SAAC shows its support
NEWPORT, R.I. - Last night, Salve Regina’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) came out to Rodgers Recreation Center to support the women’s volleyball team 3-0 win over Johnson & Wales University.
SAAC is made up of student-athlete representatives of each varsity sport to help generate the student-athlete voice within the athletic department and university. The committee is also a vehicle for student-athlete community outreach and to help develop relationships and support systems between athletes from different teams.
One of the SAAC’s initiatives is to attend one sporting event each month as a committee to support their fellow student-athletes. The turnout for the first event was over 30 members.
Co- advisor and associate athletic director Kelly Scafariello said, “I am so impressed with the amount of support the members of SAAC have provided to each other. They really have made a commitment to their role as SAAC members and are working together to plan a strong year of service to the department, institution and community.”
Helping to make all of the meetings and events run smoothly is co-advisor and sports information assistant Mary Raskob, along with the SAAC board members: Jennifer Chieco (president), Matt Keyzer (vice president), Erin Luibrand (secretary), Taylor Windwer (community service chair), Gina Tortorici (marketing coordinator), and Ryan Kelly (utility member).
Keyzer praised his fellow SAAC members after the match saying, "It is great seeing athletes from all of the sport teams supporting their fellow athletes. It really gives a great sense of community, which is really what we are trying to build this year through SAAC."
Chieco was equally impressed with the turnout of her fellow athletes last night. "I think the positive turnout last night was due to the fact everyone who is on SAAC this year wants to be a part of it. We had an awesome first meeting and I believe that helped everyone become motivated because we are really going into this year with such a positive mentality."
On the docket for the committee this semester is: Second Annual Volleyball Tournament, holiday food drive, game support, developing a stronger social media platform and community service.
If any student-athlete is interested to learn more about SAAC, please contact Mary Raskob at mary.raskob@salve.edu or Kelly Scafariello at kelly.scafariello@salve.edu.