Newbury’s Amy Chen Selected to Represent NECC on the NCAA Division III National SAAC
ATTLEBORO, Mass. -- Newbury College sophomore student-athlete Amy Chen (Chelmsford, Mass.) was chosen the New England Collegiate Conference's (NECC) representative as a member of the NCAA Division III National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The appointment was announced this week by NECC Commissioner Del Malloy.
"I am extremely honored to be chosen to the National SAAC," stated Chen. "Being able to listen and give my opinions along with my fellow student-athlete's opinions should help better the athletic departments on our campuses. I feel getting involved will help our student-athlete welfare and the NECC SAAC."
The mission of the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity for all student-athletes; protecting student-athlete welfare; and fostering a positive student-athlete image, while maintaining the tenants of the Division III philosophy.
"I am delighted that Amy has been selected to represent the New England Collegiate Conference as a member of the NCAA Division III National SAAC," said Commissioner Malloy. "This committee is very influential in developing proposals and offering their support to other proposals that are in the best interest of Student-Athletes across the Division. This will be a great opportunity for Amy to continue to develop her leadership skills while meeting many new and interesting people within the athletics community."
Chen, who is a two-sport athlete for the Nighthawks, is in her second season playing both volleyball and women's basketball. She is currently the Vice President of Newbury's SAAC. Chen is a communications major with an emphasis in Radio Broadcasting. She hopes to become on-air talent for a popular radio-station for her future career goal.
"Amy has been a leader since the day she walked into Newbury," stated Assistant Athletic Director and Head Women's Basketball Coach Katie Greene. "On both the volleyball and basketball courts, in the classroom, in SAAC events and overall Amy is a positive role model for not just her teammates but the entire community she comes in contact with. I have no doubt that Amy will represent herself, Newbury and the entire NECC in a positive and professional manner while generating great ideas for SAAC with her inclusive leadership skills."
Chen feels this opportunity will able her to branch out to other student-athletes nationally while getting to know people. She hopes that the knowledge she will gain by being a member of the NCAA Division III National SAAC will better prepare her for her future.
"I am currently the captain of the volleyball team as an underclassman, "said Chen. " And with playing two sports, being a member of the Newbury SAAC and getting involved in campus and communities activities; I can become the voice of the student-athlete with my involvement."
"The Newbury College community is very excited and proud of Amy and her selection to National SAAC," said Newbury Athletic Director Peter Centola. "She is a terrific athlete, great student and overall natural leader for all to follow and we are very confident that she will be a positive representative for both the NECC and Newbury College."
