Youngstown State University Intercollegiate Athletics Department believes the student-athlete experience is essential to its mission. In order to assist in accomplishing this mission, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is available to all student-athletes.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Youngstown State University's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is:
- To promote efficient communication between the Athletic Administration and the student-athlete population regarding areas that impact the student's athletic, academic, and personal well-being; and
- To actively encourage more involvement of student-athletes in campus and community projects; and
- To encourage unity, common purpose and camaraderie between teams and among all athletes in the athletic program; and
- To establish a relationship with student government.
SAAC Officers (2018-19)

Alan Burns
President

Nicolette Kreatsoulas
Vice President

Danielle Dadig
Community Outreach Co-Coordinator

Alison Green
Community Outreach Co-Coordinator

Jake Wilson
Facilities Coordinator

Brock Wooten
Social Media Coordinator

Shelby Marken
YESPYs Event Coordinator
SAAC Leadership Award Winners
Since 1999, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has selected a SAAC Leadership Award Winner. Criteria for the selection of the award winner include searching for opportunities to lead; enlisting others in a common vision; setting the example; recognizing individual contributions; celebrating team accomplishments; seeing an uplifting future and fostering collaboration. The award is voted on by the SAAC.
Year | Male Leadership Award | Female Leadership Award | Horizon League Outreach Award |
---|---|---|---|
2018-19 | Alan Burns (Track & Field/XC) | Shelby Marken (Track & Field) | Softball |
2017-18 | Alan Burns (Track & Field/XC) | Alexis Roach (Softball) | Baseball |
2016-17 | Alan Burns (Track & Field/XC) | Mia Barchetti (Golf) | Softball |
2015-16 | Jon Hutnyan (Track & Field/XC) | Miranda Castiglione (Softball) | Softball |
2014-15 | Jon Hutnyan (Track and Field/XC) | Marta Burak (Tennis) | Softball |
2013-14 | Eric Rupe (Track and Field/XC) | Liz Hornberger (Basketball) | Softball |
2012-13 | Torrian Pace (Football) | Brandi Brown (Basketball) | Softball |
2011-12 | Kurt Hess (Football) | Macey Nortey (Basketball) | Softball |
2010-11 | Spenser Sulzener (Golf) | Breanne Romeo (Track and Field) | Swimming & Diving |
2009-10 | Stephen Blose (Football) | Jennifer Johnstone (Swimming) | Softball |
2008-09 | Mychal Savage (Football) | Kelsey Gurganus (Basketball) | Women's Basketball |
2007-08 | James Terry (Football) | Michelle Fuleky (Tennis) | Track & Field |
2006-07 | Jeremiah Wright (Football) | Emily Wollet (Track and Field) | Track & Field |
2005-06 | Kyle Smith (Football) | Tiffany Patteson (Softball) | Track & Field |
2004-05 | Josh Zarlenga (Golf) | Erin Carter (Swimming) | Women's Golf |
2003-04 | Adam Baumann (Basketball) | Amber Smith (Softball) | Swimming & Diving |
2002-03 | Kurt Michaelis (Track and Field) | Amber Smith (Softball) | Swimming & Diving |
2001-02 | P.J. Mays (Football) | Melissa Lyczkowski (Volleyball) | Women's Golf |
2000-01 | Denver Williams (Football) | Dani Brown (Softball) | |
1999-00 | Anthony Rozzo (Football) | Tamara Rudy (Volleyball) |