By: Logan Benson

Meet SAAC
 
Leadership in collegiate athletics extends far beyond the field, track, court, mat, or ice.
 
At Utica University, that leadership takes shape through the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where student-athletes have the ability to bring light to the problems and challenges facing their department, and work together to create solutions, promote change, and make their voices heard throughout the greater community. More experienced members assume roles that expand the voices of their teammates, colleagues, and fellow members and shape the overall student-athlete experience.
 
Any athlete can be a member; however, SAAC is driven by the executive board, which consists of a few different leadership positions. This year, the committee is led by a few different key figures: President and senior field hockey/lacrosse athlete Alanna Fragapane (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy), Vice President and junior women's soccer athlete Cora Kraft (Poughquag, NY/Arlington), Secretary and football athlete Tyler Hall (Holbrook, NY/Sachem North), Treasurer and junior soccer athlete Meg Lasher (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont), and Social Media Manager and field hockey player Keeley Savona (Kingston, NY/Kingston). Together, they drive the committee's mission and serve as a voice representing the entire student-athlete body on campus. The Utica Athletics Department sat down with this important group of senior leaders to discuss SAAC, why someone should join, and how it helps change the very fabric of the student-athlete experience here at Utica.
 
Through their experiences, these leaders offer awareness of what it means to represent more than just a team. From juggling academics and athletics to advocating for their peers, their stories showcase commitment, passion, and the resilience required to lead an important organization like SAAC. They also dove into numerous other facets of serving as the voice of Pioneers far and wide, including why they think the organization is important, and also the impact that the board hopes to leave behind upon their graduation from the school.

Why They Chose Utica
 
When asked what drew them to Utica University, a few common themes quickly emerged: a strong sense of community, connection, and balance. For many student-athletes, the decision wasn't just about athletics or academics; it was about finding a place that felt like a second home.
 
Secretary Hall reflected on his football recruiting process with head coach Blaise Faggiano, emphasizing the atmosphere and culture he experienced early on during his visit with the Pioneers."While I was getting recruited, I felt like this place had a lot of family atmosphere and culture," he said. That feeling of connection wasn't just limited to one team; it extended across the entire athletic community. Not only was the environment family-like, but Hall also enjoyed the student body of Utica. "..the student body itself, a lot of athletes,...help from advisors academically, you just have a lot of resources that you could use."
 
Treasurer Lasher reciprocated the sentiment of a family-like environment, emphasizing the support system present in not just her own team, but across the entire department. "All the teams here in Utica are like a family; it's very homelike. They all come together to support each other, and I really like that."


 
For Savona, the sense of community went beyond the campus and into the surrounding Utica area, highlighting the various families and businesses that make up the community. "I like how involved our community outside the university is with all our students—whether it's families or the businesses, it's just like one big tight-knit unit," she explained. "I've never felt so automatically involved and welcomed."


 
The welcoming environment stood out to President Fragapane as well. Fragapane, a local product out of Rome, New York, already had some familiarity with Utica University, but received a different perspective as a student-athlete and as one of the voices for the student-athlete community on campus. "The campus was just extremely lively, and there's always stuff going on…a really good family environment," she said. Even being close to home, the energy and sense of community made the experience feel new and exciting.
 
While culture and community were key themes, academics still played a major role in the decisions. For Vice President Kraft, it ultimately came down to balance. "The biggest thing for me is just the academic and athletics balance," she said. Drawn to Utica for its strong nursing program, Kraft knew she wanted a school that would support her academic and athletic goals. "They have a really strong nursing program, and obviously, nursing takes a lot of time and effort, but I didn't want that to take away from soccer."
 
The tight-knit atmosphere and welcoming environment drew these athletes to join the Pioneer ranks and become an integral part of the Utica Athletics Department. However, despite the easy transition into the Utica University community, not every aspect of student-athlete life was easy to adapt to, as athletes all over the country, and in each division of the NCAA, struggle to find a balance between the academic and athletic overlap. At Utica, like most other places, that struggle still exists. However, the resources and community that each of these athletes mentioned helped extensively in guiding each of them to find a stable schedule.



The Reality of the Student-Athlete Schedule
 
Behind the excitement of competition and team success lies a demanding reality—student athletes are constantly balancing academics, personal commitments, and their athletic responsibilities. At Utica University, the balancing act is a shared experience, one that requires discipline, support, and self-awareness.
 
