CAA SAAC Leadership Summit Gets Underway On Thursday
Rob Washburn
RICHMOND, Va. (June 11, 2026) – The CAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will conduct its annual Leadership Summit from June 11-13 in Richmond, Va.
The meeting includes 25 student-athletes representing all 13 CAA institutions along with an administrator from each school and members of the conference staff.
Summit participants will have the opportunity to share ideas and concerns related to their student-athlete experience and provide input on a variety of conference and national issues.
Providing the keynote address on Thursday evening will be Alexis Hornbuckle, a two-time NCAA and WNBA champion who has transformed the lessons of the court into a proven playbook for leadership excellence. As a Mental Performance Strategist and founder of The E.L.I.T.E. Signature Program, she helps athletes, executives, and teams master the mindset required for consistent, high-level performance.
On Friday, the CAA student-athletes will volunteer at a sports and STEM camp for children at the Boys & Girls Club in Richmond. They will also film a public service announcement that will air on telecasts of CAA sporting events during the 2026-27 season.
CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio will address the group as part of their business session on Saturday morning.
Leadership Summit Participants
Caitlyn Boucher, Campbell (Women’s Soccer)
Sophie Cowart, Campbell (Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field)
Ellie Stewart, Charleston (Women’s Soccer)
Jason Foutz, Drexel (Wrestling)
Katie O’Donnell, Drexel (Women’s Rowing)
Teagan Baulsir, Elon (Softball)
JP Quigley, Elon (Men’s Soccer)
Robert Mitchell, Hampton (Men’s Lacrosse)
Morgan Pruitt, Hampton (Women’s Track & Field)
Gemma D’Orazio, Hofstra (Softball)
Chelsea Villar, Hofstra (Softball)
Delaney Nadeau, Monmouth (Women’s Golf)
Sarah Scheidel, Monmouth (Women’s Rowing)
Darrionna Howard, North Carolina A&T (Women’s Basketball)
Phinnell Marshall, North Carolina A&T (Football)
Alexis Faieta, UNCW (Women’s Golf)
Jack Haywood, UNCW (Men’s Swimming & Diving)
Julia Puccio, Northeastern (Field Hockey)
Ryan Williams, Northeastern (Men’s Basketball)
Mia Palladino, Stony Brook (Women’s Tennis)
Eva Sprewell, Stony Brook (Women’s Soccer)
Seth Hampton, Towson (Football)
Piper Slocum, Towson (Gymnastics)
Brady Echols, William & Mary (Football/Track & Field)
Emma West, William & Mary (Women’s Basketball)