SAN MARCOS, Calif. – Cal State San Marcos men’s soccer student-athlete Corbin Thaete has been appointed as the CCAA’s national representative on the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, serving through January 2024.
“First, I want to thank Madison Schiller (Cal State East Bay) for all the great work she has put in over the past two years representing the CCAA at the national level,” CCAA Commissioner Mitch Cox said. “Being a national SAAC rep takes a real commitment in both time and energy, but the benefits are also tremendous. Speaking for all of our schools, we thank Madison for her devotion and efforts. I am looking forward to working with Corbin and am confident he will continue to provide the student-athletes of the CCAA with a strong voice as we move forward.”
A sophomore defender from Yorba Linda, Thaete is CSUSM’s first ever NCAA SAAC representative. As a freshman in 2019, Thaete played in all 16 games for the Cougars and led the team in minutes played. He ended the season with one goal, one assist and three points. His success on the field also translates into the classroom as the computer science major sports a 3.83 grade-point average.
“I am honored to serve as the CCAA representative for the NCAA DII SAAC.,” Thaete said. “As I begin my term, I will work hard to ensure that I am an inclusive voice of all student-athletes, while upholding the integrity of the NCAA. I would like to thank CSUSM, the CCAA and the NCAA for the opportunity to serve in this role.”
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) 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.
Representatives are responsible for gathering feedback and reporting on behalf of their conference, as well as relaying important events, hot topics and educational information to both the campus and conference levels. In addition to relaying information across campuses and conferences, the committee speaks on behalf of the entire Division II student-athlete body throughout the NCAA governance structure.
Division II SAAC members serve as voting members on a number of Division II committees, including the Management Council. The SAAC also has voting authority during the Division II Business Session at the annual NCAA Convention.
“This is a well-earned and well-deserved honor for Corbin,” CSUSM Men’s Soccer Head Coach Ron Pulvers said. “He is at the top of a long list of high character student-athletes I have coached over the 25 years. He is incredibly humble, dedicated, loyal and possesses a tireless work ethic. His character traits will serve the NCAA well and will represent CSUSM with class and integrity.”
The Division II SAAC is composed of 28 members, including representatives from each of the 23 Division II multisport voting conferences, one representative of Division II independent institutions, two at-large representatives, and two members of the Management Council. The two members of the Management Council and one member of the Presidents Council serve as ex-officio and nonvoting members.
“I am so proud of Corbin and his selection to serve on the NCAA DII Student-Athlete Advisory Committee,” CSUSM Director of Athletics Jennifer Milo said. “Corbin will be an excellent representative from the CCAA and CSUSM. Corbin is the true definition of a student-athlete and will service his term with professionalism, advocacy, integrity, and a high work ethic.”
