BOSTON, MA – UMass Boston women's lacrosse standout Luana Batista Soares has been appointed as a member of the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), representing UMass Boston and the Little East Conference (LEC). Her term of service will begin on April 23, 2025, and continue through January 22, 2028. 

The NCAA Division III SAAC provides a platform for student-athletes to voice their perspectives on national issues affecting Division III athletics. As a committee member, Batista Soares will help sustain and advance the Association's mission and values, serve as a liaison between student-athletes and NCAA leadership, and participate in shaping policies that impact the Division III student-athlete experience. 

"This is a phenomenal opportunity for Luana to grow as a leader and connect with like-minded individuals from across the country," said Matt Taiman, Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance & Student-Athlete Development at UMass Boston. "Her selection is a testament to her work ethic, character, and potential, and it brings national visibility, influence, and representation to both UMass Boston and the Little East Conference. As a rising junior, Luana will be able to hold this position for multiple years. I'm excited to watch her thrive and make a meaningful impact in this role." 

Batista Soares has already made a strong impact as a member of UMass Boston's campus SAAC, contributing to service events, campaigns, and department-wide initiatives. 

"Luana brings a consistently positive presence to SAAC," Taiman continued. "She is dependable, engaged, and a strong representative of the women's lacrosse team. Whether it's community service, social media initiatives, or department-wide projects, she leads by example—her energy, accountability, and team-first attitude help foster a collaborative and productive environment." 

Head coach Hannah Khin echoed those sentiments: "Luana was appointed one of our three team captains this year, a role she embraced with enthusiasm. She brings a lot of positivity and energy to our team, which makes a big difference. One of her biggest strengths is her ability to maintain a strong balance—she keeps things fun and lighthearted, while remaining focused and driven." 

 

Khin also emphasized the significance of Luana's diverse background: "She has lived in multiple states and experienced different cultures, which gives her a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities student-athletes face. She's a great communicator and genuinely cares about creating an inclusive and positive environment for others. I'm very proud of her for being appointed the LEC SAAC National Rep—she'll be an excellent advocate for our conference and student-athletes." 

For Batista Soares, the opportunity is both personal and purposeful. 

"I joined SAAC to contribute to and become actively involved with the student-athlete community," said Soares. "Being selected to represent UMass Boston and the LEC at the national level is an honor. I'm excited to bring our unique perspective and voice to National SAAC and help advocate for student-athletes across the country." 

Over the course of her term, Batista Soares hopes to maximize every opportunity the role presents. 

"I aim to deepen my understanding of the NCAA and Division III, engage in meaningful discussions, and drive positive change within collegiate athletics. Being invited to join National SAAC is an incredible honor and one of the most significant opportunities of my collegiate experience. I'm most looking forward to learning from NCAA leaders, forming connections with peers across the country, and bringing valuable insights back to UMass Boston and the LEC." 

Taiman concluded: "Luana's leadership, ideas, and passion will not only benefit the national conversation but also make our campus community stronger. I am excited to support her on this journey and cannot wait to see what the future holds."