CSAC holds Spring SAAC Retreat
2022 CSAC SAAC Retreat Photo Gallery
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – For the first time in two years, the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) held its Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Spring Retreat at the SureStay Plus Hotel in Bethlehem, Pa. from March 26-27, 2022. The retreat had been held virtually in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two representatives from each of the core members of the CSAC participated in the two-day event.
“Providing space for student-athletes to connect with each other was a huge benefit, not only for the CSAC, but also the development of each campus SAAC and student-athlete representatives”, said CSAC Commissioner Marie Stroman. "In just 24 hours I saw student-athletes open up and make important contributions to planning initiatives supporting Special Olympics, Division III Week, and the Division III Mental Health Social Media Campaign."
The retreat started with student-athletes participating in the Special Olympics Polar Pop, aided by members of the Special Olympics Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region. The Polar Pop is the virtual version of the Polar Plunge, in which student-athletes pop a water balloon over their head. All monies raised go to the Special Olympics.
SAAC members participated in improv training with Improvolution out of New York City. Two members of Improvolution – who were former Division III student-athletes – led the group in 90 minutes of exciting improv games, including an activity where they were asked to use “Yes, And” in place of “Yes, But”. The improv training emphasized skills used as a student-athlete leader: positive leadership, listening without an agenda, communication, flexibility and pivoting, trusting ideas and instincts, and collaboration.
On Sunday, student-athletes heard from Dan Trolaro of EPIC Risk Management about the harms of gambling, and Josh Ercole of Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA about resources that are available to those who are vulnerable to gambling problems. As part of the NCAA's longstanding commitment to protect student-athlete well-being and the integrity of college athletics, the Association is working with EPIC Risk Management to provide a comprehensive gambling harm and student-athlete protection educational program for its members.
The student-athletes also talked about recently-passed NCAA legislation, issues facing student-athletes and brainstormed on different CSAC items. To close the retreat, the leadership for the 2022-23 academic year was selected. Kolby Bills (Cairn University) was elected president, KryJuan Roberson (Keystone College) was elected vice president, and Averee Radonovich (Notre Dame of Maryland University) was elected secretary.
"I am proud of the work, discussion and commitment that was put forth at our CSAC SAAC Retreat for the year of 2022," said Bills. "During our time together, we shared what each of our individual schools SAAC are doing, as well as what we would like our vision to be for the next academic year! I look forward to the continued work that continues to be displayed by each of the student representatives!"