SAAC Brings USF Athletes

Athletics
Published: 12/01/25

Attend a USF athletic event this year and you might notice a difference—bigger energy, louder cheers, more high fives and a palpable sense of community among student-athletes. It’s not just the thrill of competition. It’s the result of a renewed focus on elevating the student-athlete experience, led by USF’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and a spirited initiative known as the Coo Cup Challenge.

Launched last year as a pilot program, the Coo Cup Challenge encourages friendly competition among all 18 USF athletic teams. 

The goal? To foster camaraderie, boost attendance at sporting events and inspire student-athletes to serve their campus and community. This fall the challenge has evolved, transforming the culture of support across Cougar Athletics.

“Last year was our test run,” says Meghan Jochimsen, co-president of SAAC and USF Softball player. “This year it feels like the Coo Cup Challenge is really taking off. The race to earn points is fun and creates unity among all student-athletes. When other teams show up to cheer us on, the noise and excitement makes a difference.”

Building Community Through Competition

The Coo Cup Challenge operates on a point system, awarding teams for attending each other’s events, participating in service projects and achieving academic and athletic success. It’s a simple concept with powerful results. Last year, the women’s basketball team claimed the inaugural Coo Cup title – and the competition is heating up this season.

“The Challenge is such a great way to incorporate Culture for Service,” says Meghan. “It’s rewarding to organize service events when you know people are willing and excited to be involved.”

This year, SAAC set its sights on a major service goal: adopting a wish for a child through Make-A-Wish® South Dakota. The $10,000 fundraiser kicked off during the football team’s homecoming game against Augustana University on October 4. With competitions between quarters, donation tables and a “Pass the Bucket” challenge, fans from both teams were invited to give generously in a friendly rivalry to see which fan base could raise the most money.

Insert fundraising results here once available.

More fundraising events are planned throughout the year, with hopes of presenting the wish to a child next spring. For SAAC, it’s not just about raising money—it’s about reflecting the heart of USF’s mission.

Service That Resonates

In 2024, SAAC members completed 1,215 service hours across the Sioux Falls community. Their outreach included partnerships with:

  • Feeding South Dakota
  • Laura B. Anderson Elementary School
  • Lifescape
  • Make-A-Wish® South Dakota
  • Project Warm-Up
  • Sanford Children’s Hospital
  • Sioux Falls Youth Sports and Sports Authority
  • Special Olympics South Dakota
  • St. Francis House
  • The Banquet
  • YMCA

Whether it’s tying blankets, crafting Christmas cards for hospitalized children or hosting a Trunk-or-Treat event, student-athletes show up with heart and humility. 

“Giving back is important at USF,” Meghan explains. “It’s a great way to show our Cougar pride.”

The 2025-26 SAAC initiatives include:

  • Mental Health Awareness
  • “It’s a Slam Dunk – Don’t Drink and Drive”
  • Life after College
  • Wellness & Belonging
  • “Game of the Month” home game focus

A Positive Experience 

SAAC’s leadership structure includes two representatives from each sport, elected by teammates or appointed by coaches. These student-athletes serve as the voice of their teams, advocating for policies, organizing events and fostering collaboration.

The current leadership team includes:

  • Meghan Jochimsen, co-president (softball)
  • Logan Anderson, co-president (baseball)
  • Brinley Green, vice president (wrestling)

All three attend regional or national SAAC conferences, gaining insight from other universities and bringing fresh ideas back to USF. Logan’s involvement last year led to his selection for the prestigious NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum, where he joined the top .03% of student-athletes nationwide.

“It was one of the most impactful things I’ve ever done,” Logan says. “The experience changed my perspective on my career path and gave me a whole new vision for my life.”

The senior criminal justice and psychology major is now considering a career in athletics, possible in compliance or serving as an athletic director. 

Brinley, who plans to lead SAAC next year, is already thinking ahead. Inspired by national SAAC’s focus on mental health, she’s committed to making it a central theme of her leadership.

“Mental health is a serious issue among student-athletes,” she says. “I’m already brainstorming new ways to involve our coaches and athletes.”

Leading by Example

Behind the scenes, SAAC is supported by Carley Neumann, associate head coach for USF Women’s Basketball and SAAC staff liaison. A former SAAC member as a student at St. Cloud State, Neumann brings firsthand experience and a deep commitment to student-athlete development.

“I was excited to get more involved with student-athletes from every sport on campus,” Neumann says. “These are some incredible leaders, and it’s an honor to support them in this way.”

Neumann attends regular SAAC meetings, offering guidance while empowering student leaders to take the reins. 

“Meghan, Logan and Brinley prepare and lead the meetings,” she explains. “They do a great job – you can feel the momentum in the room.”

With Meghan and Logan set to graduate next spring, Brinley is preparing to step into a larger role. 

“I’ve got big shoes to fill,” she admits. “But I also have a great support system, which is what being an athlete is all about.” 

            Whether they’re filling the stands, serving at The Banquet or raising awareness for important health and safety issues, USF’s SAAC proves that when you play for something bigger than yourself, everyone wins.