IRVING, Texas -- Conference USA hosted its Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representatives for its annual committee meetings July 23-25 at the league's headquarters in Irving, Texas. Fourteen SAAC representatives participated in a number of interactive presentations with topics ranging from academic success to the role of student-athletes in the new governance structure.
 
Complete Release: http://www.conferenceusa.com/genrel/072915aab.html
 
The meetings allowed representatives to focus on items most relevant to student-athlete welfare on their respective campuses. There were featured programs on leadership development, including identifying leadership challenges, becoming an emotionally intelligent leader, and mastering effective communication techniques. The hope was for student-athletes to create a solid leadership foundation to build upon when they return back to the campuses, sport teams, and communities.
 
SAAC representatives also had a chance to interact with C-USA senior staff members including Executive Associate Commissioner/Chief Operating Officer Judy MacLeod and Associate Commissioner for Sports Services Keisha Dunlap. In addition, representatives of the College Football Playoff staff Laila Brock, Director of Team Operations and Logistics, Gina Lehe, Senior Director of Communications and Brand Management, and Jason Sabatino, Director of Business and Ticket Operations, imparted a collection of knowledge in areas such as leadership core values, career exploration, work ethic and professionalism.
 
The SAAC representatives also participated in a community service activity at the Lakewest Family YMCA, interacting with several young people as part of their summer camps/clinics and youth sport programs. C-USA student-athletes had a chance to participate in various activities such as skills and drills from their respective sports and also a panel discussion. In the panel, the C-USA student-athletes shared their perspectives on what it takes to become a college athlete, the importance of academics, and the impact sports has played on their development as leaders. Many agreed youth sports played a large role as a classroom for character education.
 
WATCH VIDEO OF C-USA SAAC AT LAKEWEST FAMILY YMCA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huX6VqeFai8
 
"The C-USA SAAC meeting was a great start to a 2015-16 academic year," said C-USA Director of Compliance and Sports Services Frank Arredondo, who ran this year's meetings along with Assistant Director of Sports Services Quintin Jordan.
 
"This weekend featured some tremendous learning and self-exploration in terms of our student-athlete leaders," Arredondo continued. "We identified several top issues to focus on throughout the academic year on behalf of C-USA student-athletes, including but not limited to mental health and health and safety issues, time demands, and life after sports transitions. The group came together quickly and are looking forward to representing their member institutions."
 
The SAAC representatives also enjoyed a Thursday evening outing to the Bowlounge in Dallas.
 
Conference USA SAAC Representatives attending this year's meetings included:
 
Jamal Covington, Charlotte, Football, C-USA SAAC Top Issues Working Group Chair
Marcus Ghent, FIU, Track & Field, C-USA SAAC Co-Vice Chair
Carnesha Thompson, Florida Atlantic, Softball
Madison Doll, Louisiana Tech, Women's Soccer, C-USA SAAC Secretary
Isabelle Rogner, Marshall, Women's Cross Country
Tyler Barron, Middle Tennessee, Football
Jeremy Combs, North Texas, Men's Basketball
Samuel Perelman, Old Dominion, Men's Tennis
Solo Zinko, Rice, Women's Tennis
Danielle Block, Southern Miss, Softball
Catherine Ragon, UAB, Women's Soccer, NCAA Division I National SAAC Representative & C-USA Chair
April Luther, UTEP, Volleyball, C-USA Co-Vice Chair
Niaga Mitchell-Cole, UTSA, Women's Basketball, C-USA SAAC Top Issues Working Group Chair
Brooke Holloway, WKU, Softball, C-USA SAAC External Affairs Working Group Chair