SAAC
Student Athlete Advisory Council
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at Villanova was formed in the fall of 1993 for the purpose of recognizing the student-athlete in the fields of academics and athletics. Each Villanova University sponsored Athletic team will have two representatives be a part of the council. The SAAC is charged with enhancing the student-athlete experience through opportunity and service as well as promoting a positive student-athlete image and protecting the overall welfare of our student-athletes.
Purpose:
The council aims to implement programs that will promote a positive image of intercollegiate athletics and the student-athlete. The SAAC gives the student-athlete an opportunity for leadership through a voice in the administration of the Athletics Department. The SAAC meets once a month to discuss current issues pertinent to the student-athlete.
The members of the committee are to be liaisons between their team members, coaching staff and athletic administration.
The members shall bring their willingness to participate and volunteer as well as energy and creativity to all meetings.
The student-athlete members will be exceptionally organized, motivated and dedicated to the success of SAAC; its events and community service projects.
The SAAC seeks to be effective in communication with all student-athletes. The council also promotes healthy lifestyles for all student-athletes, a personal and social responsibility; academic achievement in the classroom as well as the involvement in SAAC sponsored events and community service projects.
Guiding Principles:
Villanova University's SAAC program will follow the Division I SAAC guiding principles. Members will uphold with respectfulness differences in: "ethics, integrity, fairness, and a respect for diversity, which shall include, but not limited to, attention to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and sport."
Requirements:
The council seeks members who are willing to be the "leaders of the pack." Both members from each time will be required to be at the monthly meeting, where the representatives along with members from the Villanova Athletic Department Staff will discuss current student athlete issues and plan SAAC events. All members must adhere to the purpose of the Student Athlete Advisory Council and remain academically eligible during their appointment.
Membership and Executive Board:
The two members of each Villanova sponsored intercollegiate team will be representative for their respective teams. The Executive Board will be made up of a President, a Vice President and a Secretary.
 | President
Matt Ratigian, Men's Track and Field, Senior |
 | Vice President
Ben Ijalana, Football, Junior |
 | Secretary
Becky LaMarca, Softball, Junior |
SAAC Reps
Women's Lacrosse:
Carly Miller and Danielle Freiji
Men's Lacrosse:
Michael Arvan and Michael Vigilante
Women's Soccer:
Erin Byrnes and Kelly Eagan
Men's Soccer:
Chris Bresnahan and John Fogarty
Women's Basketball:
Amanda Swiezynski and Emily Suhey
Men's Basketball:
Jason Colenda and Antonio Pena
Field Hockey:
Samantha Serpe and Megan Goelz
Men's Tennis:
Trenton Alenik and Dave Shaheen
Women's Tennis:
Carla Eskine and Courtney Reed
Baseball:
Christopher Pack and Christopher Picyk
Softball:
Molly Manning and Becky LaMarca
Women's Track and Field and CC:
Audrey Gariepy-Bogui, Makalia Griffith, and Nicole Schappert
Men's Track and Field and CC:
Matt Rattigan, Chris Williams and Brian Tetreault
Water Polo:
Andrea LaFevers and Nicole Lum
Cheerleading:
Samantha Indelicato and Gabby Harris
Football:
Christopher Otten, Patrick Haggerty and Ben Ijalana
Volleyball:
Krista Andersen and Kim Maroon
Golf:
Brendan Kelly and Colin List
Women's Rowing:
Katie Traynor, Carrie Bennett and Kellie Kruppenbacher
Women's Swimming:
Amanda DiMarco and Katie O'Gorman
Men's Swimming:
Jonathan Spindler and Chris Jordan
