DETROIT (8/4/2025) -- The fall sports season is almost here and today, the University of Detroit Mercy announced its student-athlete leadership with the 2025-26 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Executive Board.
Serving as Co-Presidents of this year's board will be junior Jaxson Stephen from cross country and track and field, and senior Ayva Schmalz, also from cross country and track and field, while softball senior Elyssa Adams will be the Vice President.
Below is the full Executive Board:
- Co-Presidents: Jaxson Stephen, Men's Track & Field/Cross Country
- Co-Presidents: Ayva Schmalz, Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
- Vice President: Elyssa Adams, Softball
- Secretary: Alyssa Jarvis, Women's Lacrosse
- Community Service Chair: Abby Fifield, Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
- Horizon League SAAC Representative: Colin Monroe, Men's Soccer
- Horizon League SAAC Representative: Gabriella Tapp, Women's Golf
- Student Government Association Chair: Brigita Sumskas, Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
- Social Media Chair: Gabriella Tapp, Women's Golf
- Titan Club: Ayva Schmalz, Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
SAAC seeks to bring student-athletes together to offer insight, improvements and goal setting while enrolled at the University of Detroit Mercy. Representatives from each team discuss University and NCAA rules, regulations, and policies that affect their everyday lives on campus. They are a direct link between the University of Detroit Mercy student-athletes and the administration. The members of the University of Detroit Mercy SAAC are considered to be leaders among the student-athletes and the campus community. The main focus for discussion consists of 5 areas or pillars of student-athlete life. They include Academic Excellence, Athletic Success, Servant Leadership, Culture and Well-Being.
SAAC representatives are the voice for their team. Not only is their personal opinion shared, but that of the team is taken into consideration while in collaborative discussions. Meetings are held on a monthly basis and are open to all interested student-athletes. There is no limit on the number of representatives for each team as wide-spread participation is welcome! SAAC is advised by members of the Student Services unit and works collectively with all of the coaches and administration.
