North STL News

The University of Missouri–St. Louis Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has reported an active fall semester, with events aimed at building community, encouraging service, and developing leadership among student-athletes.

One of the main events was the Yard Game Bash, which saw over 130 student-athletes participate in games such as cornhole and spikeball. Ryan Canaan and Ayden Cline won the Cornhole Championship, while Jake Hamilton and Miles Boland secured the Spikeball title. The event focused on teamwork and unity within UMSL athletics.

In October, SAAC organized a donation drive for HavenHouse STL, collecting more than 300 essential items during home soccer and softball games to support families traveling to St. Louis for medical care. Later that month, SAAC held a Movie Night and Service Project where participants made dog toys for the APA Adoption Center in Brentwood.

Vice President Emir Mustajbegovic said, "I believe every athlete should be involved with SAAC because it is the first outlet for the student-athlete voice. I'm involved to help create a better student-athlete experience for myself and for others around me."

SAAC’s objectives this year include raising $2,000 through fundraising efforts, ensuring full attendance at legislative meetings, and increasing opportunities for leadership development.

President Natalie Scott stated, "SAAC is a great way to build leadership skills, meet new people, and strengthen our athletic community."

Both Scott and Mustajbegovic discussed their participation in last spring's NCAA SAAC Super Region Conference. They described it as an "eye-opening experience" that broadened their perspective on SAAC’s national impact.

Mustajbegovic added: "Meeting with SAAC representatives from around the country allowed us to learn new ways to focus our energy and time."

UMSL’s SAAC continues its work across campus by promoting service initiatives and providing a platform for student-athletes’ voices within collegiate athletics.