MCMINNVILLE, OR- The Student-Athlete Advisory Council has consistently produced popular events on campus for the sports community. For example, the CATSPY’s have been one of the most popular annual events that Linfield puts on.

One thing that the new co-presidents, Noah Cutting and Molly Danielson, have very strongly encouraged the SAAC advisors to stress to their teams is not only campus outreach, but community outreach. Creating events that not only get students involved, but the members of the McMinnville community. Thus, creating a more positive image for Linfield’s student-athletes and student body.

Co-President, Noah Cutting, understands the importance of improving community outreach. He says, “it is an area of improvement for SAAC to get our student-athletes more involved in local organizations, in the hopes that Linfield can start developing strong relationships with the city of McMinnville”.

With so many athletic teams on campus, SAAC decided to pair each of these teams up in order to distribute the work load and give more opportunity for each team to get involved. Each pair of teams is set to work on their own projects with some local organizations to make a greater impact in our local community.

With the recent departure of Amy Dames-Smith, the SAAC office has been actively seeking her replacement. For recent weeks, head women’s basketball coach, Casey Bunn-Wilson has been serving as the interim SAAC Officer. As of October 21, Linfield has brought on Jane Samuels as the new NCAA Compliance Officer as well as the new SAAC Officer to replace Casey Bunn-Wilson of her interim duties.

Samuels, a California-Berkley graduate, is eager to contribute her own touches to the college’s broad-based NCAA Division III student-athlete offerings. She adds, “I’m looking forward to partnering across campus to continue developing Linfield’s diversity and equity efforts. Linfield has a strong history of success in academics and athletics, which has fostered deep community ties over the decades”. With her strong ability to connect with people and student orientation, SAAC will be in good hands in the coming years.