Listen Here
By Addisyn Freeman
freemana7@findlay.edu
For Allie Stockton, joining the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at the University of Findlay started with simple curiosity. Today, she’s the secretary of the organization—and a passionate advocate for why more athletes should get involved.
“I joined SAAC to see what it was all about,” said Stockton, a junior on the women’s basketball team. “But I stayed because I realized how much good it could do—for me, for my teammates, and for our entire athletic community.”
SAAC is a student-led organization made up of representatives from every varsity team on campus. According to the NCAA, SAAC was established to ensure student-athletes have a voice in shaping the rules, policies and experiences that affect them on and off the field. While all NCAA institutions are required to have a SAAC, the energy and effectiveness of the group depends entirely on the students who choose to get involved.
At Findlay, that energy is growing thanks in large part to students like Stockton.
“My favorite part about SAAC is collaborating with athletes from other teams to make things happen,” she said. “Whether it’s raising money for Make-A-Wish or planning events like SAAC-a-Palooza or a kickball tournament, it’s so rewarding to actually see our ideas come to life.”
In her role as secretary, Stockton helps with communication, organization, and planning—but says anyone can get involved and make a difference.
“You don’t have to have a title,” she said. “You can just come to meetings, share ideas, and get involved. You can make a real impact just by showing up.”
Another student-athlete making an impact is Anthony Johnson, a marketing major, Dana Scholar and liaison for SAAC. He’s a member of the men’s basketball team and says this year’s committee is focused on increasing visibility and building community among athletes.
“One of our main goals is to make a big impact in raising money for Make-A-Wish and to bring athletes together across teams,” Johnson said. “We want student-athletes to feel connected, even outside of their own sports.”
He says SAAC meetings are structured to encourage participation and communication, whether that’s speaking up during discussions, submitting anonymous surveys ,or reaching out to representatives directly.
“Each team has at least two SAAC members, so they’re really the voice of their programs,” Johnson said. “And anyone can bring ideas to the table, even if they’re not an official rep.”
One of SAAC’s biggest contributions to the athletic department is the annual Oiler Choice Awards, which celebrate the achievements of Findlay’s student-athletes. The event continues to grow each year.
“The feedback from athletes, coaches and even faculty has been so positive,” Stockton said. “People love being recognized, and it’s great to know that SAAC helped make that happen.”
Johnson agrees, noting that the group is taking more initiative across the board; from fundraising to campus engagement.
“There’s been a lot more creativity in how we connect with people and get things done,” he said.
Both Stockton and Johnson acknowledge that time is limited for student-athletes, but they say SAAC is worth fitting into a busy schedule.
“I use two planners—one I carry everywhere, and one that’s up on my wall at home,” Stockton said, laughing. “It helps me keep track of practices, games, SAAC events, studying—all of it. And honestly, SAAC doesn’t feel like ‘extra work.’ It’s something I enjoy.”
Johnson adds that the benefits go far beyond the meetings. Last year, he attended both the National SAAC Convention and the GMAC SAAC Summit.
“It was one of the best things I’ve been a part of,” he said. “I got to meet student-athletes from across the country, hear from speakers about leadership and mental health, and bring all of that knowledge back to Findlay.”
Stockton had a similar experience at the SAAC Super Region Convention.
“It made me want to take on a bigger role and push for more,” she said. “There’s so much potential here.”
Fiona Hanks, SAAC advisor and assistant athletic director for sports medicine, says the group is more than just a planning committee—it’s a critical connection between student-athletes and the national athletic structure.
“When NCAA legislation comes up, SAAC reps vote on behalf of their teams,” Hanks said. “That means they’re directly involved in changing the rules that impact their own experiences.”
SAAC also plays a role in community service. Events like Trunk or Treat—where teams decorate their cars and hand out candy to local families—have become fun and impactful traditions.
Mental health is also a growing area of focus.
“Being part of SAAC gives people a way to connect with others who understand what they’re going through,” Johnson said. “Sometimes just talking to another athlete makes a big difference.”
