KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The MoWest Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has been named the 2025-26 MIAA SAAC Cup Champion, becoming back-to-back conference champions and capturing its third SAAC Cup title since the award was established in 2013.

After winning the MIAA SAAC Cup in 2024-25, the Griffons successfully defended their championship in 2025-26, continuing a tradition of leadership, service, and community engagement. MoWest has now claimed the conference's top SAAC honor three times, with championships in 2019, 2025, and 2026.

Led by SAAC President Bethani Grove and Vice President Emma Salker, Griffon student-athletes organized and participated in numerous initiatives throughout the 2025-26 academic year. Major projects included Griffs Giving Gifts, Girls Corner, the SAAC Teddy Bear Toss, the 3rd Annual SAAC Easter Egg Hunt, and the Earth Day Clean Up.

The Griffons conducted 12 on-campus SAAC meetings during the academic year while also hosting several community engagement events and participating in service opportunities throughout the St. Joseph area. In addition, student-athletes led multiple donation drives and community service campaigns.

MoWest SAAC raised $7,295 in gifts and donations during the 2025-26 academic year. Through the annual Griffs Giving Gifts initiative, student-athletes provided Christmas presents for eight local families in need. The committee also raised funds to support its annual Easter Egg Hunt for children and families in the community.

These efforts helped Griffon student-athletes make a meaningful impact across St. Joseph while representing MoWest beyond competition.

The MIAA SAAC Cup is awarded based on six categories: Community Service/Engagement, Partnered Community Service/Engagement, Financial Donations, Legislative Gold participation, On-Campus Meetings, and MIAA Meetings.

MoWest SAAC will be recognized during the MIAA Awards Celebration on Monday, June 2, at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.