CVC Chat is a weekly interview series with a player from the Continental Volleyball Conference. This week we talked with Stevenson University junior Rob Wingert and how being a member of SAAC is making a difference.

Rob Wingert understands how decisions play an important role in all aspects of life; whether it was his decision to play volleyball, his decision to join Stevenson University's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), or the decisions the committee is making to help shape the college experience. Making the right choice not only affects the present but the future.

Rob made the decision to play volleyball at a young age; after being introduced to the sport during a junior high clinic.

"I first got involved in volleyball when one of my best friends invited me to a volleyball clinic. The experience of playing the sport was a great one and cemented my decision to try out for the high school team in 9th grade."

Once on the court Wingert enjoyed the various aspects of the sport, including the mental game.

"My favorite element of playing volleyball is the mental aspect of the game. People who discuss sports frequently say that playing quarterback and making the decision that comes along with it is the toughest thing to do in sports. In volleyball, as a setter, you have to make decisions in a split second, exploit the match-ups that are in your favor, while also carrying the responsibility of keeping each of your hitters happy and engaged throughout the match."

Off the court Wingert maintains his mental focus. A junior at Stevenson he is majoring in business administration with a sports management track and plans on coaching after graduation. He describes Stevenson University as a small liberal arts school with an excellent community, especially in the mircrocosm of athletics.

"Stevenson's facilities are unmatched and the support from the school is excellent. The administration, coaches, and student-athletes create an incredible environment to be a part of."

Part of creating that environment on Stevenson's campus, and all college campuses nation-wide, falls to the hands of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committees at each school.

"At the institutional level, the SAAC is a group of student-athletes who come together to discuss their views on the experience of a student-athlete at the school. In addition to sharing our views we are encouraged to support all the athletic teams at the school and reach out in the community with groups like the Special Olympics. National SAAC carries the same responsibilities, in addition to being part of the legislation process. In short SAAC gives the student-athletes an avenue to voice their concerns, opinions, and experiences."

For Wingert joining SAAC was a decision he made as a freshman. He knew that time would be limited on the court right away and wanted to make an impact on campus. After looking around he decided on joining SAAC.

"Joining the Stevenson SAAC group was a natural fit for me. It allowed me to come in and make a difference. I have been lucky enough to follow the ladder up to becoming a member of the National SAAC."

Being a member of SAAC Wingert and his peers are able to shape the culture of college athletics. From concerns to the game to assisting the community and creating a positive atmosphere for all student-athletes.

"Our main focus right now is the "It's On Us' campaign which deals with awareness and interventions surrounding sexual assault. We also are concerned with maintaining a positive experience for the student-athletes and in the most recent National Convention we discussed our stance against reduction of games of any kind."

Most recently Wingert and the Stevenson SAAC raised nearly $1,000 for the Make-A-Wish foundation through a vintage athletic gear sale. They also have scheduled a Special Olympics track and field event this spring and have begun working on a script for the "It's On Us" campaign video. Winger will be headed to NCAA headquarters in April to prepare for the SAAC legislation meeting next year.

As evident by Wingert's decisions through life; choosing to play volleyball, the decisions on the court, the decisions to join SAAC, and being a voting member of SAAC and making decisions to help shape the student-athlete experience...Wingert's collegiate experience is best summed up in a quote by John Engler "You win by working hard, making tough decisions, and building coalitions."