Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

SAAC Priorities

Represent the voice of Lumberjack Athletics.
Discuss student-athlete masters and assist in developing new programs/policies for NAU Athletics, the Big Sky Conference, and the NCAA.
Plan community service projects and cultivate camaraderie within NAU Athletics.

Member Responsibilities

Serve as a liaison between SAAC and the respective team.
Attend SAAC meetings and promote SAAC events.
Participate in subcommittee work and events.
Respect and uphold the values of Lumberjack Athletics in all spaces.

2026-27 SAAC E-Board

Ronan Gallagher Track & Field Co-President	Avery Gottschalk Volleyball Co-President	Ryan Abelman Men's Basketball Student-Athlete Engagement Committee Chair	Micala Boex Soccer Student-Athlete Engagement Committee Chair
Ava Mitchell Cross Country/Track & Field Community Engagement Committee Chair	Lilly Holmes Volleyball Mental Health and Advocacy Committee Chair	Kaci Kelaher Swimming & Diving SAAC Manager	Koko Watanabe Swimming & Diving Media and Creative Content Director

2026-27 SAAC Roster

Name	Team	Role
Kaylee Muniz	Soccer	Member
Frankie Dezis	Golf	Member
Alexa Ouellet	Golf	Member
Cade Bennett	Men’s Basketball	Member
Teddy Sabev	Swimming & Diving	Member
Kai Mils	Men's Tennis	Member
Vincent Vohl	Men’s Tennis	Member
Emma Dasovich	Women’s Basketball	Member
Naomi Johnson	Women's Basketball	Member
Jordan Lee	Football	Member
Kenveon Stone	Football	Member
Ford Washburn	Cross Country	Member
Kate Camp	Volleyball	Member
Leontina Stojanovic	Women’s Tennis	Member
Andrea Noguera	Women’s Tennis	Member
Sophia Bower	Track & Field	Member

Updates:

Transition Out of College Athletics – Event Recap

This engaging panel event, held on April 10th at Parsons’ Auditorium, provided student-athletes with valuable insights on life after sports. Moderated by Dr. Hannah, the discussion covered navigating identity shifts, building new routines, forming meaningful friendships, and redefining your relationship with exercise. We were lucky enough to have three former NAU athletes and alumni share their experiences with us! The evening wrapped up with food and a networking opportunity featuring local gyms, financial advisors, and career coaches.
SAAC TOOA

Cookies for Conversation 11/20/24

At the Women’s Basketball game against the University of Arizona, the NAU Student Athlete Advisory Committee hosted Cookies for Conversation, aiming to bring together students and fans and raise awareness for mental health. College life can be stressful, and many students struggle with mental health issues, often in silence. By incorporating mental health awareness into a fun event, the NAU community can normalize these conversations, reduce stigma, and encourage students to seek support when needed. This event encouraged attendees to enjoy cookies while engaging in meaningful conversations with those around them!

Trick-or-Treat 10/28/24

The 2024 Trick-or-Treat event hosted by the NAU Student Athlete Advisory Committee was a great success that brought together people from all across the Flagstaff Community! The Trick or Treat event was a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration that allowed local kids to dress up in costumes and collect candy as they made their way through campus. With student-athletes volunteering along the route, children had the chance to interact with NAU’s athletes while enjoying a safe and festive trick-or-treating experience. The event not only brought the community together but also allowed student-athletes to connect with younger generations positively and engagingly, all while spreading Halloween cheer and fostering school spirit.
SAAC1

Contact:
Co-President - Ronan Gallagher: reg296@nau.edu
Co-President - Avery Gottschalk: adg476@nau.edu
Faculty Advisor - Darian D'Antuono: darian.dantuono@nau.edu