CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Bowie State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representatives
Payton Swinton (women's volleyball and women's tennis) and
Arianna Clayton (women's bowling) represented the Bulldogs at the 2026 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) SAAC Summer Summit, held July 22-24 in Charlotte, N.C.
The three-day leadership and professional development conference brought together student-athlete leaders from across the CIAA to develop leadership skills, foster collaboration and prepare participants to serve as advocates for their institutions.
Throughout the summit, attendees engaged in networking opportunities with CIAA staff and corporate professionals, leadership development sessions, financial literacy workshops, a literacy outreach initiative, tours of CIAA headquarters, a visit to Food Lion headquarters, the annual SAAC General Assembly, strategic planning meetings, team-building activities and media training.
Swinton said the summit provided an opportunity to grow as a leader while building meaningful relationships across the conference.
"I had a wonderful experience attending the CIAA SAAC Summer Summit. I was able to connect with professionals, hear inspiring words from our commissioner, and bond with other SAAC members. I felt so inspired and excited knowing I gained valuable knowledge and built relationships for the future."
Clayton said the experience strengthened her professional development and confidence as a student-athlete leader.
"Attending the SAAC Summer Summit was an inspiring experience that allowed me to connect with corporate professionals, strengthen my networking skills and gain valuable advice from panelists. I left the summit feeling more confident in building professional relationships and using those connections to create future opportunities."
The annual CIAA SAAC Summer Summit is designed to equip student-athletes with the leadership, communication and professional development skills needed to make a positive impact on their campuses and within the conference. Participants return to their institutions with new ideas to better serve their fellow student-athletes while strengthening their campus SAAC organizations.
More information on Bowie State athletics and its 14 varsity sports teams is available at bsubulldogs.com.
