Riverdale, N.Y. - When you hear the phrase "student-athlete," many believe that, regardless of word order, athletics is the most important aspect. But when it comes to the College of Mount Saint Vincent's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, it's not only about what happens when the whistle blows.

Despite being a part of the college for a number of years, SAAC is excelling in all aspects this school year. The student-athletes – which includes 28 members and has at least one representative from every sport – combined for a 3.52 GPA, proving that effort isn't only showed at practice or games but in the classroom as well. "I wanted to change the mindset of student athletes," said Kate Moos, the Softball's team representative. "Being a student-athlete is a privilege and requires a well-rounded individual. I knew this program put forth its strongest efforts in shaping a strong athletic leader."

While SAAC enjoys success in the classroom, they're not only limiting homework and studying to their daily duties. They've also had a positive impact, both within the campus community and the local community, which is reflective in their Three Pillars of Focus: School Spirit, Community Service and Leadership Development.

When it comes to on campus efforts, CMSV's SAAC created The Pod Squad, a "student-exclusive section, aimed in supporting a winning atmosphere amongst the various sports teams," according to Vice President Kelly Gibison. SAAC has also formed a relationship with the school's No-Bookstore to collaborate on a "We Bleed Gold" t-shirt design that will be distributed for the remainder of the year. The group will continue to display school spirit as the second semester begins, with events such as "D3 Week" and leadership development workshops tentatively scheduled.

Similar to their time spent instilling positivity on CMSV grounds, SAAC continues to do so outside of it.

This past semester alone, the student-athletes involved with SAAC completed over 100 hours of community service while working closely with other clubs on campus, including A Moment of Magic, Trunks Together and the Sports Business Club, among others. One member has taken it a step further, as SAAC President and Men's Basketball talent Andrew Curiel created the "Be You Stay True" program, which gives self-empowerment in the youth, gives back the knowledge of life through sports and enhances the opportunities for children in the world.

Most importantly, the current SAAC staff hopes to pass their success down to the next generation of Dolphins. After representing the college with James Fitzgerald at the NCAA Leadership Development Forum, Gibison plans to "have up to 20 lower-classmen act as 'shadows' as the program develops."

Will it be a challenge for SAAC to continue their success? Sure. But if anyone is up for the challenge, it's the current crop of student-athletes that are a part of the committee.

"I am personally looking forward to see how much this program will step even further out of the box then we did this year," said Men's Volleyball representative Augustine Ameruso. "We all set goals together and we exceeded all of those goals. We all want to win, both on campus and off it."