Tolbert selected to represent ACC on national level

Junior Jaila Tolbert tabbed NCAA Division I SAAC representative

August 7, 2017

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Atlantic Coast Conference announced Monday that junior Jaila Tolbert, a middle blocker and right side hitter on the Virginia Tech volleyball team, has been named the league’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative to the National Division I SAAC.

Each Division I conference selects one student-athlete to represent and partner with the NCAA and vote on legislation regarding student-athlete welfare. The Division I SAAC reports directly to the Division I Leadership Council, and one SAAC member participates in each meeting of the Leadership Council. It marks the first time in Tech history that a student-athlete was chosen to represent the conference’s SAAC office.

"We are honored that the ACC has chosen Jaila to represent student-athletes across the conference," Tech’s head coach Jill Wilson said. "Jaila will utilize her leadership and dedication for the role, and we are proud that she will make a difference for future athletes.”

Tolbert is also a part of the Virginia Tech SAAC Executive Team, which includes M.J. Ulrich (women’s swimming), Mary Claire Byrne (lacrosse) and Ben Lundgaard (men’s soccer) who meet regularly through the year. The executive team provides leadership and direction to all 48 Tech student-athletes on SAAC, and its purpose and focus is on promoting effective communication between the Virginia Tech Athletics Department administration and student-athletes.

Each member institution of the NCAA has a SAAC for student-athletes to provide insight and input on the rules, regulations and policies that effect student-athletes’ lives.

The Minnesota native is also on the ACC SAAC, where each school in the conference is allotted two student-athletes on the committee. On the weekend of July 21-23, the ACC SAAC held its summer meetings covering NCAA legislative proposals on time demands and mental health awareness. Tolbert was in attendance, as was Tech swimmer and Tech SAAC representative Harrison Pierce.

Selected by the conference office, Tolbert will serve a two-year term running through May 2019. Her next two meetings include trips to Chicago on Oct. 13-15 and Indianapolis on Jan. 17-20 in conjunction with the 2018 NCAA Convention.

“I am beyond humbled and eager to officially represent the ACC, and for the first time, Virginia Tech, in the National Division I SAAC,” Tolbert said. “It is my hope that we continue to enhance the lives of student-athletes through impactful legislation and the promotion of new opportunities.”

Tolbert racked up 223 kills last season and led the team in hitting percentage with a .301 clip. Additionally, she posted 83 blocks and 34 digs, while starting 29 matches.

Tech opens the 2017 season on the road against Idaho State, South Dakota State and Milwaukee in a tournament on Aug. 25-26. The Hokies return 13 letterwinners and are set to add five newcomers.

For more information on Virginia Tech SAAC, ACC SAAC and NCAA SAAC, click the links to go to the home page.

Keep up with Virginia Tech SAAC on Twitter and Instagram by following @VTSAAC.

For updates on Virginia Tech volleyball, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_VBall and on Instagram @vthokievolleyball