SUWANEE, Ga. -- The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference continued its long-standing commitment to student-athlete leadership and engagement last week, as 23 SCAC student-athletes attended the 2026 NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C. With support from the NCAA Division III Strategic Initiative Grant, the trip marked the fifth time since 2012 that the conference has brought student-athletes to the Convention, pushing the total number of SCAC participants to 102 across five trips.
“We were again thrilled to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to our 23 student-athletes who attended this year’s NCAA Convention,” said SCAC Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry. “This is the fifth different cohort we’ve taken to Convention since our original group attended in 2012 and each time we’ve done this, it seems to get better and better.”
Since first attending the NCAA Convention with student-athletes in 2012, the SCAC has made a deliberate effort to provide meaningful opportunities for its student-athletes to engage with Division III governance, educational programming, and national leadership initiatives.
This year’s trip continued that tradition, building on past experiences in 2012, 2016, 2018 and 2023 while offering a new group of student-athletes a firsthand look at how Division III operates on a national level.
Student-athletes from all 12 SCAC member institutions attended, including: Kaden McFarland and Avery Rague of Austin College; Sam Brocato, Lenny Forth and Marie Smith of Centenary College; Will Jones and Zaniya Burno Munn of Colorado College; Breanna Garrett of Concordia University (Tex.); George Clahane and Kimberly Esparza of University of Dallas; Braxton Waller and Amelia Don of Hendrix College; Zach Ferris, Timothy Black and Maddy Hirneise of LeTourneau University; Johnathen Joiner and Madelyn Gollihar of McMurry University; Makinzie Erwin and Kaitlyn Murphree of University of the Ozarks (Ark.); Cameron Armer and Giana Hilliard of Schreiner University; Trinity Provost of University of St. Thomas and Adam Peavy of Texas Lutheran University.
The group arrived in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, officially kicking off the experience with an SCAC-wide group dinner at Fiorella’s Italian Kitchen in National Harbor, located just steps from the Convention Center where the week’s events would unfold.
The SCAC is at the NCAA Convention!
— SCAC (@SCAC_Sports) January 14, 2026
Follow along on Instagram this week as we have student-athletes from across the conference taking you through their experience at the NCAA Convention! pic.twitter.com/f0L7EKCCd3
The dinner provided student-athletes from across the conference an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and begin building relationships ahead of a full week of programming.
“This opportunity meant a great deal to me both personally and professionally,” said Hendrix volleyball student-athlete, Amelia Don. “Connecting with fellow student-athletes from across our conference was especially meaningful, as we were able to share similar experiences within college athletics. Being surrounded by individuals interested in working in sports was uplifting, and the chance to exchange perspectives made the experience even more impactful.”
Wednesday featured a full slate of educational and interactive programming, beginning with student-athlete sessions led by Ivy Watts and a hands-on Special Olympics Unified Sports activity that emphasized inclusion and service.
Later in the day, student-athletes attended the State of College Sports and the NCAA Honors Banquet, hosted by NCAA President Charlie Baker and ESPN personality Holly Rowe, before closing the evening at the NCAA Welcome Reception and the Division III Student Social Mixer.
“The NCAA Convention provided more firsthand experience than I could have imagined,” said Austin College women’s basketball student-athlete Avery Rague. “Attending the Honors Banquet was especially impactful, as hearing the stories and speeches firsthand was both inspiring and energizing. That evening reinforced my excitement for a future working in sports and left me grateful for the opportunity to be part of the experience.”
It was a great night at the NCAA Honors program including having NCAA President Charlie Baker join our group on stage for a photo!
— SCAC (@SCAC_Sports) January 15, 2026
What an inspiring night hearing from all the award winners and celebrating what the student-athlete experience is all about! #SCACatNCAA pic.twitter.com/QMhOwf1Y3a
Thursday allowed student-athletes to further immerse themselves in Division III governance through the Division III Issues Forum and the Division III Student-Athlete Luncheon, offering insight into current topics and the decision-making process within the division.
Student-athletes also joined the SCAC Athletics Directors Council Meeting, where they were introduced to conference administrators and gained firsthand exposure to the collaborative work taking place at the conference level, before heading out to explore Washington, D.C. and its historic landmarks.
“Having the opportunity to speak during one of the sessions was a meaningful experience,” said Texas Lutheran baseball student-athlete Adam Peavy. “Our group had strong discussions about ways to grow our institutions and conferences, and I was able to learn from ideas and strategies being used at other universities that I hope to bring back to TLU. It was clear that every voice in the room mattered, and that we all shared the same goal of improving our programs and campuses. That sense of collaboration and being heard is what Division III is all about, and it was evident from the very first meeting at the Convention.”
The trip concluded on Friday with student-athletes attending the NCAA Division III Business Session before traveling home, bringing the weeklong experience to a close.
The opportunity to observe Division III governance in action provided valuable perspective and reinforced the role student-athletes play in shaping the future of college athletics.
“Our attendees were able to provide valuable insights regarding legislative proposals that impact the lives of student-athletes as well as attend professional development sessions throughout the week,” continued Hanberry. “The group was provided an opportunity to participate in many social activities, network with administrators, and interact with their peers from across Division III.”
“I could not be prouder of this group for the way they represented their institutions and the conference throughout the week in DC. We had a great time and I’m excited to see the impact once this group returns to campus equipped with these additional insights.”
With 102 student-athletes now having attended the NCAA Convention since 2012, the SCAC remains committed to providing opportunities that empower student-athletes, amplify their voices, and prepare them to be leaders both within athletics and beyond.
SCAC at the NCAA Convention
2012 – Indianapolis, Ind. (18 Student-Athletes)
2016 – San Antonio, Texas (22 Student-Athletes)
2018 – Indianapolis, Ind. (16 Student-Athletes)
2023 – San Antonio, Texas (23 Student-Athletes)
2026 – Washington, D.C. (23 Student-Athletes)
