Aug. 17, 2006

I would like to serve on the National SAAC because I feel that I truly understand the vast challenges facing student athletes today. I understand the hard work, dedication and discipline required to maintain the delicate balance between athletics and school work. Each and every college athlete has more demanded of them then an average student, and I feel that I can represent the needs of my fellow athletes.

I also realize that being a college athlete is a privilege and I feel that as representatives of our respective colleges and universities it is important to give back through community service. I believe that SAAC has great potential for organizing and leading such services. Student athletes and their behavior greatly impacts the institution's image. SAAC has the ability to help ensure that this image is a positive one, that the given institutions and communities can be proud of.

Coming from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, I recognize the problems facing athletic departments and athletic teams from smaller schools, in respect to competing with larger, more highly funded programs. It is important that a representative be well aware of the issues facing the smaller colleges in order to be an effective representative.

The main reason I want to serve on the NCAA SAAC is that college sports has been such a major part of my college experience and I feel that I can make a valuable contribution as a representative. I have served as the Men's Soccer team SAAC representative at Siena College since my freshman year and have enjoyed it immensely. It would be an honor to serve on the National SAAC.