POMONA, Calif. - Cal Poly Pomona cross country and track & field student-athlete Vivian Martinez has been named the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Representative for the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), becoming the first Bronco to serve in this national role since Jennifer Chow held the position from 2008 to 2011. Martinez joins a select group of representatives from NCAA Division II conferences nationwide, all working to elevate the student-athlete experience at the national level.

The mission of the NCAA National SAAC is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare, and fostering a positive student-athlete image. As part of the committee, Martinez will be involved in a wide range of responsibilities. These include generating a student-athlete voice within the NCAA structure, soliciting feedback from student-athletes on proposed legislation, recommending new legislation, and participating in the administrative processes of athletics programs and the NCAA. She will also help review and respond to governance decisions and continue to promote a positive image of student-athletes throughout the country.

Martinez expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this national leadership role. "I'm really excited to be part of SAAC at the national level. It means a lot to be able to represent not just Cal Poly Pomona, but our entire CCAA conference and that's something I'm truly honored to do," she said. "I think what I'm most looking forward to is meeting new people and connecting with other student-athletes and administrators from around the country. I talked with our CCAA Associate Commissioner, Carol Rivera, last week, and she mentioned how many incredible people I'll get to meet through this role, which made me even more excited. I decided to go for this position because I'm passionate about making a difference and giving student-athletes a voice, and I thought this would be a great way to do that on a bigger scale!"

In addition to representing her university and the CCAA, Martinez is proud to represent women and the Latina community in her new role. Her voice and perspective will help ensure that diverse student-athlete experiences are brought to the forefront of national discussions and decisions.

Vivian's selection has drawn praise from Cal Poly Pomona staff and administrators, including CPP SAAC Advisor Sarah Macias. "I'm beyond proud of Vivian," Macias said. "It's been an honor to watch her grow over the last few years, as an athlete but even more as a leader outside of sports. Being selected for the NCAA SAAC Committee is a huge deal, and I know she will represent our conference and our university well."

Martinez's commitment, leadership, and passion for advocacy uniquely position her to leave a lasting impact not only on the CCAA and Cal Poly Pomona but throughout the NCAA Division II community.