Soccer: Minton Named to NCAA Division I SAAC Committee

LAFAYETTE, La. – Ragin’ Cajuns senior soccer player Melissa Minton has been selected by the NCAA as the Sun Belt Conference’s representative on the Division I National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) the league announced on Monday.
Minton’s two-year appointment began on July 1 and she will have the option to serve the full two years of the term if she chooses despite entering her senior season this upcoming year. Student-athletes may serve on the committee up to one year after their intercollegiate athletics eligibility is exhausted.
“It’s Obvious that Melissa can multi task very well,” head coach Scot Wieland said. “She has proven to handle many hats and has worn them very well. Melissa has been a great ambassador for our University and soccer program, she loves what she does and she loves her school!”
“Juggling academics, soccer, wearing the Miss UL crown this year and representing not only our university for SAAC but the Sun Belt Conference Nationally takes a special person, not just anyone can do that! We are very proud of Melissa and she will represent us very well!”
The Lake Charles, La. native was one of five Cajuns to play in all 20 games in 2011 and equaled a team-high with 19 starts. The midfielder finished third on the squad with nine points, including three goals and three assists during the year. Minton was second on the team with 14 shots on goal and took the majority of the Cajuns corner kicks with a total of 56.
The Division I SAAC consists of one student-athlete from each of the 31 Division I conferences and reports directly to the Leadership Council. The mission of the DI SAAC is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete well-being, and fostering a positive student-athlete image.
Service on the DI SAAC involves attending three in-person meetings a year (July, November and January), as well as participating on a number of conference calls throughout the year. The January meeting is held in conjunction with the NCAA National Convention, giving the SAAC an opportunity to interact directly with college athletics leaders.
–Ragin’ Cajuns–

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Cory Weigel
Sports Information Assistant
University of Louisiana

Cox Communications Athletics Center
201 Reinhardt Drive
Lafayette, LA 70506

Office: (337) 482-6329
Cell: (317) 658-2898
E-mail: cnw6247@louisiana.edu
www.ragincajuns.com