Chapel Hill Review

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has announced its 2024-25 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Executive Board, which includes three representatives from the University of North Carolina: Will Joseph (fencing), Riley Quartermain (women's golf), and Kaimon Rucker (football).

Riley Patrick, a senior women's lacrosse student-athlete from Pitt, will serve as the Chair of the SAAC Executive Board. Assisting her will be Vice Chair Atira O'Neil from Stanford's artistic swimming team and Matthew Dennis from Wake Forest's football team, who will act as the ACC's representative to the NCAA Division I SAAC.

"SAAC - both at our respective institutions and the conference level - is a vital committee that we significantly rely on for input surrounding both league and national initiatives," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips. "ACC SAAC represents our more than 12,200 student-athletes across all 18 of our member institutions, competing in our 28 sponsored sports. The ideas, perspectives, and feedback they provide are critical as we continue to offer the very best educational and athletic opportunities within college athletics."

Jake Serra from Clemson’s men's track & field and cross country team will be the league's alternate representative to the NCAA Division I SAAC. Alyssa Andrews from Wake Forest’s women’s basketball team will serve as Communications Chair, while Azariah Rusher from Florida State’s men’s tennis team will be Community Service Chair. Jack Hoagland from SMU’s men’s swimming & diving team will serve as Governance Chair, with Rob Joseph from Miami’s track & field team taking on the role of Mental Health Subcommittee Chair.

New this year, four student-athletes have been added to ACC Standing Committees. Riley Patrick will join the Media Committee; Grace Norair from Duke’s field hockey team will serve on the Infractions & Sportsmanship Committee; Will Joseph from North Carolina’s fencing team will be part of the Nominating Committee; and Hunter Hollenback from Stanford’s swimming & diving team will join the Legislation Committee.

Each of the league's 18 schools put forward their respective ACC SAAC representatives while the Executive Board was selected based on a nomination and voting process among ACC SAAC members.

ACC SAAC representatives play an important role in bridging gaps between administrative personnel and student-athletes at their institutions and throughout the conference. The committee incorporates ideas and opinions from student-athletes into legislative decisions affecting academic and athletic pursuits. These athletes develop leadership skills by addressing changes in rules and regulations, organizing community service events, and building a positive image for collegiate athletes.

The ACC SAAC operates under principles of ethics, integrity, fairness, and respect for diversity including gender, race, ethnicity, and sport.