC President. It opened up many opportunities for me, and allowed me to be a bigger part in the athletic department, aside from just being an athlete. So if you have heard of SAAC at your school, or are going into your freshman year, here are five reasons why you should join SAAC at your college.

1. Gives you an opportunity to be the voice of your team

Being a SAAC Representative for your team means that you are the liaison between your team and your athletic administrators. When your team has issues that they think administration should be aware of, you are the person that delivers those messages at SAAC meetings. For example, at one meeting, the tennis reps expressed that their uniforms did not fit properly and were outdated, something that administration was not aware of. The athletic director addressed the problem and the uniform dilemma was fixed. Because of that SAAC representative speaking out, the tennis teams voice was heard and a problem solved.

2. Looks great on resumes

When I was about to graduate college, I went into a job interview and the interviewer said, “The part of your resume that sticks out to me the most, is that you were involved in SAAC and was SAAC President, as well. This shows that you have leadership qualities and are willing to get involved.” Many employers will know what SAAC is, and they understand what it means to be apart of it. Being in SAAC shows that you have leadership qualities, you are involved in not only your sport, but your school and community, and you are organized.

3. You can make a difference at your school and athletic department

Being at SAAC meeting gives you an opportunity to not only make a difference for your team, but your athletic department as a whole. If you think that their needs to be more organization within the equipment room, gym scheduling, or even the weight room, being a SAAC Rep allows you to express your ideas and concerns. Most of the time, administration doesn’t realize there is a problem until it is brought to their attention. Or, you could have an awesome idea that just wasn’t thought of yet. As an athlete, you work hard at your sport, and you deserve to have a voice, and being in SAAC gives you that. If you think that there needs to be more open gym time, let them know! If you think that there should be more locker room space, let them know! It is much more effective to let the people who matter know that the athletes would like to see a change, rather than just complaining about it to your teammates.

4. Gives you a chance to learn more about how the athletic department functions

If your schools SAAC meetings are conducted well, then an administrator is usually present. This gives you a first hand look at what goes on behind the scenes in athletic departments. Often when you make a suggestion, an administrator, such as the AD or compliance, will be able to tell you if that suggestion is something that can be done, and why or why not. This can give you a good idea how budgeting, marketing, or equipment actually works in athletics departments. By having a better idea, it can allow you to get creative and think of alternative ways to make the things you want to get done within your athletic department happen.

5. Gives you an opportunity to get involved

Being in SAAC allows you to get directly involved in all that happens within athletics at your school. It gives you the opportunity to plan events, network with alumni, do community service, and ultimately work with other athletes to make your school as awesome as it can be! By being involved in SAAC can really broaden your horizons and give you the opportunity to give back to the community and your fellow athletes. If you have an organization that is close to your hear, you can suggest at a meeting to get more involved as an athletic department. If you have a cool idea for an event, such as a kickball tournament or pep rally, you can suggest it and utilize the man power of SAAC to make it happen!

6. Allows you to vote on NCAA legislation and proposals

Every fall, your SAAC President is given the list of new proposals from the NCAA, in which your schools SAAC is to vote on. This is allows you to have a voice in not only your athletic department but the actual NCAA. If you get involved with SAAC at the national level, you can even recommend potential NCAA legislation as well. You get to vote on NCAA rules that effect athletes directly, such as athletes being allotted unlimited meals, GPA minimums, and how early college coaches can approach high school athletes. There are also conventions throughout the year at the NCAA national level, and within your schools conference where you can attend and interact with athletes from other schools to exchange ideas.

7. Having the opportunity to attend Leadership/ Conference Conventions

Throughout the year, conventions are held at the NCAA level, national level, and regionally within your schools conference. At these conventions, NCAA legislation may be voted on and there may be speakers on leadership, sportsmanship, sports psychology, or even serious issues such as concussions. Not only are these conventions a great opportunity to meet other athletes and share ideas with each other, they are so much fun! I have made friendships with athletes from other schools that I had competed against yearly, but never got the opportunity to meet on a personal level. Having the chance to share what works at your school, while bringing back ideas from what works at other schools is so helpful in bringing your organization to the next level.

Being involved in SAAC while in college was one of my most cherished experiences. SAAC allowed me to use my voice and make changes within athletics, and make the school better not only for myself, but all the athletes that come after me. SAAC allowed me to establish relationships with administrators, network with alumni, and leave a lasting legacy at my school. If you are someone that wants to make a difference, I would suggest attending a SAAC meeting at your school, and making your voice heard.