The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announces the members of the 2020-21 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). This year, 11 new members will join the SAAC, teaming with the 11 returning members who served as juniors last year. The SAAC is comprised of two student-athlete representatives from each of the 11 sections in New York State.

This year’s representatives from Section XI are Carlie Cutinella from Shoreham-Wading River and Benjamin Glazebnik from Half Hollow Hills East.

During the 2019-20 school year, the committee continued to promote the NYSPHSAA Mental Health Awareness Week and focused additional efforts on student-athletes mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The SAAC also provided input in the expansion of NYSPHSAA Coaches Appreciation Day and Officials Appreciation Day. Members also presented a statement against teen vaping to the NYSPHSAA Safety Committee which will be discussed further this fall.  This year the committee will continue to promote the mental health initiative. In addition, the SAAC will continue to provide feedback on Executive and Central Committee proposals.  A total of 95 student-athletes applied to be members of this year’s SAAC.

“It’s always exciting to welcome the new members and the returning members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee”, said Dr. Robert Zayas NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “Hearing from students directly about issues they face and using their input to try and help bridge the gap between students and adults is key to our associations growth. We congratulate the members of the SAAC on their selection to this committee and look forward to their ideas and contributions during the upcoming school year.”

The SAAC will meet four times via videoconference during the school year. The first meeting will take place Sunday, September 20.