Salem State's McCarthy, Westfield State's McDonald Named MASCAC SAAC President, Vice-President

MASCAC Release | 2/17/2021

The MASCAC is pleased to announce the new MASCAC SAAC Executive Committee. Kelli McCarthy of Salem State is the new SAAC President and Moira McDonald of Westfield State is the Vice-President.

A Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is made up of student-athletes assembled to provide insight into the student-athlete experience on our respective campuses as well as within the Little East Conference. The SAAC also offers input into the rules, regulations and polices that affect student-athletes on their own campuses as well as at the Conference and National levels.

At the National level, there are separate National Student Athlete Advisory Committees for NCAA Divisions I, II and III. NCAA legislation mandates that all member institutions have a SAAC on their respective campuses. Further, NCAA legislation requires that all member conferences have a functioning Student Athlete Advisory Committee as well. 

McCarthy is a junior field hockey student-athlete from Salem State. She is the first-ever MASCAC SAAC President from Salem State. McDonald, a sophomore from Westfield State, competes on the women's indoor and outdoor track and field squads.  

Every year, the eight institutional SAAC submit nominees for the role of president and vice-president. Then following the December annual meeting, the schools all share their votes for the two positions. The president and vice-president are student-athletes who once they are elected assist the MASCAC Director of Media Relations in discussing topics which includes future SAAC projects, conference initiatives, community service and ways to improve SAAC. 

"I am beyond thrilled to accept this new opportunity as MASCAC SAAC President," McCarthy said. "This new role for me is a chance to be an advocate for the student-athletes within our league. I hope to be an approachable, friendly face and a voice for all the student-athletes of the MASCAC."

"Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be able to hold the position of the MASCAC SAAC Vice-President," McDonald said. "I am excited for this new role, as it means that I can be a voice for change- not only for all of the dedicated and hardworking athletes at my school, but in a bigger organization as well during these trying times. I am looking forward to working with everyone."