McCool Voted As NCAA D-II SAAC Chair, Member Of NCAA Management Council

Ashland University junior Rachel McCool continues her rapid rise in NCAA Division II leadership.
 
The Eagle women's soccer defender/midfielder has gone from joining the national D-II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in January of 2025, to the committee's External Communications Coordinator in October, to, at the recent 2026 NCAA Convention, being voted as national D-II SAAC Chair and a member of the NCAA Management Council.
 
"When I came to Ashland, I did not anticipate being so involved with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee," McCool said. "I am so beyond pleased. I am honestly so stoked. I'm very happy. I am very, very excited.
 
"It's an honor to be elected to serve as the NCAA DII National SAAC Chair. I'm excited to continue the work that has been established by the previous National SAAC Chair, Avery Hellmuth, and I look forward to being a voice for all student-athletes and to build a stronger future in DII athletics."
 
Ashland Director of Athletics Al King noted this is a first-ever position nationally for the Eagle athletic department.
 
"Rachel McCool is a true pioneer," King said. "She's the first Ashland University student-athlete to sit on Management Council and be the National Chair for SAAC. Rachel is stepping into the role of being a voice and a presence on the national level. Not everyone will accept these challenges. She's poised, intelligent and driven to succeed.
 
"I was incredibly proud to see Rachel speak in the G-MAC meeting last week in Washington and then on the floor of the NCAA Division II business session. She was outstanding. Thanks to SAAC advisors Elizabeth Hoge and Annie Roshak and women's soccer coach Cayleb Paulino for helping her along in this journey."
 
Said Great Midwest Athletic Conference Commissioner Tom Daeger, "Rachel has embraced her role with the NCAA Division II National SAAC with great enthusiasm and engagement, and the Great Midwest Athletic Conference is proud to see her selected for the prestigious role of National SAAC President. The committee has an important role in supporting the student-athlete voice on matters of great importance in the association, evident by their impact on the most recent Division II business session. Rachel will do an outstanding job in this new role and we are so fortunate to have her representing Ashland and the G-MAC, not only as the National SAAC President, but also in her accompanying role on the NCAA Division II Management Council."

The Management Council reports directly to the Executive Board and is charged with recommending administrative policy and regulations that govern the division. The council also adopts noncontroversial and intent-based amendments, administrative bylaws and regulations to govern Division II. Additionally, the council is authorized to sponsor legislative proposals for a vote at the annual NCAA Convention; take final action on matters delegated to it by the Executive Board; and review and act on the recommendations of the Division II committee structure and the recommendations of committees with Association-wide functions.
 
McCool, who has played 35 career games for the Eagles, was elected to a one-year term. She noted how all of this came about last week – after discussing the possibility previously with King and Hoge.
 
"Our previous SAAC chair, Avery Hellmuth, has been an exceptional leader, but she was rolling off National SAAC, and I wanted to continue her work even after she left. I was happy to accept nominations for the position, and be elected for Chair and Management Council."
 
McCool will continue to have the opportunity to represent the student-athlete voice at a national level, and will be in a position to vote at the 2027 NCAA Convention – what she called an "insane honor."
 
"This opportunity gives me the space to have conversations with people who can make big decisions, who have a lot of power, and are heavily involved in college athletics," she said. "Being able to sit down and share the student-athlete perspective at the Division II level, is critical and I am more than excited to be able to continue having those honest conversations.
 
"Al has really emphasized his excitement and has expressed how proud he is of me. It has never happened before. I was able to get my foot in the door when I was a sub for the G-MAC Summit over the summer, and really get involved with representing the student-athlete voice. It has been an honor to represent Ashland and say, "I am a soccer student-athlete from Ashland University."
 
Said Hoge, "We are so proud of Rachel and all that she is accomplishing during her time with SAAC.  She has grown into a wonderful leader and showcases Ashland University at its highest level. She will do a fantastic job not only representing Ashland, but also the G-MAC and all D-II student-athletes."