For many, success starts with communication. Lasher emphasizes the importance of leaning on their coaches during difficult times. "Talking to my coaches really helped, and they were very lenient with it; they wanted me to do better…they want the best for you…that helped me a lot." Having that support system, Lasher explained, made it easier to handle responsibilities like academics, athletics, and SAAC commitments.
 
For others, the busy schedule of a student-athlete can become overwhelming, but also an advantage. Kraft found that her athletic commitments pushed her to be more disciplined when it came to her academics. "I think I actually am stronger academically in the fall when I have soccer practices and games because it forces me to schedule myself and prioritize things," she said. "It gives me a limited amount of time I can work with, but it actually helps."
 
Even with strong time management skills, the pressure can be difficult for some. Savona highlighted the importance of leaning on your peers and using resources that are available on campus to help athletes stay grounded in their commitments and priorities. "I know all of our experiences are different, but at the same time, we do have a lot in common…leaning on your teammates and your resources…we have tutoring, we have peer tutoring here…" Savona made another point that even as an athlete, you are a student first above anything else. ".. prioritize things that are important because obviously we're here as athletes but we're students first."
 
Mental health resources are becoming essential to the student-athlete experience. Kraft pointed to new sources that aim to support athletes. "There's a new mental health resource for athletes…it's really important to spread information about that because I think it can be really helpful for athletes who are struggling."
 
Fragapane reinforced that message, encouraging athletes to speak up if they need help. "If you're struggling, the first step is just to reach out. It's okay to be a little selfish and kind of ask for help when you need it."
 
Speaking up for the student athlete community is the very definition of what SAAC exists to provide. Anyone can be a part of the committee, even if they aren't a member of the E-Board (Executive Board). Encouraging athletes to speak up, discuss challenges, opportunities, and solutions to problems is the main point of SAAC, and it provides an easy way to get connected within the student-athlete community at every school in each and every level of the NCAA.



Mission of SAAC & Providing Opportunities for Intercollegiate Athletics
 
At its core, SAAC exists to enhance the student-athlete experience and give athletes a voice in shaping the landscape of college athletics at Utica University. But what does that really mean to those who are on the committee?
 
For Fragapane, being part of SAAC is about making a difference where it counts the most for athletes. "I think it means that if you're involved in this group, you really want to make a change and you want to help because not every campus is perfect," she explained. Fragapane added that the committee gives athletes a platform to speak up; "...being a part of SAAC gives you a voice on campus because sometimes athletes are overlooked by other groups here, and just having a voice means a lot."
 
Hall echoed that sentiment, highlighting the autonomy SAAC provides its members. "Having that autonomy to do things that will increase the experience of all the athletes around you," Hall stated, emphasizing how the committee empowers student-athletes to actively shape their environment.
 
Encouraging others to use their voice is equally important. Fragapane said the peer-based structure of SAAC makes the committee welcoming and approachable: "We don't have other adults here, so maybe you might be scared to say something or not want to push anyone's buttons," Fragapane expressed "but we're all the same age here, going through campus life, so we want to make sure that they are comfortable…talking to us is like talking to friends or family."
 
Kraft added a different perspective, reminding student-athletes that their experiences are shared. "If there's something you recognize that's an issue, I bet multiple other people recognize that," Kraft said. Although all the teams play different sports, Kraft makes a point that they all share the same equipment on campus, and student-athletes shouldn't feel scared to speak their mind and state what they have on their mind. "We're all sharing the same equipment in the dome, the same facilities, and I bet you that there are multiple people who have noticed that too…don't be afraid."
 
Together, their voices enforce that the mission of SAAC is action: creating opportunities, amplifying student-athletes' perspectives, and building a community where every athlete feels seen and heard by their peers. Those opportunities are born from the inquiries of each and every SAAC member, making the goals of the group, and the potential implementation of programs, reflective of the current needs for the student athlete body.

Implementing Programs to Support Student-Athletes
 
When asked what new programs they would implement for student-athletes, the response from SAAC members was unanimous: mental health support was top priority. Treasurer Meg Lasher (Schenectady, NY/Schalmont) stressed the importance of addressing the overlooked aspects of student life. "Mental health is a huge thing that we should focus on, and I don't think it's brought up enough," She explained, adding a point about looking out for your teammates and peers because you never know what they are going through, even when they seem okay. "The happiest person you know could be struggling the worst, and you would have no idea."
 
Fragapane then added ideas for expanding the support for mental health by having more than one mental health counselor for the teams at Utica. "...more than one mental health counselor for the team, and maybe we have one for fall sports, spring sports, winter sports…" Fragapane also included having workshops and programs that can further help the student-athletes on campus. "...implementing programs and workshops that we can do with those coaches or counselors, she said.
 
