MOBILE, Ala. – South Alabama's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) announced its Executive Board for the 2026-27 academic year on Thursday.
Senior Sarah Gooch of the volleyball team will serve as SAAC president, with junior softball player Presley Lively as vice president. These two student-athletes return to the executive staff after a successful 2025-26 academic year in which South Alabama earned its 17th Vic Bubas Cup.
President Gooch had this to say about her vision for SAAC, "My goal for SAAC this year is to create a strong connection between student-athletes and push for greater involvement on our campus and the Mobile community. SAAC is a place where every student-athlete will feel heard, supported and represented. I know South Alabama has a strong presence within the Sun Belt and the NCAA, and I hope to continue building on that foundation and growing our impact."
The remainder of the executive board comprises student-athletes who serve as four chairs that focus on segments prominent to SAAC's objectives: Alyssa Stevens (Soccer), Campus Engagement Chair; Aroa Mangas (Women's Basketball), Community Engagement Chair; Allison Carabin (Soccer), External Communications Chair; and Deborah Orianegbena (Women's Basketball), Legislation Chair.
SAAC is a student-led service organization created to provide leadership opportunities for student-athletes who desire to make an impact beyond intercollegiate competition. The organization promotes the betterment of student-athletes throughout the athletics department, the campus, the Mobile community, the Sun Belt Conference, and the National Collegiate Athletics Association. The following priorities are the foundation for South Alabama SAAC:
- Provide a forum for student-athletes to share ideas on how to augment the student-athlete experience,
- Represent the student-athlete voice in discussions within the athletic department, University, and sport governing body leadership, and
- Establish initiatives to encourage student-athlete participation in campus and community service.
For campus or community engagement ideas, reach out to Ty Singletary, SAAC Advisor.
2026-27 SAAC REPRESENTATIVES:
Sarah Gooch, Volleyball
Anabelle Cerny, Volleyball
Deren Yigin, Men's Tennis
Victor Frumholz, Men's Tennis
Cole Haygood, Men's Golf
Mason Crowder, Men's Golf
Alyssa Stevens, Soccer
Allison Carabin, Soccer
Ava Matherne, Soccer
Aroa Mangas, Women's Basketball
Deborah Orianegbena, Women's Basketball
Cam Golston, Women's Basketball
Daniela Palmeros, Women's Golf
Katelyn Foster, Women's Golf
Mose Piper, Track & Field
Charleen Elizando, Track & Field
Presleigh Montalvo, Track & Field
Presley Lively, Softball
Frankie Andujo, Softball
Carsyn Waldrop, Dance
Trinity Lofton, Dance
Ava Rath, Women's Tennis
Duncan Mathews, Baseball
Rhett Johnson, Baseball
Brennen Wright, Baseball
Baxter Turner, Football
Taylor Jacobs, Football
Artem Korchagin Jr., Football
Perry Hand, Football
Hailey Gauff, Cheer
Joseph Hellwege, Cheer
Caroline Crigger, Cheer
Samuel Shoptaw, Men's Basketball
Peyton Law, Men's Basketball
FOLLOW THE JAGS:
For more information about South Alabama SAAC, follow the Jags on social media @South_SAAC (Instagram) or visit the South Alabama SAAC page at usajaguars.com.
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