SAAC

The University of South Dakota - Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a student-athlete leadership group comprised of members of USD’s athletic teams. The purpose of SAAC is to represent the diverse interests of student athletes to the University of South Dakota’s Athletics Administration; to promote community among all USD student-athletes; to foster commitment to service; and to represent the USD Athletics Program locally and at the conference and national levels. Members of SAAC develop their leadership and citizenship skills by promoting student athlete welfare issues and actively participating in departmental educational programs and special events.

How Can USD Student-Athletes Get Involved with the SAAC?

USD student-athletes are encouraged to ask their coach about involvement with the SAAC or contact USD SAAC Advisor, Jason Mahowald (Jason.Mahowald@usd.edu).

Division I SAAC Mission Statement

The mission of the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete well being, and fostering a positive student-athlete image.

For more information on the NCAA Division Student-Athlete Advisory Committees, please visit the NCAA website: http://www.ncaa.org/wps/ncaa?ContentID=879

Purpose and Function of a SAAC

Q: What is a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee? (SAAC)

A: A student-athlete advisory committee (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 policies that affect student-athletes' lives on NCAA member institution campuses.

Q: What are the functions of the Campus SAAC?

A: The campus committee is meant to serve as a local student-athlete voice in addressing issues of student-athlete welfare at their respective institution. In addition, members have the opportunity to offer input on issues that may be national in scope. Functions include: (1.) Promote communication between athletics administration and student-athletes; (2.) Provide feedback into athletics department issues; (3.) Build a sense of community within the athletics program involving all teams; (4.) Organize community service efforts; (5.) Create a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide committees; (6.) Promote a positive student-athlete image on campus.

SAAC Co-Presidents:
Jenna Hatfield and Danielle Dornbusch
Advisors:
Jason Mahowald and Jill Theeler
Committee Members (by team):
Women’s Swimming and Diving: Danielle Bolin, Emily Connelly, Megan Finnie, Meredith Howell, Amelia Payne
Men’s Swimming and Diving: Andy Cahalan
Women’s Basketball: Michelle Dirks, Amber Hegge
Women’s Track and Field: Danielle Dornbusch, Tia Haines, Amber Hegge, Ashley Lehman, Crystal Schiernbeck
Men’s Track and Field: Corey Gross, Beau Hoodjer
Women’s Tennis: Janea Hagen
Women’s Volleyball: Jenna Hatfield, Heather Hult
Football: D’Angelo Butler, Erik Helland
Softball: Tagney Jones, Cat Weber
Women’s Soccer: Michelle Marshall, Erika Menning, Jen Ogren, Ann Opsahl, Katie Quinones, Sarah Wheeler

Upcoming SAAC Events:
February: Annual Fundraiser, all proceeds go to Special Olympics
March: Kid’s Field Day at the Dome
April: Student Athlete Awards Banquet and Formal

From left to right, SAAC members Ann Opsahl, Katie Quinones, Danielle
Dornbusch and Jenna Hatfield, plus representatives from the Special Olympics.

SAAC and the Special Olympics at a USD basketball game

2008-09 Howling Pack Awards Ceremony (Awards and Photo Highlights)

Photo Galleries