Lasher highlighted creative ways to integrate mental health into daily team routines. "I remember we were walking to the dome and basketball was out doing a yoga session or a meditation therapy with somebody…I think that's super important that teams take time away from just practicing and try to work on mental health stuff too."
 
Kraft expanded on the value of structured mental wellness practices. "We used to do grit sessions with Allie….she would come to practices just before and just kind of walk us through guided imagery of how we see ourselves succeeding in the next game, how we can better each other, how we can better our teammates." Kraft said, then added, "And I think it really helped, and it definitely strengthened our team chemistry…I think it would be really beneficial."
 
Experiences like these not only highlight the importance of mental health but also shape how student athletes grow as leaders. By learning how to support themselves and their teammates through challenges, they develop a deeper understanding of responsibility and connection—qualities that naturally carry over into their roles within SAAC. It is through these experiences that leadership begins to take form, and how they motivate others and bring their teams and the campus community together.

Leading the Charge
 
Being a part of SAAC has influenced these athletes both on and off the field, teaching them how to lead, inspire, and connect with their peers. Hall reflected on how participating in  SAAC allowed him to bring the community together after the passing of the late James Salles, who was a teammate of Hall's and raising money for the Salles family; "I think we raised $1400 for the Salles family, so seeing everyone around the school with those wristbands was cool…bring everyone together after that time and month in our community."
 
Fragapane emphasized the importance of presence and support at the games; "Showing up… it means a ton when the women's field hockey team has even 10 extra people at each game." The SAAC President mentioned the "Code Orange" games, which are SAAC-promoted games that encourage other Utica athletics teams to come support. "When we say 'Code Orange' and we have other teams show up to our games…it means a lot to us and our coaches."
 
Lasher noted how SAAC helps student athletes see the bigger picture: "I think it also brings awareness that we're not just individuals on a team and we're not just a team, we're a part of something bigger.." she stated "We're an entire university and athletics, and it's a huge part of why around 60% of the student population are athletes."
 
Savona summed it up pithily, "At the end of the day, we're all wearing Utica across our chest."
 
For many SAAC members, fostering motivation and unity goes hand in hand with building leadership skills. Their experiences on the committee have not only shaped how they inspire others but have also strengthened their own abilities to lead both on and off the field. Through organizing events, communicating with peers and administrators, and representing the voices of their teams, they are constantly challenged to step outside of their comfort zones. In doing so, they develop confidence, adaptability, and a stronger sense of accountability—not just for themselves but for a broader community. Over time, these responsibilities begin to translate beyond SAAC, influencing how they carry themselves in their respective sports, classrooms, and everyday interactions.

The Making of a Leader
 
SAAC has provided opportunities to build leadership and professional skills in ways that extend to their teams and academics. Hall described attending summits and interacting with peers as helping him grow as a leader: "It helped me a lot in terms of leadership and being more outgoing." Hall stated he isn't a big fan of public speaking, but attending the Summit helped him build his leadership skills and see how they transferred to the football field.
 
Keeley shared how SAAC strengthened her communication and organizational skills. She noted that when it came to fundraising, communicating with organizations is key: "... it's just a lot of communication and organizing…I also tie that into academics, emailing professors, and keeping everything organized."
 
Fragapane indicated how her responsibilities as SAAC president broadened her perspective on being more professional: "SAAC has given me a better perspective on being professional…" Fragapane stated, "..going to Senate meetings and seeing the other side, not just athletics, seeing other things going on on campus."
 
Kraft expressed how leadership roles encouraged her to find her voice: "Being in a leadership role on a team with other upperclassmen broke me out of my shell…I enjoy being a leader, speaking up for people, and leading by example."
 


Developing leadership skills doesn't happen without its challenges. The pressures of academics, athletics, and personal life often push student-athletes to their limits, forcing them to adapt on the fly and grow in ways they may not have expected. Long practices, demanding coursework, and the expectations that come with representing both their teams and the campus community can be stressful. Yet, it is within these moments that leadership is truly tested. Learning how to stay composed, support teammates, and push through adversity becomes just as important as their performance on the field. These experiences not only build resilience but also reinforce the importance of trust, communication, and perseverance.



Tested Under Pressure
 
Being a student-athlete comes with challenges, both on and off the field. Fragpane recalled a particular instance where she and her team had an intense game against St. John Fisher. She stated that even with a majority of spectators from St. John Fisher, the team came together in the crucial moments and helped one another get through it. "Our team really came together in that moment and calmed each other down…we sued each other so nobody felt overwhelmed."
 
