(EDITOR'S NOTE:  This is a first-hand account of Megan Shadrick's trip to the SAAC Super Region Convention in Anaheim two weeks ago.  Megan is a second year Business Administration (MHR) major on the women's track and field team.  She is currently the Vice President of SAAC at Cal Poly Pomona, and will step in as the President of SAAC next year.)

I was invited to -- and attended -- the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Super Region Convention in Anaheim from April 8th to the 10th. The convention was held by the NCAA Division II SAAC E-Board and Staff with five different conferences in attendance (including the CCAA). Most schools brought one to two SAAC representatives with maybe an advisor, but I attended alone representing CPP. Their mission is to enhance the student-athlete voice to ensure the total student-athlete experience. We heard from a variety of speakers, most being student athletes when they attended college. They spoke on issues regarding life after athletics, mental health, diversity and inclusion, student-athlete voice, etc.

Other than listening to speakers, participating in activities, and learning valuable lessons, the majority of the convention consisted of different planning project sessions with each conference. We were told to develop different projects and campaigns based of the topics of 1) enhancing the student-athlete voice, and 2) mental health. By the end of the convention, the CCAA conference had decided to create a conference-wide SAAC E-Board. When discussing our ideas, we realized that each campus within the CCAA is experiencing similar issues within athletics, and we wanted to form some type of unity and way to communicate with each other once we leave the convention.

The CCAA SAAC E-Board will consist of at least two advisors from any of the schools and two SAAC representatives, one fall sport athlete and one spring sport athlete. Our first meeting will be held before the end of this semester, and our first goal is to create, develop, and execute a CCAA SAAC Mental Health Campaign beginning in the fall of 2022. Some schools, such as Cal Poly Humboldt and Chico State, have already held different mental health events on their campuses and we will be following their lead as we plan for the campaign.

I have taken away many things from this convention. I have learned the power and voice we have as athletes as well as the meaning and importance behind the SAAC on each of our campuses. I also brought back many ideas, plans, and connections that CPP can take advantage of to improve our athletic department. Using my newfound skills, knowledge, and position within the CCAA SAAC E-Board, I hope to accomplish the goals set by the NCAA Division II SAAC. And, as the incoming president of SAAC at CPP, I plan to build a foundation within the organization and turn SAAC into something the student-athletes on campus want to be a part of and see themselves succeeding in.