.png&type=webp)
University of New Hampshire Athletics
SAAC
An Overview:
The office of Student-Athlete Development exists to assist UNH student-athletes in learning and perfecting skills necessary to be successful in the classroom, on the playing field, in the university and seacoast community and in life-long endeavors. We coordinate comprehensive, sequential educational programs that enhance personal welfare and growth. In so doing, we utilize the expertise and services of many departments and organizations on campus. Included in these programs are: Health (substance use/abuse, sexually responsible behavior, sport-specific nutrition), Hazing, Diversity and Inclusion (gender, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation), Career Planning and Preparation, Financial Responsibility, Leadership and Community Service.
Student Athlete Advisory Committee: SAAC
This is a leadership group, selected by coaches and teammates, that acts as liaison between the athletic administration and student-athletes. All teams were represented this year.
The purpose of SAAC:
- To provide communication and feedback to the athletic administration regarding student-athletes' concerns, policies and procedures.
- To disseminate information from the administration, campus organizations and the conference to their coaches and teammates.
- To promote UNH Athletics in a positive way across campus, in Durham and throughout the seacoast area.
- To build "community" within the Athletic Department by involving all teams in activities, events and educational programs.
- To be a voice in the America East Conference and NCAA regarding legislation, policy and community outreach.
- To increase student body, faculty and staff attendance at athletic events by increasing athlete visibility and involvement in campus activities.
- To organize community service projects that involve all teams, collectively and individually.
SAAC Executive Board (2025-2026)
President
Football
Community and Inclusion Chair
Lacrosse
Mental Health Chair
Lacrosse
Social Media Chair
Women's Soccer
Outreach and Service Coordinator
Men's Hockey
Initiatives:
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Bench out the Stigma: Students athletes participate in competitions of benching and planking to spread awareness of mental health in college students. This event was created by Nelson Sacco-Thomas, who is a UNH alum, in 2018. | Athletes Supporting Athletes: Teams attend the competitions of other UNH teams, to foster support, encouragement and friendship among athletes and the student body. | Hoops for Hunger: Students from across the UNH campus joined our student-athletes to compete in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament to raise money and contribute canned/box food items for the local Cornucopia Food Pantry. | America East Food Frenzy: one of the many America East programs under the conference’s #3Pillars “leadership” umbrella aimed at making a difference for conference stakeholders, on league campuses and within their communities. Student Athletes collect canned foods and compete against other teams within UNH for who can collect the most cans. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Annual Coat Drive: The page linked here points you to a variety of on- and off-campus resources that are free or low cost. We cannot guarantee any of these resources will be able to provide exactly what you need but we hope it can be helpful. All enrolled students including undergraduate, graduate, international and undocumented students are eligible for Basic Needs resources and services. Below is a YouTube video of UNH Athletics speaking on 'Cat's Cupboard. UNH Athletics Speaks on 'Cat's Cupboard |
Strong Girls United: UNH Athletics partners with Strong Girls United, a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower girls and women to be strong, confident, and resilient through sports, mentorship, and mental health programming. Above is women's soccer wearing these bright pink shirts for warm-up and on the bench during the game. A group of girls were walked out with the starting line-up and staying after for autographs from the team. | America East Spread Respect: Raises awareness to ensure equality and safety for all student-athletes, coaches and fans without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. |
Trivi-Unite: Student athletes come together and make teams and participate in trivia, while covering subjects such as, mental health and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) |