Chaminade Hosts PacWest SAAC Retreat

HONOLULU – A Waikiki sunset sail, a visit from the mayor of Honolulu, work with the Special Olympics, a hospital visit and the selection of new officers highlighted three days of business at the annual Pacific West Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee retreat.

Student-athlete leaders from all of the Pacific West Conference's ten schools met this week at Chaminade University for planning, community service and collaboration. The 19th annual PacWest SAAC Retreat gave leaders from each conference school the chance to mingle, hear guest speakers, and plan for the coming year.

"The 2026 PacWest SAAC retreat was an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone involved," said PacWest Associate Commissioner and Senior Woman Administrator Piper Brewster. "Our student-athletes had the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, collaborate with peers from across the conference and share ideas for the upcoming year.
 
"It's truly inspiring to see their commitment to community engagement and enhancing the student-athlete experience throughout the PacWest

The three days (Aug. 3-5) were packed with meetings and activities.

Day 1 – Waikiki Sunset Sail and dinner at Duke's.
 
Day 2 - Welcome from the PacWest Commissioner Brad Jones and PacWest Senior Woman Administrator and SAAC Advistor Piper Brewster...Honolulu major Rick Blangiardi…Special Olympics presentation from COO Dan Epstein and athlete Ian…2026-27 planning…Visits to local hospitals…Waikiki beach…Lawn games.

Day 3 - Made plans for the upcoming year, including setting meeting dates, communication strategies and electing the SAAC Executive Board. 

"It was a privilege to participate in this year's PacWest SAAC Retreat and bring together the student-athlete leaders representing each of our PacWest member institutions," said Commissioner Jones. "I'm grateful for the opportunities they had to discuss NCAA issues from the student-athlete perspective and learn leadership principles from Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Dan Epstein, CEO of Special Olympics Hawai'i.
 
"Visiting the children at Kapi'olani Children's Hospital to share gifts and smiles was a powerful reminder of the difference our student-athletes can make beyond competition. I'm incredibly proud of the vision and leadership of our PacWest SAAC and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have throughout the year."
 
Mykelle Brainard from women's volleyball is Chaminade's SAAC President this year while Internal Operations Manager Jorie Lincoln is the SAAC Advisor.