The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at AIC plays a vital role in bridging the gap between student-athletes, the administration, and the broader student body. With representatives from most teams on campus, SAAC strives to improve the student-athlete experience by addressing concerns, fostering communication, and creating opportunities for athletes to engage with the community.

This year, SAAC leaders are committed to making AIC a better place through collaboration, communication, and dedication. To understand more about their initiatives and goals, we spoke with SAAC President Morgan Martellio (Field Hockey) and SAAC Member
Rowan Ruggiero (Men’s Lacrosse), both of whom are pursuing Physical Therapy.

Why Join SAAC? A Personal Commitment to Change
Both Ruggiero and Martellio emphasized the importance of taking action to create meaningful change on campus. Ruggiero shared that his involvement with SAAC began in his freshman year when his coach introduced him to the organization: “If I want to see change on campus, I have to put in the work,” he said.

Martellio echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing that SAAC is about making the best experience possible for student-athletes and contributing to the campus community. For her, becoming President meant taking the initiative to improve things rather than simply raising complaints. “You get out of it what you put into it,” she explained.

SAAC’s Achievements and Impact
Despite challenges with scheduling due to holidays, SAAC has achieved significant milestones. The committee helped organize a sports award banquet last year, partially funded through SAAC’s efforts. The banquet highlighted the achievements of athletes across different sports, fostering a sense of community and recognition.

Martellio highlighted several lasting changes SAAC initiated:
– Rex’s Pantry: A grab-and-go food option for athletes to use before or after practice.
– Shuttle Services: SAAC worked with the administration to adjust shuttle hours and add a new stop for students’ convenience.
– Dining Hall To-Go Boxes: SAAC advocated for these to accommodate athletes with busy schedules.
These achievements reflect SAAC’s ability to drive tangible changes that enhance student life.

Current Goals and Future Initiatives
This year, SAAC is focusing on improving student-athlete experiences through smaller but meaningful initiatives, such as their collaboration with the Ronald McDonald House for a toy drive. While there are no large-scale events planned beyond ensuring the best possible experience for athletes, Ruggiero emphasized the importance of continuously working toward improvement. “We want to bridge the gap between athletes and non-athletes and create a campus where everyone feels included,” he said.

How Athletes Can Get Involved
When asked how student-athletes can contribute, both Ruggiero and Martellio highlighted the importance of communication and participation. “We hear athletes complain, but they stay silent in meetings,” Martellio said. “If you want things to change, speak up.”

The council values open feedback from all teams, as it helps them address specific issues. For example, a recent SAAC meeting revealed that basketball players were struggling to find gym time due to non-students occupying the space—an issue SAAC can now address.

Stay Connected with SAAC
SAAC encourages all athletes to get involved and stay updated through their social media channels:

Instagram & TikTok: @AIC.SAAC