University of Houston Athletics
Duo Represents Cougars at Big 12 SAAC Retreat
8/10/2023 2:45:00 PM | General, Women's Golf, Soccer
Burgess, Economon reflect on the impact of SAAC retreat
HOUSTON – University of Houston SAAC representatives Kate Burgess and Anna Economon represented the Cougars at the 2023 Big 12 Conference SAAC Retreat in late July.
The two-day event hosted 25 Big 12 SAAC representatives where student-athletes were able to engage with other SAAC representatives, as well as with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark and Big 12 Chief Impact Officer Jenn Hunter.
The retreat gave the student-athletes the chance at professional development opportunities such as professional headshots, mock interviews and resume reviews.
Aside from professional development, the group also had a chance to give back to the community. The 25 Big 12 SAAC representatives volunteered at Ability Connections, a nonprofit organization located in Irving, Texas, that serves over 900 people with all types of intellectual or other developmental disabilities across Texas.
EXPECTATIONS GOING INTO THE BIG 12 SAAC RETREAT
Burgess: After the retreat I wanted to walk away feeling inspired and confident that the 2023-2024 SAAC school year was going to be the best! I'm excited to share the Big 12 events we planned and can't wait to see what Houston SAAC can accomplish together.
Economon: I wanted to walk away feeling inspired and ready to take on this monumental year in Houston Athletics history. I think it was an eye-opening opportunity to hear how other universities function and what is important to them, and to gather new ideas that we can implement on our campus.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY
Burgess: My biggest takeaway from the retreat was hearing what SAAC looked like at the other Big 12 institutions. The focus during the retreat was effective communication. We were able to share what worked and what didn't work at each institution to eventually come down to the best methods for communicating with our student-athletes. I feel that these methods will be very important to increase our participation this year.
Economon: The Big 12 SAAC is more unified than ever and ready to be a force for good. I expected there to be more competition amongst schools, but we were easily able to put our loyalties aside and work together to plan some incredible initiatives to give back to our communities.
Additionally, Big 12 SAAC is taking a stronger stand for the student-athlete voice this year. We are committed to educating our student-athletes and making sure our side of the story is heard.
GOALS FOR HOUSTON SAAC THIS YEAR
Burgess: This year with SAAC I hope to educate the student-athletes about the importance and impact of SAAC, make events happen by being proactive, focus on unity within Houston Athletics, and have effective communication to increase participation in events and meetings.
Economon: My goals for SAAC this year can be summarized by "Coogs Care." This year Coogs will care about their community, their fellow students and about themselves.
One of my goals is for student-athletes to be better educated about the world around them. We must raise awareness so that everyone can make informed decisions.
I want to instill a sense of unity within the athletic department. Oftentimes, individuals will gravitate towards their respective teams or close circle of friends, never intersecting with other student-athletes or administrators outside their "bubble." I believe that we are stronger together and it is SAAC's goal to create opportunities for student-athletes to come together.
Finally, SAAC's goal will be to give back. We need to do a better job of getting our student-athletes out in the community and giving back to those in need. We will also be giving back to our student-athletes. There are continued efforts in place to emphasize the importance of mental health and ensure that each student-athlete has the best college experience possible.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win in the Big 12. Click here to rise and be counted.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
The two-day event hosted 25 Big 12 SAAC representatives where student-athletes were able to engage with other SAAC representatives, as well as with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark and Big 12 Chief Impact Officer Jenn Hunter.
The retreat gave the student-athletes the chance at professional development opportunities such as professional headshots, mock interviews and resume reviews.
Aside from professional development, the group also had a chance to give back to the community. The 25 Big 12 SAAC representatives volunteered at Ability Connections, a nonprofit organization located in Irving, Texas, that serves over 900 people with all types of intellectual or other developmental disabilities across Texas.
EXPECTATIONS GOING INTO THE BIG 12 SAAC RETREAT
Burgess: After the retreat I wanted to walk away feeling inspired and confident that the 2023-2024 SAAC school year was going to be the best! I'm excited to share the Big 12 events we planned and can't wait to see what Houston SAAC can accomplish together.
Economon: I wanted to walk away feeling inspired and ready to take on this monumental year in Houston Athletics history. I think it was an eye-opening opportunity to hear how other universities function and what is important to them, and to gather new ideas that we can implement on our campus.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY
Burgess: My biggest takeaway from the retreat was hearing what SAAC looked like at the other Big 12 institutions. The focus during the retreat was effective communication. We were able to share what worked and what didn't work at each institution to eventually come down to the best methods for communicating with our student-athletes. I feel that these methods will be very important to increase our participation this year.
Economon: The Big 12 SAAC is more unified than ever and ready to be a force for good. I expected there to be more competition amongst schools, but we were easily able to put our loyalties aside and work together to plan some incredible initiatives to give back to our communities.
Additionally, Big 12 SAAC is taking a stronger stand for the student-athlete voice this year. We are committed to educating our student-athletes and making sure our side of the story is heard.
GOALS FOR HOUSTON SAAC THIS YEAR
Burgess: This year with SAAC I hope to educate the student-athletes about the importance and impact of SAAC, make events happen by being proactive, focus on unity within Houston Athletics, and have effective communication to increase participation in events and meetings.
Economon: My goals for SAAC this year can be summarized by "Coogs Care." This year Coogs will care about their community, their fellow students and about themselves.
One of my goals is for student-athletes to be better educated about the world around them. We must raise awareness so that everyone can make informed decisions.
I want to instill a sense of unity within the athletic department. Oftentimes, individuals will gravitate towards their respective teams or close circle of friends, never intersecting with other student-athletes or administrators outside their "bubble." I believe that we are stronger together and it is SAAC's goal to create opportunities for student-athletes to come together.
Finally, SAAC's goal will be to give back. We need to do a better job of getting our student-athletes out in the community and giving back to those in need. We will also be giving back to our student-athletes. There are continued efforts in place to emphasize the importance of mental health and ensure that each student-athlete has the best college experience possible.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win in the Big 12. Click here to rise and be counted.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
Players Mentioned
D
/ Soccer
/ Women's Golf
Introducing Houston Blue
Friday, November 01
AD Eddie Nuñez Interview
Thursday, August 22
VP for Intercollegiate Athletics Eddie Nuñez Introductory Press Conference
Wednesday, August 21
Hall of Honor
Thursday, September 14