University of South Dakota Athletics

What is SAAC?
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a leadership group consisting of student-athletes representing all sports at South Dakota. The University of South Dakota SAAC provides insight on the student-athlete experience and offers input on the rules, regulations and policies that effect student-athletes' lives on NCAA member institution campuses. SAAC members serve as a conduit of communication among student-athletes, coaches and athletic administrators in an effort to improve the student-athlete experience and promote growth and education through sports participation.

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.

Mission Statement and Purpose:

• Enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete well-being, and fostering a positive student-athlete image.
• To encourage student-athlete involvement in campus and community projects.
• To serve as a liaison between student-athletes and the athletic department.
• To promote better communication between members of South Dakota athletic teams.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

1. At all times, SAAC members must keep their teams educated about relevant issues discussed during SAAC Meetings.
2. Must act as leaders and liaisons within their teams.
3. Must adhere to deadlines when submitting and responding to all forms of correspondence from staff and other SAAC members.
4. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will elect new officers to fill any vacant position if the elected officer is unable to carry out his/her obligation. The only exception applies to the office of the president, in which case the vice president will assume the responsibility. Additionally, the President may appoint an interim secretary who will be responsible for filling the spot of the secretary is not present at a meeting.
5. Meetings will be scheduled once a month and attendance is mandatory. If absence is necessary, the officer board must be notified.

2023-24 SAAC Officers

President	Vice President	Secretary	Treasurer
Max Schmidtke Golf	Evelyn Diederich Volleyball	Spencer Buley Track & Field	Sara Mayer Swimming & Diving
Coyote Cup Coordinator	Social Media Coordinator	Volunteer Coordinator
Clayton Denker Football	Jayden Green Track & Field	Cassidy Carson Basketball

2023-24 SAAC Representatives