Bridgewater, NJ — Former FDU men's volleyball student-athlete Diego Diaz has been elected to serve a one-year term as Chair of the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advocacy Committee (SAAC), formerly known as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
 
In addition to his role as chair, Diaz, who previously served as the NEC's representative and the Co-Chair of Media Engagement for the NCAA Division I SAAC, will continue to represent the NEC on the national level in his new position. 
 
"It is truly an honor and privilege to serve as the next Chair of the NCAA Division I SAAC, representing the voices of over 200,000 student-athletes across the nation," said Diaz. "Stepping into this role, I understand that we are in one of the most transformative periods in the history of college athletics. The role of national SAAC and my responsibility as a leader is to continue building on the framework of those who advocated before us and propel the next generation of student-athletes forward. The work we do today will set the standard for college athletics tomorrow."
 
As Chair of the NCAA Division I SAAC, Diaz's term will involve overseeing national initiatives focused on student-athlete mental health and legislative feedback, ensuring that the student-athlete experience remains at the heart of the NCAA's mission. 
 
"This is a tremendous accomplishment for Diego and an exciting moment for student-athlete leadership in the NEC," said Lisa Archbald, NEC Associate Commissioner for Compliance & Governance/SWA. "Being selected as Chair of the NCAA Division I SAAC for 2026-27 is a testament to Diego's passion, vision and ability to bring people together. The NEC could not be more excited to see the leadership he will bring at the national level."
 
Before assuming the role of Chair of the NCAA Division I SAAC, Diaz represented the NEC and its 4,000+ student-athletes in national NCAA governance discussions, contributing to initiatives focused on engagement, advocacy and strategic communication. He was also instrumental in the launch — and growth — of Division I SAAC's national Instagram platform where he produced original graphics and content that generated 172,000 views, 3,000 engagements and more than 900 new followers in just a one-year stretch. 
 
With Diaz spearheading the initiative, the NEC became the first — and only — collegiate conference in the nation to unite with HEADstrong Foundation during the 2025-26 academic year. Founded by former Hofstra men's lacrosse student-athlete Nick Colleluori, who lost his battle with cancer in 2006, the HEADstrong Foundation connected with the NEC's SAAC leadership with hopes of expanding its presence beyond the lacrosse community.
 
As part of the conference's collaboration with the HEADstrong Foundation, the NEC SAAC's longtime friendly Money Wars competition took on a new direction, launching NEC Attacks Cancer. The proceeds collected from the new conference-wide fundraising initiative — a total of $12,043.05 across the league's 10 members — were donated directly to the HEADstrong Foundation, which helps families navigate the financial, residential and emotional challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis.
 
On the court, Diaz helped lay the foundation for an FDU men's volleyball program that is coming off the program's first-ever NEC Championship title match appearance in 2026. A member of a Knights' squad that took the court for their inaugural season in 2022, the Plano, TX native amassed 87 digs across 54 matches and 140 sets played, including a career-best 33 during his fifth year in Hackensack in 2026.
 
He also worked as a Media Relations Student Assistant during his final two years at FDU, where he was the primary communications and creative content lead for FDU women's volleyball. In that role, Diaz also designed branded digital content for the department while serving as a photographer for the Knights during various athletic events. 
 
"I want to express my gratitude to all my administrators at FDU and the NEC for their support and investment in my future," Diaz added. "I look forward to the progress Division I SAAC will make this year as we continue to advocate on behalf of both current and future student-athletes."