2025 NCAA Convention

The 2025 NCAA Convention took place from January 14th through January 17th in Nashville, Tennesse. This is an annual event where delegates from member schools discuss college sports issues, celebrate achievements, and vote on legislation. The University of Valley Forge (UVF) was represented by Director of Athletics, Gretchen LeVan, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President, Nate Whisman, and SAAC Vice President, Ava Page.

An Opportunity for Leaders

This event was an incredible opportunity for our team to network and learn from others in the field of athletics. For SAAC President Nate Whisman, it was a chance to make his voice heard. “One moment that stood out to me from the event was the opportunity to present Division III National SAAC’s position on one of the NCAA proposals this year in front of all of NCAA Division III. This was an amazing opportunity, and I am very thankful to represent UVF on this platform.”

Community and Networking

The convention fostered a sense of community among athletes. “The biggest takeaway from the event was the opportunity to connect with other Division III student-athletes from across the nation who currently lead on their institution’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee,” Nate shared. “This was a great opportunity to come together with other Division III student-athletes who are a part of SAAC and discuss how we all work within our SAACs at our institutions.”

Real-World Experience for Our Students

Gretchen LeVan, Director of Athletics, was grateful for the opportunity our students had, and shared, “Anytime our student-athletes get a chance to experience the NCAA governance structure firsthand is very eye-opening. It not only allows them a bigger picture of the NCAA as a whole but just how much the organization is working to create the best environment for them to succeed and have a great experience.”

UVF Preparing Student-Athletes

The convention highlighted UVF’s mission to prepare and equip individuals. Gretchen noted, “Our mission here at UVF specifically is to train student-athletes to be Christ-centered leaders – it isn’t an afterthought but an expectation to create a culture that has our faith as the foundational principle of the community. This is the cornerstone, the guiding post, we do not think of it as a balance – it is who we are.”

Beyond the convention, Nate reflects on UVF’s impact on him as a student-athlete, sharing, “UVF has prepared me for my future through the intentional discipleship I have received from my professors, advisors, and coaches. It is through these conversations that these people have impacted my life incredibly, as they have poured into my life and demonstrated to me the true love of Christ, ultimately helping to prepare me for the future.”

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