Eastern Nazarene’s Kyera Bryant Appointed to NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.- Eastern Nazarene College sophomore Kyera Bryant (Guilford, Conn.) has been appointed to the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Her term of service will begin at the close of the January 2016 NCAA Convention and will continue through the January 2019 NCAA Convention.
Bryant is a member of the Eastern Nazarene College women's soccer team and is majoring in biology with a minor in music. She is the first student-athlete from Eastern Nazarene College to serve on the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
"I'm really excited about this great opportunity to represent not just my team but a much larger group. When the opportunity arose, I immediately knew this was something that I wanted to shoot for. I love being in front of big groups of people and I am passionate about serving as an advocate for those whose voices might not be heard," stated Bryant.
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) represents the Division III student-athlete voice in the Division III governance structure by reviewing legislation; identifying significant student-athlete issues; implementing national student-athlete based initiatives; encouraging community outreach; and enhancing Division III student-athlete involvement in and understanding of Division III in general. The SAAC is also the committee that is primarily responsible for maintaining and coordinating the division's nationwide partnership with Special Olympics.
The committee meets in-person four times each year in January, April, July and November in Indianapolis, Indiana at the NCAA National Offices and at the NCAA Convention host cities.
The 43 conferences which comprise NCAA Division III as well as the Independents are paired up and alternate appointing a representative to the committee. The Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) is partnered with the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC).
Bryant replaces Westfield State field hockey and softball player Kelsey Carpenter as the delegate from the CCC and MASCAC.
What they are saying:
Mackenzie Arment, ENC Head Women's Soccer Coach
"Kyera is a fantastic example of what it means to be a student-athlete. She is involved in nearly everything that goes on around ENC and is continually looking for more ways to get involved and serve others. She is a fantastic representative of Eastern Nazarene College."
Sacha Santimano, ENC Head Women's Basketball Coach & SAAC Advisor
"I'm really proud of Kyera for stepping up and accepting this position. She will have the ability to really shine with her leadership skills and work ethic. I am excited for her to start this journey."
Brad Zarges, Eastern Nazarene Director of Athletics
"Watching Kyera transition from being a fiercely competitive defender on the soccer field to loving on local children that she works with at ENC's Campus Kinderhaus is but one example of the incredible contributions she makes to our school. These attributes, and many more, will be useful tools in this role on the DIII National SAAC. I am excited for Kyera, Eastern Nazarene, and the Commonwealth Coast Conference to have such an excellent representative and advocate for student athletes."
Dr. Corlis McGee, Eastern Nazarene College President
"The critically important voice of student-athletes within the Division III model is evident. The contributions of Division III National SAAC members at previous conventions has been impressive. I am excited for Kyera and for Eastern Nazarene College with her addition to the committee, but more importantly, I am confident that she will be an excellent representative for all student-athletes across Division III."
Jeff Kirksey, ENC Vice President for Student Development and Retention
"ENC is proud to have Kyera representing our institution and the Commonwealth Coast Conference on the NCAA Division III SAAC. She is a tremendous asset to our College community on the field, in the classroom, and throughout campus. It has been a blessing to be a part of her growth and we are excited to see her thrive in this new endeavor. We are confident she will be a valuable contributor to Division III dialogues."
Gregg Kaye, Commonwealth Coast Conference Commissioner
"I am absolutely delighted with the announcement that Kyera Bryant will be representing the Commonwealth Coast Conference on the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. National SAAC is one of the most important committees in the Division III governance structure as the 22 student-athletes on Division III SAAC are the voice of more than 111,000 student-athletes from 450 prestigious colleges and universities in the NCAA's largest division. Division III has long prided itself in providing student-athletes a seat at the table, and I am certain that Kyera's dedication, passion and leadership will enhance what is already a shining collection of the finest student-athletes that Division III has to offer. As an incoming National SAAC member, Kyera can expect to enjoy one of the most valuable experiences that will enhance her education at Eastern Nazarene College."