LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference has announced the launch of the PSAC Pathways initiative, created through the leadership of the conference’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
 
Designed to support and prepare student-athletes throughout the collegiate experience, PSAC Pathways provides a flexible four-year framework focused on academic success, personal growth, leadership development, career readiness, and life after athletics.
 
Each year of the program will have a unique focus for student-athletes, beginning with Transition & Adjustment in Year 1, Skill Building & Self-Awareness in Year 2, Leadership & Career Readiness in Year 3, and Execution & Life After Sports in Year 4. For a comprehensive list of focus areas for each year, click here.
 
Developed through input and collaboration among PSAC student-athlete leaders, the initiative is intended to serve as a customizable resource that institutions can adapt to meet the unique needs of their campuses and student-athletes.
 
“PSAC Pathways was built with the student-athlete experience at the center,” said PSAC SAAC Advisor and Senior Associate Commissioner Carlin Chesick. “Our responsibility extends beyond competition as we continue to develop future leaders, professionals, and community members. I am especially proud that this initiative was endorsed by our SAAC representatives, whose feedback helped shape the program’s direction and priorities.”
 
PSAC Pathways reflects the conference's ongoing commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience and preparing graduates for success both during and after their collegiate careers.
 
“I am so excited for the launch of the PSAC Pathways Program and to see how it influences the student-athlete experience,” said Lily Ventresca, a Slippery Rock women’s lacrosse student-athlete and the PSAC’s representative to NCAA Division II National SAAC. “The three goals of Division II National SAAC have always been to empower, empathize, and enhance - and this program truly goes hand in hand with this mission while equipping PSAC student-athletes with the tools and experiences needed to succeed beyond athletics.”
 
“To me, the PSAC Pathways program means a lot,” said Colton McCartney, a Seton Hill football student-athlete and PSAC SAAC Co-Chair. “It has been a privilege to serve as a PSAC SAAC Co-Chair and empower student-athletes from all over the conference to bring forward positive change regarding mental health, career readiness, and life after the game. PSAC Pathways will better prepare our student-athletes in the coming years to recognize and value themselves outside of their on-field accomplishments and develop skills and talents that will stay with them for their entire lifetimes.”
 
The PSAC Pathways program begins in the 2026-27 season but allows for fluid improvements and future changes based on feedback from PSAC SAAC members, Athletic Administrators, and SAAC Advisors.