SAAC

MISSION STATEMENT AND PURPOSE
The mission of the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity for all student-athletes; protecting student-athlete welfare; and fostering a positive student-athlete image.

NCAA Division II SAAC

WESTERN SAAC MISSION STATEMENT
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee serves as the unified voice of Western student-athletes, promoting transparent and effective communication with the Athletic Department, RMAC, and NCAA to ensure that programs truly reflect and serve the needs of all athletes. We advocate for positive change by challenging practices that should be reconsidered, fostering equity, and driving conversations that straighten both athletics and academics.

SAAC actively builds bridges between student-athletes, faculty, staff, and the broader student body, while also engaging deeply with our community through service, outreach, and partnership. We strive to cultivate a culture of camaraderie across teams that values support, accountability, and shared success both in competition and in the classroom.

Through innovative programming and advocacy, we champion academic achievement, health and wellness, social responsibility, and awareness - empowering student-athletes to grow as leaders who make a lasting impact on campus and in our surrounding community. 

MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION
While Division II schools engage with their communities locally, the division also recognizes the need to contribute on a national scale.

There's no better example of that commitment than Division II's long-standing relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. The Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which is the primary student-based group that contributes to policy-making for the division, established the Make-A-Wish partnership in 2003.

Division II has raised more than $6.6 million toward granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Over 770 "wishes" have been granted through Division II contributions. These wishes can serve as a game changer in children's fights against their illnesses, helping them feel better, and in some cases even get better.

Make-a-Wish Foundation
WESTERN SAAC MEMBERS – 2025-26

President: Lindsey Osterfelt (track & field)
Vice President: Ethan VanMeter (track & field)
Secretary: Sarah Connolly (soccer)
Mental Health Ambassador: Karly Morkunas (soccer)
Social Media and Marketing: Owen Wentz (track & field)
 
Basketball - Women's Alyssa Eckroth Delaney Matkin
Basketball - Men's Dawlton Grant Christian Still
Cheer Eliza James
Cross Country - Women's Alissa Rall Annak Rudolph
Cross Country - Men's Avery Cesar Gavin Taylor
Esports Noe Del Toro Sam Loustaunau
Football Lucas Hill
Soccer Elliott Dolan Lauren Kindt
Swimming & Diving Ella Fries Amayah Warren
Track & Field - Women's Megan Benkendorf Sophie Varela
Track and Field - Men's Vonn Borjas Braxton Sanford
Volleyball Galatia Andrew Kyra Kidd Breanna Nohava
Wrestling Caden Beagley Tino Gonzales




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