Unexpected Application Takes Piedmont Student Paige Kluba to the NCAA National Student Athlete Advisory Council

When Paige Kluba applied to join the NCAA National Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), she did not know she was. 

“I thought I was applying for our conference SAAC,” Paige says, referring to the advisory group for the Collegiate Conference of the South. Instead, her application went to the national level — and was accepted. She became one of only 42 representatives from Division III schools across the country to join the National SAAC, a group whose purpose is to consult with NCAA officials on life as a student athlete and potential policy changes.

The confusion did not stem from a lack of ambition; Paige’s list of accomplishments demonstrates her commitment to excellence. As a sports communication and mass communication double major, plans to graduate early and pursue a Master of Business Administration degree. She plays on Piedmont’s women’s soccer team. She’s the editor-in-chief of The Roar, Piedmont’s student-run newspaper. Before she ever joined SAAC, the NCAA had already featured her work on “Why DIII” stories, in which athletes at Division III schools explained their college decision.

Paige’s own decision to go DIII was an unexpected one; both her parents had participated in DI sports in college, and she had intentions to do the same. That was until she toured Piedmont and knew she had found her perfect fit. The close-knit community and personal attention Piedmont provides, she says, made all the difference.

Part of Paige’s on-campus community is her coach, Timmy McCormack. He was the one who encouraged her to apply to SAAC. 

“Paige not only has the courage to speak on issues surrounding the student-athlete experience, but she also has the ability to communicate eloquently and effectively with a group,” said Coach McCormack.

Another of Paige’s coaches, Stephanie Lamm, had high praises for her as well: “I always use her as an example to our recruits of how successful you can be here… She truly embodies what being a student athlete is.”

The experience in SAAC, Paige reports, is fantastic. She has made new friends who despite diverse backgrounds bond over their shared experience as student athletes. She and other representatives have attended conferences, sports events, and even conga danced together through a Nashville convention center.

One memory in particular stands out for Paige. The SAAC members participated in a vote on whether to approve women’s wrestling as an official NCAA sport. Paige was thrilled to be present as the sport was approved with a 100% yes vote. 

“As a female athlete and someone interested in sports communication, that was really important to me,” she says.

Paige’s interest in sports communication guides her future plans. Due to a recent rule change, she and her class of representatives rolled off SAAC this summer. However, she is interested in re-applying for the position so she can continue networking and improving the lives of student athletes. 

“The NCAA really listens to our concerns and lets us make a difference,” she says. “I’d like to keep make a difference.”

To learn more about Piedmont’s soccer program, visit piedmontlions.com.