Six years ago, Steve Spencer stepped into the role of advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at Cal State East Bay with a clear purpose: to amplify the student-athlete voice and foster a stronger sense of community. Today, that vision has not only taken root but flourished, thanks to a passionate and motivated Executive Board that has elevated SAAC's impact to new heights under Spencer's watch.

This year's SAAC Executive Board is a testament to growth and innovation. Traditionally, the board consisted of four positions - President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. But Spencer and his team recognized that leadership opportunities shouldn't be limited to a handful of student-athletes. Over time, they expanded the structure, creating roles for those eager to contribute. The result? A nine-member Executive Board, including three Vice Presidents, each overseeing distinct areas of responsibility.

"The expanded [Executive Board] has really helped ease the burden," Spencer explains. "These student-athletes are ridiculously busy as it is, so spreading out the workload allows everyone to thrive."

This evolution reflects a broader cultural shift within SAAC: inclusivity and empowerment. Students aren't just filling positions. They're shaping initiatives, driving engagement, and leaving a legacy for future boards.

For Spencer, leadership isn't about doing the work for them, it's about guiding and supporting while ensuring students take ownership. "If they want something to happen, they have to get it done," he says. "Abbey [Briggs] and I will advise and help when needed, but at the end of the day, they need to take the initiative."

This hands-on approach transforms SAAC into a real-world leadership lab. From running meetings and creating agendas to marketing events and communicating across campus, student-athletes gain invaluable experience that prepares them for life beyond sports and Cal State East Bay.

And professional development doesn't stop at East Bay. Conferences and workshops provide SAAC members with opportunities to network, learn, and lead on a larger stage. Spencer recalls taking Derek Murphy and Sierra Morris to the NCAA SAAC Super Region Conference:

"They completely jumped out of their comfort zone - speaking up, leading group meetings, engaging in workshops on mental health, inclusion, and life after the game. I saw major growth from both of them."

These experiences, Spencer notes, are transformative. "Not only is it great development professionally, but it's fun! Being surrounded by other athletes from different institutions can be incredibly motivating."

At its core, SAAC exists to advocate for student-athletes and enhance their experience. At East Bay, that mission translates into action: social events that unite teams, campaigns like Pios Supporting Pios to boost game attendance, and community service initiatives that make a tangible difference.

The most recent community service event was this year's Holiday Toy Drive, in partnership with the Hayward Fire Department, which became a resounding success as nearly 450 new toys were collected for local families in need. In the spring, SAAC will turn its attention to food insecurity with a campus-wide drive supporting the HOPE Pantry.

What does it take to lead in SAAC? "They need to want to be there. We're not going to beg anyone to be involved," Spencer says. "These are the student-athlete leaders - the voice of the people. Once they understand the responsibility, they dig in and go to work." This year marks a turning point for SAAC at Cal State East Bay - a blend of tradition and innovation, fueled by student-athletes who refuse to settle for the status quo. Under Spencer's guidance, the committee continues to grow not just in size, but in impact, proving that when student voices lead, the entire community benefits.