Composed of representatives from the university's varsity athletics teams, SAAC works to strengthen communication between student-athletes, coaches and administrators while promoting leadership, sportsmanship, community engagement and the NCAA Division III philosophy.

SAAC also provides student-athletes with opportunities to make a meaningful impact beyond competition through campus activities, community service initiatives and charitable efforts.

Our Mission

The mission of SJBK SAAC is to enhance the overall student-athlete experience by fostering an inclusive and supportive athletics environment, encouraging leadership and personal development, and promoting service to the university and surrounding Brooklyn community.

Through collaboration and active involvement, the committee strives to:

  • Represent the interests and perspectives of SJBK student-athletes.

  • Strengthen relationships among the university's athletics teams and the broader campus community.

  • Promote sportsmanship, leadership and student-athlete well-being.

  • Organize and participate in community service and charitable initiatives.

  • Encourage student-athlete involvement in matters affecting their collegiate experience.

SAAC Leadership and Representatives

2026–27 Executive Board
Brielle Nelson
Softball		 Noah Gray
Men's Cross Country; Basketball		 Anna Makarouna
Women's Volleyball		 Daniel Popovitch
Baseball		 Jill Conroy
Associate Director of Athletics
President Vice President Secretary + Social Chair Treasurer Advisor

Community Involvement and Initiatives

Community service and campus engagement have been integral parts of SJBK SAAC since its founding.

Through volunteer opportunities, fundraising activities, awareness campaigns and university-sponsored events, members are encouraged to make a positive impact both on campus and throughout the surrounding community.

These initiatives also provide opportunities for student-athletes from different teams to collaborate, develop leadership skills and build relationships beyond their respective sports.

Our History

Established in 2009, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at St. Joseph's Brooklyn began with a group of student-athletes committed to establishing a stronger voice within the university's athletics community.

During its inaugural year, members formed an executive board, drafted a constitution and began organizing initiatives to support fellow student-athletes and the local community. By September 2010, the committee had grown to more than 30 members.

Among its earliest efforts was participation in the university's annual Get to the Point 5K Run in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, which supported youth athletics through St. Stanislaus' Athletic League.

The committee also organized fundraising activities in response to the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti and supported cancer awareness initiatives, including charitable efforts at basketball and softball contests.

These early projects helped establish a tradition of service and student-athlete leadership that remains central to the committee's mission.

NCAA Division III and SAAC

As an NCAA Division III institution, St. Joseph's Brooklyn recognizes the importance of balancing academic achievement, athletics participation, personal development and community involvement.

SAAC provides student-athletes with a collective voice in discussions concerning their collegiate experience while reinforcing the values of NCAA Division III athletics.

For more information, visit the NCAA Division III website.

Get Involved

Student-athletes interested in becoming involved with SAAC, participating in committee initiatives or sharing suggestions are encouraged to contact their team's SAAC representative or the committee's faculty/staff advisor.