COLUMBUS, Ohio – Student-athlete representatives from across the Great Midwest Athletic Conference came together this week in Columbus for the 2026 Great Midwest SAAC Summit, participating in two days of leadership development, community engagement and collaboration designed to strengthen the conference's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

The annual summit provided student-athletes with opportunities to develop leadership skills, exchange ideas with peers from across the conference and discuss initiatives aimed at enhancing the student-athlete experience on their respective campuses.
The summit began with a community service event with Columbus Parks and Recreation, where student-athletes volunteered their time with over 60 local youth playing a variety of games.

“Spending time with the kids is something I genuinely look forward to every year,” said Great Midwest SAAC Chair Dominic Giacona. “Seeing their excitement while playing games and building connections reminds me how important it is to give back. As college athletes, we have the opportunity to be positive role models, and it’s very rewarding to make an impact in the community.”

Friday's activities concluded with an interactive game of Survivor, designed to challenge student-athletes through a series of team-building and leadership exercises. Working in mixed-institution teams, participants navigated strategic challenges that emphasized communication, collaboration, problem-solving and trust. The activity encouraged student-athletes to step outside their comfort zones while reinforcing the leadership skills and relationships developed throughout the summit.

Saturday began with the SAAC business meeting, where representatives participated in conference discussions, shared best practices from their campuses and explored new ways to enhance student-athlete engagement and well-being throughout the Great Midwest.

Professional development remained a central focus of the summit as attendees participated in a panel discussion featuring former Great Midwest student-athletes who shared their experiences transitioning from collegiate athletics into successful careers. Panelists discussed leadership, networking, career preparation and how lessons learned through athletics continue to shape their professional journeys.

The annual SAAC Summit serves as one of the conference's premier leadership initiatives, empowering student-athletes to become advocates for their teammates while promoting the NCAA Division II values of leadership, service and community.