TYLER, TEXAS – The UT Tyler Student Athlete Advisory Committee plays a major role on campus and in the community, helping with various humanitarian projects throughout the year along with being the student-athlete voice within the NCAA.
SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee) helps to promote communication between administration and student-athletes, generate a student-athlete voice within campus and the athletic department, organize community service efforts, solicit student-athlete responses to proposed conference and NCAA legislation, and promote a positive student-athlete image on their respective campus.
UT Tyler's SAAC includes two members from each sport, and they participate in monthly meetings to discuss the latest legislation in the conference and NCAA, organize their next community service efforts, and begin planning their next engagement opportunities around campus.
"Leading SAAC has been an incredibly rewarding experience," said UT Tyler SAAC president Amber Withers. "Being a part of an organization that serves as the voice of student-athletes and creates opportunities for connection, service, and leadership is something I'm really proud of. SAAC brings together athletes from every team, so I've been able to collaborate with people who have different perspectives but the same commitment to improving our campus and community."
UT Tyler SAAC representatives have already played major roles in the UT Tyler Camp for a Cause (helping raise over $8,000 for central Texas flood relief), Student Athlete Kick Off, Fall Fest, Trunk or Treat, and bell ringing for the Salvation Army, with many more activities scheduled for the remainder of the 2025-26 academic year.
"Every event brings its own energy and purpose, but the most enjoyable part has been seeing how our efforts bring people together," Withers said. Whether it's engaging with kids at trunk-or-treat, supporting families during camp for a cause, or building excitement at the student-athlete kickoff, every event allows us to step outside of our own teams and be part of something bigger.
The best part is knowing that we're making real connections with the community. Seeing kids light up, watching students come together, or hearing appreciation from families makes all the planning and teamwork worth it. It's awesome to know that SAAC plays a major role in creating these moments and representing our athletic department in such a positive way."
UT Tyler SAAC continues to focus on building the relationships not just within athletics, but across campus with all student organizations. Plans for next semester include collaborating with other student groups to create spaces where the entire student body can come together and highlighting the accomplishments of student-athletes in the classroom and in competition.
