Release and graphic courtesy Chestnut Hill College Athletics Communications


PHILADELPHIA (January 9, 2026) -- Chestnut Hill College women's basketball student-athlete Tiayo Adelekan has been appointed as a member of the NCAA Division II National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the National Office recently announced. 

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) serves as the primary governance arm representing student-athlete interests in Division II affairs. SAAC members serve as student-athlete liaisons who monitor and discuss happenings on campuses, within the conference, and at the national level.

"As the president of SAAC here at Chestnut Hill, It is an honor to be selected to join SAAC on the National level," states Adelekan. "Advocating for student athletes is important and I think being a part of National SAAC can give me the platform to use my voice with a larger platform. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to change across Division II."

Representatives are responsible for gathering feedback and reporting on behalf of their conference, as well as relaying important events, hot topics, and educational information to both the campus and conference levels. In addition to relaying information across campuses and conferences, the committee speaks on behalf of the entire Division II student-athlete body throughout the NCAA governance structure.

"Tiayo is the epitome of what a student-athlete should be. She is arduous student with high-character and a genuine disposition toward her peers", said CHC Director of Athletics Jesse Balcer.  "When we were asked to make nominations for this important position, she was the first person I thought of to be a leader among other student-athlete leaders. We are very proud to have Tiayo represent the CACC and more importantly Chestnut Hill College."

Division II SAAC members serve as voting members on a number of Division II committees, including the Management Council and Executive Board. The SAAC also has voting authority during the Division II Business Session at the annual NCAA Convention.

Currently there are 28 members, including representatives from each of the 23 Division II multisport voting conferences, three at-large representatives, and two members of the Management Council. The two members of the Management Council and one member of the Executive Board serve as ex officio and non-voting members. This group meets quarterly, at the NCAA Convention in January, in April, in July, and in November, along with virtual meetings to discuss important issues, provide feedback, and receive any updates from the NCAA National Office.

Adelekan is a sophomore from Bowie, Maryland, and has been a key player in the success of the Griffins women's basketball team.  A four-time Rookie of the Week honoree last season, Adelekan averaged 10.2 points per game and led the team in rebounds averaging 6.4 rebounds per game.  This season she is averaging 11.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in 11 starts.  Off the court in addition to her involvement with Chestnut Hill's SAAC, she is a member of the Black Student Union as well as an Athletes for Christ member.  She also served as an orientation leader this past fall.

The Division II SAAC Nominating Subcommittee selects national committee members from a diverse pool of candidates that conference offices submit. The Division II Administrative Committee ratifies the appointments, and each student-athlete serves a non-renewable three-year term; however the student-athlete may serve only up to one year after exhausting his or her eligibility.