Besides camaraderie between teammates, there are many aspects that help make an athlete feel more active in the overall community. One organization on Winthrop‘s campus focuses on teaching athletes more about improving themselves and giving back while they attend Winthrop.
From Nov. 5 to Nov. 9, the Student Athlete Advisory Council worked together with the athletic teams at Winthrop University to hold a fundraiser for people affected by Hurricane Florence during the Cross Country sporting events.
SAAC have worked on several community projects in York County with student athletes throughout the years at Winthrop University. Compliance and Student Services Coordinator Valerie Dunlap discussed how the goals of the SAAC are to encourage their students through academics and promoting sportsmanship, and to additionally promote civic engagement and leadership skills.
“[One of the goals of the SAAC is to] enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare and fostering a positive student-athlete image,” said Dunlap.
While not a member of the SAAC, Winthrop athlete Kelsey Ballou is knowledgeable on the SAAC’s work on communicating with student-athletes.
“Every year, there are two people elected on [the] SAAC. Basically they try to bridge the gap between Winthrop athletes,” said Ballou.
During the month of October, the SAAC participated in an early fundraiser during one of the Cross Country conferences to assist in efforts to help those who were affected by Hurricane Florence.
“SAAC participated in the Big South Conference’s Hurricane Relief month and raised $515 for the American Red Cross” said Dunlap.
For November, the SAAC decided to give back to those affected by the hurricane through incorporating the Winthrop Cross Country Team, having athletes and students donate new or spare running shoes.
“We all have running shoes, so the SAAC thought if we donate shoes we don’t use, we could do something from our sport and give back [to the Rock Hill Community]” said Ballou.
One of the inspirations and processes that inspired this fundraiser was Winthrop hosting the NCAA Southeast Cross Country Regional competition at Winthrop Farm on Nov. 9.
“As the hosts of the NCAA Southeast Cross Country Regional, SAAC wanted to find a way to incorporate community service into the event,” said Dunlap
