TOWSON, Md. -- As the 2019-20 academic year comes to a close, the Towson University department of athletics has announced the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Executive Board for the 2020-21 academic year.

Andrew Beacham (men's lacrosse) has been selected as the SAAC President for the upcoming year. Abby Webster (field hockey) will serve as the vice president for communications, Derek Gold (men's golf) was named vice president for community service while Kody Reeser (baseball) was tapped as the vice president for governance and student-athlete services.

Additionally, three student-athletes were selected as assistant vice presidents: Juwan Gray (men's basketball) will work with communications, Jeff Miller (football) will serve on the community service group with LaKaitlin Wright (women's basketball) work with governance and student-athlete services.

"I'm excited to work with the 2020-21 SAAC Executive Board, and these seven student-athletes are tremendous representatives of Towson Athletics," said Tricia Turley Brandenburg, Deputy Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator. "The diversity of sports involved in SAAC leadership is a testament to our student-athletes and the department's focus on leadership development. I can't wait to see them grow their leadership over the next year."

Towson's SAAC was developed for the following purposes:

• To streamline and promote efficient and effective communication between the Department of Athletics administration and the student-athlete population
• To design and implement programs that encourages academic achievement, health promotion, social responsibility and general life skills awareness
• To actively encourage more student-athlete involvement in campus and community outreach programs.
• To promote "togetherness" and support for all varsity teams by encouraging attendance at the athletic competitions of fellow student-athletes.

Student-athlete representatives are elected by their teams or appointed by the head coach. Representatives have considerable autonomy with regard to the direction they wish to take the organization. SAAC representatives promote interaction of fellow student-athletes and are committed to becoming a positive force on the Towson University campus and in the community. Monthly meetings are open to all student-athletes.

President: Andrew Beacham | Men's Lacrosse | Senior | Carlsbad, Calif.
"After going to my first meeting with Adam Ceribelli as a freshman, I knew that this was a special opportunity and I wanted to become a leader within this advisory committee. I have learned a lot from the presidents before me, like Olivia Lubarsky and Adam Ceribelli, that I feel confident in my own ability to lead this group of special Student-Athletes in order to bring together the student body. I am also very confident in the individuals that are leading beside me like Abby, Derek, and Koby. They are all very intelligent individuals with the goal of moving our committee in the right direction."

Vice President, Communications: Abby Webster | Field Hockey | Senior | Princess Anne, Md.
"I am super excited to lead and work with the committee of communications to broaden the positive impact that SAAC has on the student-athletes here at Towson. I look forward to using social media as the vehicle to provide resources and spread inclusivity to all student-athletes."

Vice President, Community Service: Derek Gold | Senior | Clarksville, Md.
"I am extremely excited to be on the SAAC board for my senior year. I look forward to working with other student-athletes and administrative advisors to plan an awesome year! As SAAC VP for Community Service, I look forward to planning and executing events where we can use our platform as student-athletes to make a difference in the community!"

Vice President, Governance & Student-Athlete Services: Kody Reeser | Baseball | Redshirt Senior | York Haven, Pa.
"I am extremely thankful to be selected for the position of Vice President for Governance & Student-Athlete Services. I am looking forward to working with such a great group of student-athletes in order to bring the best student-athlete experience to Towson athletics."

2020-21 Towson SAAC Executive Board
President: Andrew Beacham
Vice President, Communications: Abby Webster
Vice President, Community Service: Derek Gold
Vice President, Governance & Student-Athlete Services: Kody Reeser
Assistant Vice President, Communications: Juwan Gray
Assistant Vice President, Community Service: Jeff Miller
Assistant Vice President, Governance & Student-Athlete Services: LaKaitlin Wright