WEST HARTFORD, Conn.  –  On Tuesday, the Hartford Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) announced the Executive Board for the 2026-27 year. Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Success & Compliance Meaghan Abelein will continue as the lead advisor over the group with assistant men's basketball coach Matthew Kittner and assistant field hockey coach Owen Moore as the other two advisors. 

The co-presidents for the 2026-27 school year are senior Bridget Bernard (North Andover, Mass.) and senior Emil Johnson (Ellington, Conn.). 

Bernard is a senior softball student-athlete who is majoring in exercise science. Bridget was a CNE SAAC Representative last year for Hartford before getting the elevation to co-president in 2026-27. 

"I'm really excited and honored to serve as a Co-President of SAAC this year and have the opportunity to represent Hartford Athletics. I'm especially looking forward to working on events that bring all of our teams together, build relationships across teams, and create a stronger sense of community within Hartford Athletics."

Johnson is a senior men's lacrosse student-athlete who is majoring in business management & finance. Emil was a CNE SAAC Representative last year for Hartford and was elected as a co-president for the 2026-27 year. 

"I'm excited to serve as a SAAC Co-President this year and help create the best possible experience for our student-athletes. SAAC is important because it gives every student-athlete a voice and an opportunity to support one another while making a positive impact on Hartford Athletics and the surrounding community."

This year SAAC will continue to do events in the community such as the annual trunk or treat, annual Peter A. Lomaglio day of service and the youth clinic. The Hawks also will continue to partner with the Special Olympics and plan on creating community engagement within Athletics, the University of Hartford campus and the greater Hartford community. 

Full 2026-27 Hartford SAAC Executive Board
Co-Presidents: Bridget Bernard (Softball) & Emil Johnson (Men's Lacrosse)
Secretary: Hailey Pruett (Softball)
Treasurer: Thomas O'Toole (Men's Lacrosse)
Community Outreach: Ayden Rzewuski (Cross Country and Track & Field)
Social Media: Angela Chávez (Women's Soccer)
CNE Representatives: Jared Similien (Men's Basketball) & Lauren Santos (Field Hockey)

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