Columbia News

Mizzou Athletics has announced the members and leadership positions for the 2025-26 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The committee is focused on improving the student-athlete experience at the university.

SAAC meets every two weeks during the academic year, providing a platform for student-athletes to discuss concerns, advocate for their peers, and encourage unity among athletic programs. The group also holds seats in both the Missouri Students Association Senate and the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee to communicate updates from student-athletes.

For 2025-26, SAAC will focus on three main priorities: encouraging athletes to reflect on their motivations, increasing engagement within athletics and the wider community, and promoting inclusivity across all sports. The committee is also working on mental health advocacy. Elise Tisler from gymnastics will represent Missouri in a university-wide mental health initiative in collaboration with Mizzou's Mental Health unit.

The executive team for this year includes President Addie Dobson (Women's Golf), Vice President Jarrett Stoner (Wrestling), SEC Coordinator Addison Lawrence (Gymnastics), Secretary Morgan Schaefer (Soccer), and Treasurer Grace Davis (Gymnastics).

"I am so excited to step into this role this year," Dobson said. "I have an incredible executive board, and with their support, we are ready to put our vision for SAAC into action. Serving as secretary last year gave me a firsthand look at how much of a difference SAAC can make in the student-athlete experience. We hope to make sure every student-athlete feels heard, supported, and proud to represent their team and the Mizzou community."

Stoner commented on SAAC's goals: "Everyone in SAAC this year is super excited about this upcoming year as we set our eyes on having success in every realm of college athletics," he said. "Just this last year, our athletic department gave back in the form of community service a lot, and I mean a lot. Across all Division I programs, we finished 12th in the country in community service hours… Another accomplishment we had last year was our record-setting fall and spring GPAs, at 3.44 and 3.4 across all sports. This shows the commitment our athletic department has to excellence in every aspect of being a student-athlete. This is my first year on the SAAC executive board and I am ecstatic at the opportunity to work with an amazing group of athletes through this new world of athletics."

SAAC consists of two or three representatives from each varsity program who act as liaisons between athletes, campus administrators, and staff; vote on conference or NCAA legislation; and help organize development initiatives for student-athletes.

Representatives from wrestling include Aeodon Sinclair and Jarrett Stoner.