HPU's Bailey Farmer named National Associate SAAC Representative

April 9, 2021 at 9:58 am Derrick Stuckly

Howard Payne junior women’s golfer Bailey Farmer (Alvin, Texas) has been selected to serve as an associate member of the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representing the student-athletes of the American Southwest Conference (ASC) and Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC).

Megan Koch from Colorado College will be the main representative on the SAAC for the SCAC and ASC.

Farmer replaces UT Dallas baseball player Isaiah Swann, who served as the main SAAC representative, was on the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sport and the initial NCAA Advisory Panel for Coronavirus. Farmer’s term lasts until January 2023.

“I am very thankful for this opportunity to be an associate SAAC representative for the American Southwest Conference,” said Farmer. “It is wonderful to be able to help advance the student-athlete experience for my school, the conference, and for student-athletes throughout the NCAA. I’m excited to see where it leads me and all of the things I’ll be able to learn for my future career in college athletics. “

Farmer, a Communications major, has been a member of the Delta Chi Rho and the Yellow Jacket newspaper staff at HPU. She has been on the Howard Payne SAAC for two years, including Vice President, and has worked as an intern in the Yellow Jacket athletic department. Farmer also attended the 2019 NCAA Convention in Anaheim, Calif.

“We are excited for Bailey and the opportunity to engage all our student-athletes in discussions on issues that directly impact the students attending and looking to attend our institutions,” said Amy Carlton, ASC commissioner.

The 23-member Student-Athlete Advisory Committee 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.

SAAC is also 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 – and conducts teleconferences as needed.