UNC Asheville’s [Student Athlete Advisory Committee] is giving student athletes a voice reaching from the Big South stage to the national level.
According to the NCAA, student-athletes have a voice in the organization through campus, conference and national advisory committees. Each committee is made up of student-athletes assembled to provide insight into the student-athlete experience and offer input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on campus.
“On campus, we help bridge the gap between athletes and administration, talking about the student-athlete experience and how we can make it better. We also plan events for athletes, and on the Big South and national level, we spread the student-athlete voice in terms of legislation and experiences with other D1 and conference reps,” SAAC president Avery Loeback said.
Jordan Schaettzly, SAAC vice president, states SAAC doesn’t just focus on one team’s issues but considers the needs of different teams and their unique athletic experiences.
Schaettzly and Loebach as women have taken on two big leadership roles showing diversity and representation within SAAC.
“With the growth of women’s sports, it’s important that we represent women well and push for recognition equal to men,” Loebach said. “Most SAAC presidents in the Big South are women. Only one school has a male co-president, and even there, he shares the role with a woman. I think that’s powerful,” she said.
Schaettzly said there should be more representation within SAAC because some men’s teams don’t take SAAC seriously. Coaches should encourage their athletes to get more involved because it benefits their programs too, according to Schaettzly.
SAAC advisor and Senior Woman Administrator Erin Spence said SAAC teaches athletes how to engage in discussions, advocate for different perspectives, and represent their teammates.
“It opens doors to serve on committees at the departmental, university, conference, and even national level. We have had athletes move into national committees after SAAC and it positions them as engaged leaders on campus and beyond,” Spence said.
The student-athlete’s voice not being heard enough sparks Loebach’s concerns.
“I want more involvement with university-level leadership like the Chancellor, to make sure they understand the student-athlete experience,” she said. “Progress is being made. For example, a former Radford rep spoke to Congress about athlete issues. The Big South giving us a vote shows our voices are being recognized,” Loebach said.
Although athletes are being heard on a national level it’s important to remember the local battles athletes are facing.
Schaettzly from women’s soccer expresses the budgets and fundraising are big challenges, having to raise money for new jerseys and locker room upgrades themselves is hard.
Loebach said facilities are also a huge issue in the volleyball program.
“Our gym doesn’t have AC, which hurts both recruiting and game-day experiences. Locker rooms are in such bad shape recruits aren’t even shown them. If we want women’s soccer and volleyball to keep improving, the school needs to invest in facilities which match the level of play,” Loebach said.
The NCAA wants SAAC’s purpose to generate a student-athlete voice within the NCAA structure and promote a positive student-athlete image.
“I hope they get what they want out of it. Everyone’s goals are different, and I want SAAC to be a happy, impactful memory where athletes feel they made a difference and left a legacy they’re proud of,” Spence said.
