Leadership, collaboration and competition are fueling a new wave of student-athlete engagement at Lakeland University. 

On a campus where nearly three-fourths of students are athletes, Lakeland University’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has a major impact. SAAC was reintroduced during the 2024-25 academic year and has gained momentum through increased involvement and the full launch of the Muskie Bowl competition. 

The Muskie Bowl began as a pilot program in Spring 2025 and is now a year-round initiative promoting academic and athletic excellence. Teams earn points through their GPA, athletic awards, community service and supporting other teams at sporting events.  

“The Muskie Bowl motivates student-athletes to excel both in their sport and in the classroom,” said Hannah Nelson, SAAC advisor and assistant softball coach. “It’s helped increase attendance and support across programs.” 

SAAC Vice President Kaylee Hunt said the competition has strengthened connections among athletes. “It’s a great way to encourage competition while building community,” Hunt said. “The main goal is to drive support to each other and show pride in being Muskies.” 

Beyond the Muskie Bowl, SAAC has grown to focus on more than competition while becoming the bridge between sports and the student experience. The organization emphasizes community involvement, game entertainment and social media engagement. These areas are supported by three committees that work to strengthen connections across campus and in the community. 

“SAAC works to foster a positive and inclusive environment by promoting communication, organizing community service efforts and addressing issues that enhance the overall student-athlete experience,” Nelson said. “We’re working hard to grow at the institutional, conference and national level, and we appreciate all the support we can get.” 

Recently, SAAC launched “The Fish Tank,” a VIP-style student section at football games that will expand to other sports. Designed to promote student engagement at home events, it’s another example of the group’s growing impact on game day. 

SAAC also continues to prioritize community outreach. The group is leading “Cans Across the Conference,” a food drive competition among conference schools to support local food banks. Donations will benefit the Sheboygan County Food Bank through Nov. 22. 

Involvement in SAAC offers more than just campus engagement as reflected by Jacie Jones, social media committee leader and senior softball player. “Being involved in SAAC gives athletes a chance to have their voices heard and make real changes.” 

President Katelyn Kitsembel and Secretary Emily Hansen both play key roles in leading SAAC and continuing its growth across campus. Kitsembel said she has seen SAAC grow from almost nonexistent to a team of student-athletes who want to positively impact the campus. As president, her goal is to make sure every athlete feels heard. “SAAC acts as a bridge between student-athletes and the athletic administration,” she said. 

Hansen backed Kitsembel saying she’s proud of how far SAAC has come in the past year, especially campus involvement. “We’re running more programs and doing more community outreach,” she said. “It’s really important for us to build long-lasting connections so Lakeland SAAC can continue to grow and make a difference.”

The biggest message is that if you want to see change, get involved. Everyone is welcome. Hansen emphasized, “We’re all athletes, SAAC gives everyone a sense of belonging.” 

To get involved, email Hannah Nelson at [email protected] or President Katelyn Kitsembel at [email protected] for more information. 

Follow @lumuskiessaac1 on Instagram for continued updates regarding involvement and the Muskie Bowl.