The development of leadership skills is a significant aspect of all athletic experiences. The Department of Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation (PEAR) supports two groups of student leaders, which are known both around the department and the College as a whole. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Student Athlete Mentors (SAMs) focus on the student-athlete experience rather than on athletic performance. 

SAAC advocates for the student-athlete experience, promoting inclusivity, well-being, and a one-team mentality in Grinnell varsity athletics and the NCAA. The group aims to engage with the greater Grinnell community through outreach and service, including partnerships with Special Olympics of Iowa, Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA), and local schools. SAAC is comprised of representatives from each of Grinnell's varsity athletic teams, creating a diverse community of student-athlete leaders representing Grinnell athletics. Additionally, Grinnell SAAC joins with other institutions to be the student-athlete voice in NCAA governance; the group reviews, discusses, and votes on Division III legislative proposals annually.  

This year, SAAC is striving to: 

• Expand event offerings at athletic competitions to encourage attendance and foster excitement as our teams compete at home 
• Strengthen community partnerships with Special Olympics, MICA, and local schools, while identifying new ways to involve Grinnell student-athletes in the community 
• Celebrate the commitment and passion of Grinnell student-athletes through events such as Division III Week and by continuously growing our social media presence (Instagram: @gcsaac) to highlight the amazing things student-athletes are doing in their sports and beyond 

The mission of SAMs is to connect academic, athletic, and personal resources on campus. SAMs members are trained to provide initial mental health interventions and to act as a support system for athletic teams, helping to resolve intra-team conflicts and to build community among Grinnell College athletic teams. Each sports team has at least one SAM member with knowledge of Grinnell College's resources and training to provide initial information for their teammates in relation to mental health, conflict resolution, and holistic support. The SAMs goals for the 2024–25 year are below: 

• Foster positive and meaningful relationships among student-athletes across all sports, in collaboration with the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) 
• Emphasize the promotion of healthy habits through the use of Grinnell resources  
• Create a more collaborative environment among coaches, captains, and athletic staff to ensure positive team culture 
• Host a campus-wide Harris party to express the inclusivity that athletics fosters  

Student leaders for SAAC are Sara Booher '25 and Neill Natori '25, while Lane Kohler '25, Jane Markovitz '26, and Andrew Kozhaya '25 direct SAMs.