Neumann University volleyball player Ariana Pena has been selected to serve on the NCAA Division III National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), representing the Atlantic East Conference.

She is one of 24 students in the country chosen for this committee.

At the national level, the SAAC provides student-athletes with opportunities to review and vote on legislation (NCAA bylaws) and gives them a voice on student-athlete issues. The committee meets four times each year in January, April, July, and November in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“Issues such as social and racial injustices, inclusion, and mental health are only a few of the issues plaguing our generation,” says Pena, “and now I have the power to speak up for voices that need to be heard that are often silenced. During the next two years, I hope to learn from this experience and be able to make a positive contribution to my community.”

Pena first got involved with the SAAC at Neumann during her freshman year as a member of the women’s volleyball team. The junior was named to the Atlantic East Second Team All-Conference for the 2019 season and earned All-Academic honors for two seasons as a pre-physical therapy and athletic training major.

The Atlantic East Conference includes colleges in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Delaware: Cabrini University, Gwynedd Mercy University, Immaculata University, Marymount University, Marywood University, Neumann University, and Wesley College.

According to Chuck Sack, Neumann’s director of athletics, Pena was chosen to serve on the committee due to her even-keeled disposition, level-headedness, and her ability to be consistent and authentic in her interactions with her teammates and athletic department staff.

“I am extremely proud of Ariana for being selected to the NCAA SAAC,” says Atlantic East Commissioner Jessica Huntley. “It is a great honor and privilege to be part of a highly selective national committee and represent the Division III student-athlete voice. I am confident Ariana will do a fantastic job on this committee representing the student-athletes voices around the Atlantic East Conference.”

Pena’s term on the committee will begin January 17, 2021, and continue through January 31, 2023.

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