Student-Athlete Council

The ITA Student-Athlete Council is a committee of student-athletes who play college tennis assembled to provide insights regarding the sport with a special emphasis on the student-athlete experience. The goals of this committee are as follows:

  • Present a student-athlete voice within the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA)
  • Offer input regarding matters pertaining to the sport, particularly issues impacting the lives of student athletes
  • Work to enhance the student-athlete experience specific to college tennis across all divisions
  • Invest in the leaders of tomorrow by creating leadership and professional development opportunities

Student-Athlete Council Details

2023-24 Council Members

Ryan Fishback

Division I | Virginia Tech

“I am very excited and humbled to represent my fellow college tennis players on the inaugural ITA Student-Athlete Council. College tennis is in a great place, and I hope that we can continue to advance the sport and look out for the best interests of all student-athletes.” - Ryan Fishback

Saige Roshkoff

Division I | University of Pennsylvania

“I am proud to serve on the ITA Student-Athlete Council to positively enhance the student-athlete experience.” - Saige Roshkoff

Luke Swan

Division I | TCU

“I am excited to help push all collegiate tennis players to be the best version of themselves outside of the lines. It is going to be an incredibly rewarding year for all.” - Luke Swan

Abigail Wild

Division II | Hawaii Pacific University

“I am looking forward to being a part of the ITA Student- Athlete Council as it presents an exciting and rewarding journey where I can use my passion for tennis and leadership skills to make a difference in the lives of student-athletes.” - Abigail Wild

Lucas Henke

Division II | West Chester University

“I am looking forward to serving on the ITA Student-Athlete Council to help create a platform that assists collegiate tennis players nationwide. Universalizing niche and hidden resources to our communities to improve upon issues from mental health to meaningful career development.” - Lucas Henke

Grace Fuss

Division III | Hamilton College

“I am excited to represent and advocate for current and future college tennis players on and off the court.” - Grace Fuss

Marielle Sauber

Division III | Smith College

“As a member of the ITA Student-Athlete Council, I look forward to advocating for diversity, inclusion, and representation within the ITA. I hope to make LGBTQ+ and gender nonconforming athletes, athletes from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and athletes from all divisions feel welcomed and supported in the college tennis world.” - Marielle Sauber

Jenna Mahoney

NAIA | Bethel College

“I am greatly looking forward to serving on the 2023-24 ITA Student-Athlete Council to bring more attention to small college tennis. I am also excited to get the opportunity to collaborate with the other athletes of other levels!” - Jenna Mahoney

Mia Ogebee

JUCO | Santa Monica College

“I look forward to connecting with a variety of schools and creating an active environment for student-athletes and coaches to voice their opinions.” - Mia Ogebee

Gabe Puthoff

Wheelchair | Auburn University

“I am excited to join the ITA student council for two reasons. to be able to provide a unique perspective as a wheelchair tennis athlete and to bridge the gap between the ITA and the wheelchair tennis community.” - Gabe Puthoff

Application and Selection Process

Membership is open to incoming sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students. The application and selection process is composed of two rounds:

    • Round 1
      • The application will go live the first week of May and will be open for four weeks. Applicants will submit an essay of a  minimum of 500 words as part of their application explaining why they would like to serve on the Council and what they offer to the success of the committee. 
      • ITA staff and a representative of the ITA Board of Directors will review the applications submitted. ITA staff will notify those applications selected to advance to the second round no later than the final week of June.
    • Round 2
      • Second round application will go live the first week of July. Applicants will submit at least one letter of recommendation from either their coach(es) or a member of their college or university’s athletic department no later than the final week of July.
      • If applicants wish to serve on the Executive Committee, they will indicate this on the second round application. Applicants will select the position they wish to hold and submit an essay explaining why they would like to hold the position.
      • Final selections will be announced no later than the second week of August.

Current SAC members that wish to reapply for the following academic year will follow an alternative application process that does not require a letter of recommendation.

Any additional questions can be directed to the ITA Community Manager, Elicia Smith ([email protected])