Introduction

The Babson College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has emerged as a driving force for both athletic and community engagement, uniting student-athletes from across campus and strengthening bonds with the local community. With new leadership and ambitious goals for the current academic year, Babson SAAC is redefining what it means to be a student-athlete—on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.
"Babson SAAC is a cornerstone of our athletics community," said Pamela P. and Brian M. Barefoot Associate Vice President for Athletics and Athletics Advancement Mike Lynch. "SAAC's commitment to service, leadership, and innovation truly embodies what it means to be a Babson student-athlete. I am continually inspired by the energy and vision our SAAC leaders bring to campus—whether they're launching new partnerships, organizing community service initiatives, or creating opportunities for athletes to connect and grow."

Leadership with Vision

The 2025-26 leadership team, comprised of co-presidents Will Hayes (baseball), Will Holland (men's ice hockey), and Alex Michelotti (field hockey), brings unique perspectives and energy to SAAC. Their experiences as student-athletes and committee members have shaped the group's direction and inspired its members.
"I joined SAAC during my freshman year with a recommendation from my older teammates," said Michelotti. "Since then, I have remained involved in planning the student-athlete formal sophomore year and working with the wellness committee junior year. I looked up to Ellie Powers, last year's co-president and my teammate, and her committee as they focused on increasing the involvement and impact of SAAC at Babson and I wanted to continue their progress."

Goals and Initiatives for 2025-26

This year, SAAC's goals are intentionally broken down by semester to maximize impact and engagement. In the fall, the committee was focused on bringing in multiple speakers for student-athletes, launching a partnership with Brilliant Pathways, and surpassing last year's food drive in families fed. Spring initiatives include expanding community service both on and off campus and creating events that foster connections among all Babson student-athletes.
"What is going to make this year successful, and already has been, is the great group of student-athletes we meet every other week," added Michelotti. "Everyone has been super involved in their role and contributes to every event and conversation. Having student-athletes from all grades and sports brings a unique perspective to our group."

Expanding Community Impact

For Holland, SAAC's core mission is rooted in service. "SAAC at its core serves as an opportunity for student-athletes to support the community, both on campus and in the local area. I joined SAAC as a freshman because I wanted to give back to the community and people that had given me the opportunity to be a collegiate student-athlete."
"Being in a leadership role, I get to help build on the great work done in past years by former members while also guide the vision for the future of the committee. We are looking to continue to expand our reach and hope that this year's initiatives are both impactful and lasting. With the hard work and passion of our SAAC team members, we are confident that we can continue to be a driving force in the community."

Connecting Athletes and Creating Opportunities

Hayes reflects on his journey. "I've been a student-athlete at Babson for three years and joined SAAC last year to work with student-athletes beyond my own team. Even on a small campus it can be hard to connect, and SAAC gave me a space to do that. As a member of the student-athlete formal and the media team, I saw how much impact the group can have. There's been a real push to reimagine what SAAC means on campus, and that momentum drew me in initially and back in. When the chance to help lead came up, I jumped at it."

Signature Events and Engagement

SAAC's calendar is packed with events designed to increase engagement, build community, and support meaningful causes. Key events this year have and will include:

• Ice Cream Social (9/17): Kickoff event to bring athletes together.
• Back to Babson Weekend (10/4): Athlete-parent engagement and campus tours led by SAAC members.
• Thanksgiving Food Drive (November): A major community service initiative focused on feeding families.

• National Girls and Women in Sports Day (2/4): Celebrating diversity and inclusion in athletics.
• D3 Week (4/6 – 4/12): Promoting Division III athletics and school spirit.
• Special Olympics (4/12): Strengthening partnerships and providing support for local athletes.
• Athlete Formal (March/April): Social event to bring student-athletes together.

Committees and Collaboration

SAAC operates through several dedicated committees, including Media and Engagement, Special Olympics, Food Drive, Brilliant Pathways, and the Community Impact Team. These groups are responsible for planning, promoting, and executing events, as well as generating innovative ideas to enhance the student-athlete experience. The committee structure encourages leadership development, teamwork, and cross-sport collaboration.

Brilliant Pathways Partnership

This year marks the launch of a partnership with Brilliant Pathways and the College For Every Student (CFES) Program. The initiative aims to break down barriers to higher education and mentor underprivileged students, drawing inspiration from similar programs at peer institutions. "We want to set up a relationship with this program that can last beyond this year," the leadership team emphasizes.

Speaker Series: Learning Beyond the Field

One of the highlights of the year is the SAAC Speaker Series, bringing in business professionals, athletic alumni, sports psychologists, and nutritionists to share insights and advice. This initiative is designed to foster personal growth, career development, and life skills for Babson's student-athletes.
"We are also launching a professional speaker series, so athletes grow beyond the field," said Hayes. "We're focused on three fronts: representing every team, deepening community service, and supporting career development. If a student-athlete takes something from each area, that's a win that will keep building this year and far beyond."

Innovation and New Ideas

Innovation is central to SAAC's approach, with new ideas surfacing each semester. The committee is exploring more pop-up events, mental health initiatives, cultural fairs, student-athlete social nights, and expanded support for local businesses. These efforts are designed to make the student-athlete experience at Babson more inclusive, dynamic, and rewarding.

Conclusion: A Community United

Babson's SAAC is more than just a committee—it's a community of leaders, collaborators, and changemakers. As Will Hayes, Will Holland, and Alex Michelotti guide the group, their shared vision is clear: to represent every student-athlete, deepen community service, and support growth beyond sports. With strong leadership, committed members, and a vibrant calendar of events, SAAC is poised to leave a lasting impact on Babson and its surrounding community.
"At Babson, we believe in empowering our student-athletes to be innovators, leaders, and champions both on and off the field," said Lynch. "SAAC's work is a testament to that mission. Their efforts not only strengthen our campus culture, but also extend Babson's impact into the local community and beyond. I am proud to support SAAC and look forward to seeing the lasting difference they will make this year and in the future."