Throughout the fall, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAAC) of the East Coast Conference's nine member institutions performed outstanding work on their campuses and within their communities. As we look ahead to the Spring '25 semester, the ECC's nine campus SAAC presidents have reflected on one of their most memorable and impactful events from the Fall '24 semester. 

Daemen University
"During election season, we set up tables to provide student-athletes a space to talk about going out and voting and being an active member of our community," said Daemen SAAC president Bradyn Winters, a sophomore member of the Wildcats' men's volleyball program. "It was a success, and we were able to educate those on campus a bit more to show what the lasting effect of our vote can do while also stimulating more involvement in our tight community here at Daemen University."




University of the District of Columbia
"UDC SAAC proudly hosted our first Field Day on our brand new turf this fall!" said UDC SAAC president Emmanuela Katou-Kouami, a junior member of the Firebirds' track and field program. "The completion of the turf was a long-awaited milestone for our student-athletes, and what better way to celebrate than with a day filled with fun, exciting challenges, including a Sac Race, Relay Race, Potato Race, and Dixie Cup Race?! This event was a huge success in not only showcasing the new turf but also fostering team interactions – one of our SAAC's goals for the semester!"




D'Youville University
"This fall, one event we at DYU ran was a Dig Pink game for the women's volleyball team," said DYU SAAC president Ian De Wilde, a senior member of the Saints' men's volleyball program. "At the event, we partnered with the DYU Student Government to sell shirts to fundraise money for breast cancer research. Along with the shirts, we did a basket raffle with the proceeds also going to breast cancer research. This was a wonderful opportunity to get people engaged, since many know of someone affected by cancer, or specifically breast cancer. This was a great way to combine an athletics event with an impactful cause."


Mercy University
"Mercy SAAC volunteered at our local Holiday Hustle in Dobbs Ferry this past weekend," said Mercy SAAC president Rita-Marie Masi, a junior member of the Mavericks' women's soccer program. "The Holiday Hustle was a festive run benefitting the Dobbs Ferry Youth Services Council and supporting our holiday gift drive. We were stationed around the course to cheer on runners and handed out medals at the finish line to congratulate finishers. It was a great opportunity for us to get involved with the community here in Dobbs Ferry and spread the holiday spirit!"




Molloy University 
"Over the fall, Molloy athletics took part in numerous walks at Jones Beach to raise awareness of causes important to each team," said Molloy SAAC president Kathleen Healy, a junior member of the Lions' women's cross country and track and field programs. "In October, Molloy teams joined together for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, joining thousands of others who walked that day. By participating in these walks, student-athletes could give back to the community and help support these important causes."




Queens College
"The QC Knights hosted a fun bonfire this year," said Queens SAAC president Julia Ragone, a senior member of the Knights' women's soccer program. "It has become an annual event that student-athletes and QC students have come to enjoy. We roasted marshmallows, planned carnival games, hosted a DJ, and featured a small costume contest, as the event was held right before Halloween. It was a great way to get our campus together to enjoy a fun night while watching QC soccer games!"




Roberts Wesleyan University
"RWU SAAC teamed up with Make-A-Wish Foundation to make Get Well, Holiday, and Birthday cards," said RWU SAAC president Sophia Vane, a sophomore member of the Redhawks' track and field program. "We also used this as a time to allow student-athletes to take a break from studying for finals and make cards surrounded by fellow teammates and other student-athletes. Working with Make-A-Wish, over 130 cards were made for kids in the Rochester area. This was an amazing opportunity to take time together and be able to give a little bit of joy in the season of giving."




College of Staten Island
"CSI Athletics volunteered at the 2024 New York City Marathon, where we were assigned to the Mile 4 water and Gatorade station," said CSI SAAC president Emily Albano, a senior member of the Dolphins' women's soccer program. "Student-athletes arrived at 5:00 a.m. to set up tables and prepare water and Gatorade cups to hand out to five waves of runners. CSI Athletics handed out over 5,000 cups that morning while cheering on and supporting the runners that participated. It was a great experience to give back to the city and inspired many of our student-athletes to create the goal of running a marathon themselves one day!"

  

St. Thomas Aquinas College
"Through our can drive, it was extremely exciting to help those that are less fortunate for the Thanksgiving holiday," said STAC SAAC president Kyle Jones, a redshirt sophomore member of the Spartans' men's basketball team. "It was facilitated at the men’s and women’s home basketball games the week prior to Thanksgiving. To add to that, we also hosted a gathering of the SAAC student-athletes with donuts and hot chocolate during finals week to help lighten the stress load on everyone."