The Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) elected new leadership during its NCAA Convention meeting this week in Indianapolis. Wiley Cain, Kentucky Wesleyan College and Great Midwest Athletic Conference SAAC President, has been elected Chair of National Division II SAAC on Friday. Cain also previously served on the NCAA Committee of Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports this past year.
“This is an amazing honor,” commented Wiley Cain. “Since I rolled on to the National Committee, I have been impressed by the leadership who have guided us forward in turbulent times. To be able to carry on that legacy during another monumental year in the NCAA’s history is an opportunity I will cherish and throw myself into completely. The Student-Athlete has a bigger voice now than ever before and we are on the National Committee are committed to representing and utilizing that voice for the betterment of every NCAA athlete.”
Cain has served as the G-MAC President since his freshman season, 2020. He also was elected Wesleyan SAAC President this season. Cain has held a SAAC leadership position on campus since arriving to Wesleyan, previously serving as Vice President and SAAC Executive Officer.
“We are in a time where history is being made every day. I am excited to represent the voice of over 123,000 student-athletes during the momentous changes and progress that will be made in 2022,” Cain continued. “Our new SAAC executive board is comprised of a diverse and powerful group of student-athletes who are committed to being effective advocates and starting this new era for the NCAA in the best possible manner.”
On the committee for Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, Cain provided the student-athlete perspectives on health and safety issues pertaining to collegiate athletes. As National Chair he will now represent SAAC in public engagements as well as lead meetings. In addition, he will also serve as a voting delegate for the National SAAC at the 2023 NCAA Business Session. His term will end after the 2023 Convention.
“Today is not only a great day to be a Panther, but a great day to be a Division II student-athlete,” said Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Internal Operations and Kentucky Wesleyan SAAC sponsor Gregory Richard. “Each of our 123,000 plus DII student-athletes are better with Wiley’s leadership. There is nobody better to speak on their behalf.”
A native of Eubank, Kentucky, Cain is a three-year member of the Kentucky Wesleyan football team. The junior is majoring in Biology on the Pre-Med track while double minoring in Chemistry and Business. He received the sport’s inaugural G-MAC Elite 23 Award for his excellence in the classroom during the 2020-21 academic year.
“We are proud and excited for Wiley to serve in the Chair role of the National SAAC,” said Great Midwest Commissioner Tom Daeger. “While participating in the National SAAC, Wiley has also been serving as the President of the Great Midwest SAAC and has provided tremendous service to his fellow student-athletes in the role. I look forward to seeing him similarly excel in this new opportunity and I am thankful to him for his willingness to serve.”
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee serves as the primary governance arm representing student-athlete interests in Division II affairs. SAAC members serve as student-athlete liaisons that monitor and discuss happenings on campuses, within conference and at the national level.
