SAN BRUNO, Calif. – Beginning with next month’s Executive Council and Presidents’ Council meetings, student-athlete representatives from each West Coast Conference institution will formally join the Conference’s governance structure, the WCC announced today.
West Coast Conference Student-Athlete Representatives (STARs) are officially joining Athletics Directors, Faculty Athletics Representatives, and Senior Woman Administrators as the newest members of the West Coast Conference Executive Council.
The WCC is among the first Division I conferences to formally integrate the student-athlete perspective into its official voting governance structure, building upon the positive momentum surrounding the Conference.
“We are pleased to welcome student-athlete representatives to our Executive Council in a formal capacity,” said BYU President and WCC Presidents’ Council Chair Kevin Worthen. “The West Coast Conference strives to be a leader in student-athlete welfare, and what better way to ensure we are doing so than by giving them a voice in our policy-making decisions?”
“The WCC STAR initiative is a huge step for our Conference and for student-athletes, showing the willingness of the WCC to hear about our experiences,” said Santa Clara senior Hannah Buck. “As STARs, we hope to bring the student-athlete voice to the people who can have a direct impact on our collegiate experience and continue to improve the lives of the WCC student-athletes both now and for those who come after us.”
STAR will be composed of one student-athlete from each institution, with the 10 representatives attending each WCC Executive Council meeting. Its first meeting as a formal group will take place June 4 in Portland, Ore.
“Student-athletes are the most important voices in our governance structure,” said WCC Commissioner Gloria Nevarez. “Incorporating them into the formal structure is a crucial step in ensuring we are providing the best collegiate athletic experience for the family of WCC student-athletes as well as the opportunity for student-athletes to serve their peers through representation in our governance process.”
In the Executive Council meetings, STAR members will discuss issues and legislation relating to student-athlete welfare both at the conference and the NCAA level. The student-athlete representatives will also review Conference policies, procedures, and initiatives, and help cast their school's vote. The four Executive Council representatives from each school act as a delegation, and each delegation has one vote in the Council voting process.
West Coast Conference Student-Athlete Representative (STAR) Roster
| Name |
Institution |
Sport |
Year |
Major |
| Hannah Buck |
Santa Clara |
Water Polo |
Sr. |
Biology |
| Maddie Cooley |
Gonzaga |
Soccer |
Jr. |
Business Administration |
| Hannah Frohling |
Pepperdine |
Volleyball |
Jr. |
Sports Medicine |
| Shaylee Gonzales |
BYU |
Basketball |
Fr. |
Undeclared |
| Nikki Leishman |
Pacific |
Soccer |
So. |
Health & Exercise Science |
| Ellery Martin |
LMU |
Rowing |
Jr. |
Economics |
| Danielle McIntyre |
Saint Mary’s |
Tennis |
Jr. |
Business Administration |
| Charles Minlend |
San Francisco |
Basketball |
RS-Jr. |
Computer Science |
| Caua Soares |
Portland |
Soccer |
So. |
Business |
| Kadee Sylla |
San Diego |
Rowing |
Jr. |
Psychology |
About the West Coast Conference
Formed in 1952, The West Coast Conference was and has evolved and grown to become a bold force in NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics, nationally recognized for its competitiveness, energy and drive. Featuring 15 conference-sponsored sports: baseball, men's and women's basketball, women’s beach volleyball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, women's rowing, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's tennis and women's volleyball, the WCC has gained unstoppable momentum with student-athletes who are relentless in their pursuit of greatness. Fiercely dedicated and highly engaged both in the classroom and on the court, these exceptional people are known for their passion and rigor. Characterized by the stability of its membership, commitment to innovation and unique emphasis on combining excellence in athletics with excellence in academics, the WCC continues to set the bar for excellence in collegiate athletics. For more information, visit
WCCsports.com and follow the West Coast Conference on Twitter
@WCCsports