The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee provides the opportunity for student-athletes to have a voice in addressing issues and concerns related to their circumstances at the institution. Â The SAAC also serves as a means of communication among student-athletes, coaches and athletics administrators on issues relating to the student-athlete experience including the promotion of individual growth and education through sports participation.
Functions of the SAAC:Â
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Promote communication between athletics administration and student-athletes.    Â
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Disseminate information.    Â
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Provide feedback and insight into athletics department issues.    Â
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Generate a student-athlete voice within the campus athletics department formulation of policies.    Â
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Build a sense of community within the athletics program involving all athletics teams.    Â
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Solicit student-athlete responses to proposed conference and NCAA legislation.    Â
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Organize community service efforts.    Â
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Create a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide committees (e.g., student government).    Â
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Promote a positive student-athlete image on campus.
2025-26Â SAAC Officers
Jared Sharp
President
Jared Sharp is a senior from Queen Creek, Arizona and a standout multi-events athlete for the Southern Utah University track and field team. Serving as SAAC President for the past two years, Sharp has been a dedicated advocate for Thunderbird student-athletes, continually seeking new ways to enhance the student-athlete experience through service projects, leadership initiatives, and community engagement.
On the track, Sharp has established himself as one of SUU’s most versatile competitors, excelling across hurdles, sprints, jumps, throws, and combined events. He has recorded top finishes at numerous meets, including a fourth-place pentathlon finish at the BYU Cougar Invitational, a fourth-place showing in the decathlon at the BYU Robison Invitational, and multiple podium finishes in the 400-meter hurdles during the 2024 outdoor season. At the conference level, Sharp has competed in both the WAC Indoor and Outdoor Championships, highlighted by top-eight finishes in the pentathlon and 400-meter hurdles.
Whether leading his peers through SAAC or competing across the multi-events slate, Sharp continues to represent Southern Utah University with excellence, leadership, and a commitment to making a lasting impact both on campus and in the community.Â
Mya North
Vice President
Mya North is a sophomore gymnast from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and serves as the Vice President of Southern Utah University’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). A dedicated leader, North has committed her time to enhancing the student-athlete experience at SUU while actively supporting SAAC’s mission through service and community engagement.
An extremely hardworking student-athlete, North has made significant strides in her development since arriving in Cedar City and continues to work toward earning a spot in the competitive lineup. A six-year Level 10 gymnast and five-time regional qualifier from Xquisite Gymnastics, she brings strong technical ability and artistic expression, particularly on bars and floor. With continued growth and consistency, North provides valuable depth for the Thunderbirds while leading by example both in the gym and across campus.
Kendall McGuire
Community Service
Kendall McGuire is a junior member of the Flippin’ Birds gymnastics team and serves as the SAAC Community Service Representative at Southern Utah. A communications major with a big personality, McGuire thrives on connecting with others and using her voice to make an impact. In addition to her role as a student-athlete, she is also the sideline reporter for Thunderbirds Football broadcasts, a position that highlights her confidence, energy, and ability to engage with anyone she meets. Those same traits translate seamlessly into her SAAC leadership role, where she helps organize and promote service opportunities that give back to the Southern Utah community.
On the competition floor, McGuire adds valuable depth to the Thunderbirds’ lineups, particularly on uneven bars. She emerged as a scoring option late in her sophomore season, highlighted by a 9.8 at the MPSF Championships, and has also pushed for opportunities on vault. Her steady development continues to provide flexibility as Southern Utah refines its lineups. Before SUU, McGuire was a two-time national qualifier, five-time regional qualifier, and seven-time state qualifier, bringing both competitive experience and leadership into her collegiate career.
Kimmie Winward
Initiatives Representative
Kimmie Winward is a senior sprinter on the Southern Utah track and field team and serves as SAAC’s Initiatives Representative. In her role, Winward is focused on building and supporting programs that enhance the overall student-athlete experience at SUU, with an emphasis on engagement, connection, and meaningful opportunities for Thunderbirds across all sports. Her commitment to serving others and improving the day-to-day experience of student-athletes makes her a key voice within SAAC.
On the track, Winward has been a consistent contributor in the 400 and 800 meters throughout her career. She has recorded multiple top finishes at invitationals and conference meets, including a runner-up finish in the 800 meters at the 2024 BYU Cougar Indoor Invitational and a seventh-place showing at the WAC Indoor Championships. Her versatility has also been on display as a member of relay teams, contributing in the 4x400 at several meets. Winward’s steady progression and competitive drive mirror the same dedication she brings to her leadership role, helping shape initiatives that benefit the Southern Utah student-athlete community.
Delaney Baker 
Secretary
Delaney Baker is a senior pitcher on the Southern Utah softball team and serves as the SAAC Secretary. An impact player since arriving on campus, Baker has been a key part of the Thunderbirds’ steady growth and success in recent seasons. In her SAAC role, she is dedicated to supporting the organization’s mission and ensuring the work of each officer is organized, documented, and aligned as SAAC continues to serve Southern Utah’s student-athletes.
On the field, Baker has been a dependable presence at the top of the pitching staff. She emerged as a reliable starter during her sophomore season, pitching 83 innings with six wins, a complete game, and a save, and continued to contribute in 2025 with appearances in 15 games. Entering her senior year, Baker brings experience, consistency, and leadership to the circle. An exercise science major, she also boasts an impressive prep résumé, earning multiple All-State honors in softball and basketball, and her commitment to excellence carries over into both her athletic career and her leadership within SAAC.
