NASHVILLE, TN - Five Oneonta students recently attended the annual NCAA Convention held in Nashville from Jan. 14-17. Oneonta Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President and SUNYAC SAAC Vice President of Communications Owen Siegel (Liberty, N.Y./Liberty) (senior, men's soccer), SUNYAC SAAC Vice President of Legislation Callie Stinson (Alexandria, VA/West Potomac) (senior, women's swim & dive), and SUNYAC SAAC Vice President of Community Engagement Molly Miller (Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenendehowa) (junior, field hockey) were the three student-athletes to attend. Additionally, Oneonta sport management seniors Ison Wakazadi and Vanessa Danso also accompanied the group.

"A typical day started with going to a delegate's breakfast with all representatives from Division III athletics," opened Stinson. "From there, we could attend meetings about various topics (NIL, NCAA impact at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, social media influence on student-athletes, and current topics in women's sports). At the end of the day, there was a larger ceremony that anyone could attend (Opening and Welcome ceremony, Women of the Year, and LGBQT Athlete of the Year)."

The Convention includes all levels of NCAA institutions and provides a platform for networking, sharing best practices, and fostering a sense of community among the attendees. Various legislation is voted upon, and participants can attend discussions, lectures, and workshops based on their interests. 

"It was exciting to hear the different perspectives from other students from all over the country," continued Stinson. "We could hear each other's issues and develop solutions that worked at our institutions." 

Throughout the week, each had opportunities to learn more about the happenings at the NCAA level, attending meetings that discussed issues on a national level.

"This is my second year going to the convention, and I enjoyed it so much!" said Miller. "All the people you meet are so incredible, and you never know who will be able to help you in the future. I also got multiple LinkedIn contacts through fellow athletes and professionals there." 

The Convention also serves as a networking opportunity for students wanting to work in athletics. Through group activities and workshops, students can enhance their communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Wakazadi accompanied the SUNYAC SAAC E-Board, and it was his first time at the NCAA Convention. "My favorite part of the trip was going to the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) mixer," said Wakazadi. "Getting to meet people who represent me and my background in the same field as me, learning how they got there was extremely rewarding." 

Danso received the opportunity to gain insights to enhance her personal and professional growth through the NCAA Immersion Program. "My favorite part of the trip was attending the MOAA reception," stated Danso. "Although it was a bit nerve-wracking at first to be surrounded by many professionals within the sports industry. It was a great experience because I had the opportunity to connect with them, listen to their firsthand insights, and receive valuable advice."  

Oneonta Athletics and the SUNYAC provide the opportunity to attend this event, and not just for student-athletes.

"SAAC is a wonderful organization to be a part of, especially with all the opportunities it offers," concluded Miller. "I recommend taking advantage of all the opportunities you get."  

Oneonta SAAC President Siegel said, "I want to thank the SUNYAC Commissioner Tom DiCamillo for hosting us and always being extremely hospitable. I am also grateful to have been a part of SAAC and SUNYAC SAAC during my time at Oneonta. I highly encourage young student-athletes to participate in SAAC because it has opened many doors for me and has been such a rewarding experience."

Given the critical role that SAAC plays at the NCAA Division III level, the Oneonta administration was honored and proud to send five excellent student-athletes to the annual Convention.

"I couldn't have been prouder of SUNY Oneonta's presence at the NCAA Convention this past January," said director of athletics Ryan Hooper. "Having five students in attendance is a true testament to the opportunities that SUNY Oneonta and the NCAA can provide those willing to take advantage of them. The experiences that these students had will be invaluable as they continue to grow as professionals. I know there are some wonderful things ahead for all of them."

About the Student Immersion Program

In 2015, at the recommendation of the Division III Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, the Division III governance staff and the NCAA Office of Inclusion partnered on a new program that brought 40 ethnic minority students to the NCAA Convention. The selected students are fully funded to attend the Convention, and they are exposed to Division III, its members, and its governance process. In addition to the scheduled Division III programming, grant recipients receive DiSC training and attend welcome and debrief meetings. The goal is to build a pipeline of talented ethnic minority candidates interested in Division III coaching and/or administration to diversify the division.

The Division III Student Immersion Program is held annually in conjunction with the NCAA Convention. Ethnic minority students, preferably juniors and seniors, with a strong interest in a career in Division III athletics (coaching and/or administration) are encouraged to apply.