Michigan Tech defender Grace Hoeppner poses outside the NCAA building in Indianapolis, Indiana, earlier this summer. Hoeppner was recently appointed to the NCAA DII Student-Athlete Advisory Committee through January 2027. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Tech University)

HOUGHTON – Michigan Tech soccer student-athlete Grace Hoeppner has been appointed to the Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and will serve through January 2027.

A native of Burnsville, Minnesota, Hoeppner was a key player on the Michigan Tech soccer team, helping the Huskies make it to the NCAA Tournament last season for the first time since the 2014-15 season. She started all 20 games and recorded a career-high three assists to lead the Black and Gold in scoring during the 2023-24 season.

“Grace is an excellent choice for the DII SAAC Committee and represents both the GLIAC and Michigan Tech,” Suzanne Sanregret, vice president of athletics and recreation at Michigan Tech, said: “She is passionate about the SAAC and will provide excellent representation for DII student-athletes. Her election to this prestigious committee is a testament to the leadership Grace demonstrates on and off the field. She will be a strong voice as the NCAA navigates through this unprecedented time.”

“I am incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to represent Michigan Tech University and the other student-athletes of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference at the national level,” said Höppner. “I look forward to working with SAAC representatives from other conferences to create an uplifting atmosphere for all Division II student-athletes. None of this would have been possible without the support and guidance of Assistant Athletic Director – NCAA Compliance & Student-Athlete Academic Success Rhys Edwards, Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Suzanne Sanragret and the entire Athletic Department.”

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is the primary body representing the interests of student-athletes in Division II affairs. SAAC members serve as liaisons among student-athletes and monitor and discuss events on campus, at conferences, and nationally.

Representatives are responsible for gathering feedback and reporting on behalf of their conference, as well as relaying important events, current issues and educational information at both the campus and conference levels. In addition to relaying information between campus and conference, the committee speaks on behalf of the entire Division II student-athlete body throughout the NCAA administrative structure.

Members of the Division II SAAC are voting members on a number of Division II committees, including the Management Council. The SAAC also has voting rights during the Division II business session at the annual NCAA convention.

Currently 28 members, including representatives from each of the 23 Division II multi-sport voting conferences, three non-voting representatives and two members of the Management Council. The two members of the Management Council and one member of the Executive Board serve as ex officio, non-voting members.

The Division II SAAC Nominating Subcommittee selects national committee members from a diverse pool of candidates proposed by conference offices. The Division II Administrative Committee ratifies the appointments, and each student-athlete serves a non-renewable three-year term. However, the student-athlete may only serve for up to one year after his or her eligibility is exhausted.