2025-26 SoCon Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Executive Board and Roster of Representatives Announced

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference (SoCon) is proud to announce its Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representatives and executive board for the 2025–26 academic year. These student-athletes have been selected to serve as the voice of their peers, promoting leadership, community engagement, and the student-athlete experience across the conference. 

The newly elected Executive Board members will lead SAAC initiatives throughout the year, fostering collaboration and championing the values of inclusion, service, and student-athlete empowerment across the Southern Conference. The 2025-26 executive officers are:  

Ally Cordes – Chair, Samford University 

Julie Galie – Vice Chair, Furman University  

Salem Ward – Secretary, University of North Carolina at Greensboro 

Gabby Rodriguez – Director of Communications, East Tennessee State University  

SAAC representatives play a vital role in shaping conference policies, organizing service initiatives, and fostering communication between student-athletes and campus administrators. Each member is nominated by their institution and represents a diverse range of sports and backgrounds. 

The 2025–26 SoCon SAAC roster includes 26 student-athletes from all 10 member institutions: 

The Citadel – Jet Galbreath (WRES) and Sadie Grove (WXC/TF) 

East Tennessee State University – Gabriella Rodriguez (WTF) 

Furman University – Caleb Williams (FB), Julie Galie (WSOC), Macy Hitchcock (WTEN)  

Mercer University – Katie Scheck (WGOLF) and Braeden Carlsen (MBB) 

University of North Carolina at Greensboro – Salem Ward (SFB), Ben Salter (MSOC), Elle Burnette (WGOLF), Luke Jenkins (BSB), Spencer Connick (MXC/TF)  

Samford University – Ally Cordes (VB) and Alyssa Tarpley (WBB) 

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – Ella Grace Dillard (WSOC) and Corina Vale (BVB*) 

Virginia Military Institute – Ray Cmil (WRES), Ryan Vigil (WRES), Stephen Dean (FB), Val Tonnu (SWIM*), Tyrel Dobson (FB) 

Western Carolina University- Emma Soucy (WSOC) and Landey Green (WXC/TF) 

Wofford College – Mia Flor (WBB) and Ben Jordan (MGOLF) 

These representatives will meet throughout the year to discuss key issues affecting student-athletes, including mental health, academic support, legislation, and community service.