By Stephinie Phan, Art Director
For many students, finding community on campus is an essential aspect of the college experience. Campus clubs and organizations not only offer opportunities for students to further their interests, but also foster a sense of belonging and purpose. At a commuter school like CSUDH, connecting with other people over similar pursuits or backgrounds can make campus life a bit more lively.
But what about the student-athletes on campus – where can they turn to find support for the unique challenges they face in the classroom and during games? That’s where SAAC comes in.
SAAC – or the Student-Athlete Advisory Council – provides a space for student-athletes to share their concerns and find fellowship. The group is composed of student-athletes from several sports who explore the ways in which the athletics department can better support student-athlete life.
The NCAA founded SAAC in 1989 as a way for student-athletes to voice their opinions about the rules, regulations, and policies that governed gameplay and impacted their experiences on campus.
Although SAAC adds another commitment to their already-busy schedules, for Toro athletes like junior opposite hitter Grace Ford, it’s a worthwhile way to become more involved at the university.
“It is a responsibility,” Ford said. “It does take a lot of time doing volleyball and school, especially in season – there aren’t a lot of weekends for us, it’s filled with games, away games, travel games.”
Student-athletes of any year are eligible to join SAAC. Graduate men’s basketball guard/forward DJ Guest told The Bulletin the organization can help new teammates acclimate to the rigors and routines of student-athlete life.
“I feel like it’s more relatable with us – we’re your peers, we know your experience,” said Guest, who represents his team on the NCAA Division II SAAC. “We lived the experience because we’ve done it. We’re equipped to represent the student-athlete’s voice and know what we want – the things we struggle with – and know what will make us feel supported.”
Knowing there’s a council of like-minded peers can go a long way toward ensuring student-athletes find success on and off the field. Tomi Adesiji, who transferred from Riverside City College to CSUDH, is a new addition to the men’s basketball squad. Although he isn’t a SAAC representative, the junior guard said he’s glad to know his teammates are advocating for their best interests.
“I’m still new here, but it’s good to have people represent us and they are our voice, SAAC is a good representation of the athletes,” said Adesiji, a business student.
Kisha Calbert, the Toros Athletics academic advisor, encouraged student-athletes to get involved with SAAC and speak up about their experiences. Everyone is welcome to join, she said, so student-athletes shouldn’t feel as though the group is only meant for more experienced players – anyone can step up to be a leader.
“It doesn’t have to be a captain, doesn’t have to be a student with the best GPA, doesn’t have to be the student who’s the most amazing athlete,” Calbert said. “These are all students who have said I am really interested in helping make sure our department is an amazing space for all our student-athletes.”
Student-athlete solidarity will be front and center on October 17, when SAAC hosts a community tailgate at Dignity Health Sports Park. The tailgate will bring together fans of both CSUDH and CSU-San Bernardino before the Toro men’s and women’s soccer teams go head-to-head with the Coyotes.
“I think it’s really empowering to be in an organization where you’re around a lot of similar like-minded individuals,” said graduate student guard Jordan Hillstock. “You guys are all kind of coming together for the same purpose of getting the community involved.”
Calbert said the tailgate offers a great opportunity for CSU student-athletes and their fans to come together in the spirit of sportsmanship. “If we aren’t supporting each other, why would we expect others to?”
