WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ashland University junior soccer standout Rachel McCool has been elected as the National Chair for the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The election took place during the 2026 NCAA Convention held mid-January in Washington, D.C.
In addition to her role as National Chair, McCool will serve as the primary SAAC representative on the NCAA Division II Management Council. In this dual capacity, she will act as a pivotal voice for thousands of Division II student-athletes, participating directly in the governance and policy-making processes that shape the future of collegiate athletics.
During the convention, McCool took her advocacy beyond the boardroom. She joined a select group of student-athlete leaders on a trip to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress. Their discussions focused on the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act, a critical piece of federal legislation aimed at establishing a uniform national standard for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and protecting student-athlete rights.
"Rachel has embraced her role with the NCAA Division II National SAAC with great enthusiasm and engagement, and the Great Midwest Athletic Conference is proud to see her selected for the prestigious role of National SAAC President," said Great Midwest Athletic Conference Commissioner Tom Daeger. "The committee has an important role in supporting the student-athlete voice on matters of great importance in the association, evident by their impact on the most recent Division II business session. Rachel will do an outstanding job in this new role and we are so fortunate to have her representing Ashland and the G-MAC, not only as the National SAAC President, but also in her accompanying role on the NCAA Division II Management Council. "
McCool, a defender for the Eagles and a native of Lebanon, Ohio, has long been a leader on campus, previously serving as the Community Service Chair for Ashland’s campus SAAC before being selected as the G-MAC's national SAAC representative. During her time on National SAAC, McCool has been a part of various subcommittes and was recently elected as External Media Coordinator in October before this election cycle.
"It's an honor to be elected to serve as the NCAA DII National SAAC Chair," said McCool. "I am excited to continue the work that has been established by the previous National SAAC Chair, Avery Hellmuth. I look forward to being a voice for all student-athletes and to build a stronger future in DII athletics."
As National SAAC Chair, McCool’s term will involve overseeing national initiatives focused on student-athlete mental health, diversity and inclusion, and legislative feedback, ensuring that the student-athlete experience remains at the heart of the NCAA’s mission.
About NCAA Division II SAAC: The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) serves as the primary gateway for student-athletes to participate in the NCAA governance structure. The committee is composed of representatives from each Division II multisport conference and provides feedback on proposed legislation and other issues of importance to student-athletes.