SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The 2021-22 State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Executive Board has been selected.
Brockport senior track and field athlete Brianna Lawless has been named the SUNYAC SAAC President becoming the first female athlete to hold this position since the board was established in the 2016-17 academic year.
"Being elected the first female President of the SUNYAC SAAC means the world to me," said Lawless.
Lawless has been able to see the SUNYAC SAAC grow by being apart of the committee since her freshman year, which was just a year after the board was formed.
"I am elated that I get to follow in the footsteps behind some of my closest friends in leading this group. I look forward to continuing this legacy and really showing the NCAA what the SUNYAC is made of, which is not only elite athletes, but individuals coming together to help do what we can to make life better for all students and athletes within this conference."
In the past five years SUNYAC SAAC has been influential in leading initiatives across the conference including bringing awareness to domestic violence with Yards for Yeardley and most recently the group's focus has been on mental health.
"I think I can speak for the whole e-board when I say that we look forward to furthering our mental health initiative and working towards Shattering the Stigma," Lawless said.
President: Brianna Lawless, Senior, Brockport, Track & Field
Vice President of Legislation: Olivia Ingalsbe, Junior, New Paltz, Soccer
Vice President of Communications: Kelly Degnan, Junior, Plattsburgh, Basketball
Vice President of Community Engagement: Megan Palmer, Junior, Geneseo, Swimming & Diving
Cabinet Alternate: Erin Clune, Junior, Oneonta, Swimming & Diving
Cabinet Alternate:Lauren Sposili, Sophomore, Geneseo, Swimming & Diving
National Rep: Jessica Ader, Sophomore, Potsdam, Volleyball
SAAC is a committee made up of student-athletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and polices that affect student-athletes' lives on NCAA member institution campuses. Presently, there are separate national SAACs for NCAA Divisions I, II and III. NCAA legislation mandates that all member institutions have SAACs on their respective campuses. Further, NCAA legislation requires that all member conferences have SAACs.