Kraft spotlighted the support she received from coaches and SAAC managing mental health and academic stress; "They'll set up private sessions with us…our coaches are very good at helping us manage mental health struggles or academic struggles, and they really do want the best for us." She expresses the importance of mental health for student-athletes and having that support from their coaches not only benefits Kraft but her teammates as well.
 
Successfully navigating challenges requires clear communication and collaboration. Whether discussing plays on the field or organizing SAAC initiatives, these student-athletes have learned how to listen, articulate, and integrate ideas effectively. In high-pressure situations, the ability to communicate clearly can be the difference between confusion and cohesion, both in competition and in leadership settings. The committee came to understand that strong communication isn't just about speaking up; it's about creating space for others for their voice to be heard, valuing different perspectives, and working towards similar goals.

Building Chemistry On and Off the Field
 
Effective communication is key for both teams and SAAC initiatives. Savona stressed the importance of unity with her team: "Teamwise, if you guys aren't all on the same page, we can't move forward…nothing is going to work," she stated, "My coach always says: either you go 100% wrong together, or you go 100% right together, but always go together no matter what."
 
Hall described open discussions during plays while at practice given by his coaches: " 'Hey, for this run play, we're gonna read this certain key'" Hall said, reiterating how players can have opinions too, and they discuss even when in play. "Then we discuss it…we're not a bunch of yes men. Everyone has their own perspective, and we build off each other."
 
Fragapane explained the inclusivity of idea-sharing within a team setting, understanding that everyone should be heard and have a say in a matter, "Making sure you hear what everyone has to say…there's no stupid ideas if you really dive into them…" instating that something that is said may matter to somebody more than others "...something that might not matter to you could mean the world to someone else."
 
Active listening is very important to Savona. "You have to be an active listener…consider everything they're saying before you respond." Lasher added to that, "Every meeting we start off with: do you have any concerns or questions before we talk about our agenda? We want to hear from them first." Kraft stressed taking in everyone's passions; "If someone says something they feel passionate about and want to see a change, take that seriously."
 
Listening and communicating effectively naturally feed into envisioning the future of SAAC—how the committee can continue to grow, engage student-athletes, and leave a lasting impact on campus culture. In the hopes of continuing the vision of SAAC to the next leaders of the committee that ultimately take positions on the e-board.

Beyond the Final Whistle
 
Looking towards the future, SAAC members want to see continued engagement and integration across campus. Fragapane hopes for higher participation, engagement, and actively taking part in the conversation rather than just showing up. "Getting the motivation to participate and the drive to want to be here… engaging in conversations and making changes around campus."
 
Kraft envisions broader integrations: "I want to see school-wide events led by athletes where everyone can participate and see what SAAC is doing for the campus." Lasher added with a creative idea. "We want to do an athlete-centered talent show, where each team makes their own talent…could be really fun and beneficial."
 
On supporting student-athletes long-term, Kraft opened with the idea of consistency, in the hopes that SAAC continues to portray the committee in a positive light, being present for the athletes, and actively listening. Fragapane wishes for SAAC to remain visible and influential throughout the campus just as much as it was when she was a freshman. "I hope SAAC is just as big here on campus as it was when I was a freshman."


 
Finally, the leaders reflected on the legacy they hope to leave when they someday graduate.
 
Hall wants to be remembered as "a positive person…someone approachable and engaged with the student body and professors." Lasher adds, "Being hardworking and someone people can come to, knowing I can help or guide them. Savona prioritizes kindness and passion: "A shoulder to lean on, but also very passionate about everything I care about." Fragapane hopes her legacy reflects involvement and balance: "Being involved, making changes when needed, but also being someone to laugh with or talk to." Kraft concludes with "Positivity and kindness as a leader…friendly and open-minded leadership is very important."







Together, their stories demonstrate that SAAC is more than just a committee—it's a place where student-athletes grow as leaders and mentors, supporting each other and leaving a lasting mark on the campus community. Their experiences illustrate the power of collaboration, resilience, and a shared commitment to making their university a better place for every athlete.

Get Engaged With SAAC!
 
To keep up to date with all upcoming events and programs for Utica SAAC, like their upcoming Moe's Monday partnership, you can follow their Instagram by searching "utica_saac or by heading to the link below.
 
SAAC Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/utica_saac/
 
Be sure to tag SAAC in any Utica Athletics related posts, and use the hashtag #UticaSAAC!
 
Finally, make sure to follow the page for all information about the organization! Any follows go to support the Utica student athlete community!