TUCSON, Ariz. – With the 2020-21 academic year in the books at the University of Arizona, it's important to take a step back and look back at all that was accomplished in a year unlike any other. As it relates to athletics, there were accomplishments in competition and in the classroom that deserve to be celebrated.
 
One of those groups that helped make it happen is the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The 27student-athletes that comprise the committee provided a voice to all student-athletes as they worked to navigate uncharted academic and athletic requirements throughout the year. There were also a wide range of issues at the conference and national levels that they provided guidance on, reaffirming that the student-athlete's voice is very important.
 
The various SAAC subcommittees were able to meet throughout the year, coming up with ways to tell the student-athlete story, develop as leaders, community members and future professionals and progress towards graduation
 
The Career and Leadership Development committee started the Leadership Spotlight initiative and found ways to highlight student-athletes for what they have accomplished on and off the field. They also provided support to celebrate the many student-athletes who accepted jobs or internships at various levels prior to graduation.
 
Diversity and Inclusion continues to be an important topic on college campuses around the country, and with the help of the SAAC Diversity and Inclusion subcommittee, the University of Arizona was able to achieve a perfect score from the Athlete Ally on their Athletic Equality Index. This group also promoted Black History Month and LGBTQ+ History Month, the 'Stronger Together' initiative that touched every team at Arizona as well as NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Week.
 
With so many events moved from 'in-person' events to online meetings over the last year, one side effect from that was the mental toll it takes on everyone without the in-person interaction. Teams were left to meet virtually rather than doing team-building activities together. So the Health and Wellness subcommittee took it upon themselves to promote Mental Health Awareness week in October along with a green bandana campaign and starting the 'Wildcats Care' support group to discuss various challenges that student-athletes and others around them were facing. Another initiative the group created was called 'Mindful Moments', which focused on combating Zoom fatigue and increase engagement and productivity across the Athletic Department. Coaches and athletes from nearly every sport participated to make it a rousing success across the board.
 
And with all of these opportunities to advance their own careers, SAAC also recognizes the importance to give back to the community that makes it all happen. And while getting together for community service was a challenge with all the various protocols in place, the Community Service committee found a way to make it happen. They helped communicate and coordinate several programs across the department, including donating nearly 600 non-perishable food items to the UA Campus Pantry, over 150 blankets and jackets to the Salvation Army and created 2,500 Valentines Day cards for pediatric patients in the area. In addition to gathering donations, they also encouraged their teammates to write pen pal letters to elementary students and participate in virtual visits with pediatric patients and local K-8th grade classrooms.
 
Despite the challenging year, we are proud of all that SAAC was able to accomplish in 2020-21. The dedication of each and every member is appreciated, and we look forward to continuing this positive momentum into 2021-22!
 
2020-21 SAAC Representatives
 

Name	Sport	Exec. Board Role
Tyler Casagrande	Baseball
George Arias Jr.	Baseball
Jordan Mains	M. Basketball
Sam Thomas	W. Basketball	Co-President
Semaj Williams-Smith	W. Basketball
Shem Kemboi	M. Cross Country
Trevor Volpe	M. Track	Chair - Career and Leadership
Trent Stimac	M. Track
Peyton Heiden	W. Cross Country
Morgan Rhett	W. Track
Jordan Geist	Indoor Track & Field	Chair - Career and Leadership
Bryce Wolma	Football	Co-President
Lukas Havrisik	Football
Dante Smith	Football
David Laskin	M. Golf	Chair- Health and Wellness
Chase Sienkiewicz	M. Golf
Emily Cons	W. Golf
Payton Bellows	Gymnastics
Izzy Pacho	Softball
Iliana Hocking	Soccer
Noah Reid	M. Swim	Chair - Community Service
Alayna Connor	W. Swim
Eric Correa	Dive	Chair - Diversity and Inclusion
Alejandro Reguant	M. Tennis
Talya Zandberg	W. Tennis
Merle Weidt	Volleyball	Chair- Health and Wellness
Sarah Blacker	Beach Volleyball

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