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 (2020-21)
Mary Dunn
President
Elle Buffenbarger
Vice President
Emma VanZanten
Community Outreach Coordinator
Terron Taylor
Facilities Coordinator
Emma Wasielewski
Social Justice Coordinator
Sammy Dyson
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | Jake Wilson (Track & Field/XC) | Mary Dunn (Basketball) | |
| 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) |
