SAN ANTONIO, TX -- Union College senior volleyball student-athlete
Rachel Wyman represented Union and the Liberty League at the 2016 NCAA Convention January 14-16. Rachel is the President of the Union Athletics Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and President of the Liberty League SAAC.
"Rachel demonstrates strong leadership qualities both on and off the court," commented
Andrew Brown, Union Head Volleyball Coach. "Her work ethic is insurmountable to any student-athlete I've had the privilege to coach. Her drive to learn, grow, and improve allows her to accomplish any goal."
Rachel discussed her experiences at the convention in San Antonio.
Tell us whom you met with."I met with fellow student-athlete advisory committee presidents, the National SAAC Committee, panelists, athletic directors and commissioners representing NCAA Division III institutions across the country."
Talk about the NCAA SAAC Div. III group and what was discussed."The NCAA SAAC Div. III student forum hosted by Div. III National SAAC was very rewarding. It provided an opportunity for student-athletes to collaborate and discuss issues we face within athletics and the institution itself. I was fortunate to be exposed to perspectives different than my own and it has enhanced my understanding of diversity, conflict, and success across Div. III institutions."
You also met with the Liberty League staff and administrators?
"I did attend the Liberty League dinner and spoke with athletic directors within our conference regarding my observations and experience at the convention. I really value their insights and hope to return to Union SAAC as a more informed President."
Did you go to special convention wide events?
"My favorite panel discussion was entitled, 'Student-Athlete Transition After Sport.' The discussion focused on the mental and physical issues student athletes face upon completion of their competitive playing careers and discussed practical approaches and resources to better prepare student-athletes' life after sport. This information revealed at this discussion is applicable to every student-athlete and I plan to discuss this transition with Union SAAC and Liberty League SAAC in the future."
What ideas did you come away with?
"I also attended a panel discussion regarding athletic fundraising and sponsorships entitled, 'How to Create a Winning Development Program that Benefits Student Athletes.' This discussion expanded my knowledge on this important subject and taught me about fundraising strategies proven to solicit major gifts in support of college athletics departments and student-athlete programs regardless of school budget and size.
What are your other thoughts about this experience?
"Most importantly, the NCAA Convention has revealed how important the student-athlete voice is to the Management Council, Presidents Council and the entire NCAA association. It is simply empowering. Student-athletes can affect change, I witnessed it myself. For that reason, I strongly encourage SAAC members at every institution to speak up and listen to each other because your voices do not go unnoticed."
