Riverdale, N.Y. — Nicolette Caneda '25 will serve as MAAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President of the Manhattan College Chapter during the 2024-2025 academic year. The mission of MAAC SAAC is to give student-athletes from around the conference a voice to solicit student-athlete feedback on NCAA legislation and to discuss issues related to student-athlete welfare. Caneda is a senior midfielder and forward for Manhattan women's soccer and serves on the leadership council for the program.
"Nicki is a focused, detailed oriented leader with great vision and ability to get things done," says Manhattan women's soccer head coach Brendan Lawler. "Most importantly though, she is passionate about helping the Manhattan College Athletics community have the best experience possible. We are excited for the improvement she will help bring over the next year."
GoJaspers: What are some goals you hope to accomplish during your tenure as SAAC President?
Nicolette Caneda: I hope to be able to help all athletes feel seen and heard by the administration. The most important thing to me is being able to create positive change within athletics as well as run events that help us grow as athletes and individuals.
GJ: What is the most rewarding part about being part of SAAC?
NC: The most rewarding part about being a part of SAAC is seeing events that the E-Board spend so much time and effort into planning and running come to life for all athletes and students to benefit from. Each event we run has a purpose and seeing everyone take part in that is extremely rewarding.
GJ: On campus, you have brought awareness to a mental health non-profit called Morgan's Message. Where does your passion for philanthropy stem from?
NC: Ever since dealing with my own mental health struggles and seeing the way it impacted me athletically and personally I knew I needed to make changes. In making those changes for myself I found people so similar to me. Mostly athletes who were struggling with pressure, self confidence, anxiety and more which opened my eyes to the need for change within athletics. I found Morgan's Message during my freshman year and it has opened so many doors for me in terms of my advocacy for mental health and athletes' well-being in general.
GJ: You clearly have a passion for increasing resources for mental health on campus. Do you believe there is less of a stigma surrounding mental health given the work of Morgan's Message?
NC: I do think there has been a huge positive change when it comes to the stigma surrounding mental health in athletics given the work of non-profits like Morgan's Message, The Hidden Opponent, Better Together and so many more! There is still work to be done but the more involvement, conversations and consistency in these actions the farther we will come in bettering the wellbeing of all athletes at every level.
GJ: What does this opportunity mean to you to become SAAC President? Did you ever imagine having this type of responsibility as a student-athlete?
NC: I am so grateful for this opportunity to become SAAC President. I have always found myself in leadership roles even growing up. My parents always taught me to go after what I believe in and my dad always said "if it's to be it's up to me." That has translated into so many aspects of my life and this is a prime example of that.
GJ: How have your experiences on the Manhattan College women's soccer team molded you into a leader?
NC: My experiences on the Manhattan College women's soccer team have molded me into a leader because I have been able to learn from and fight through the highs and lows that come with being a high-level athlete. As I got older, I found myself wanting to help underclassmen navigate these new experiences. I naturally find myself in a leadership role through my eagerness to help, grow and support others around me.
GJ: Who are some of your biggest heroes?
NC: My biggest heroes have always been my parents. My parents (Isabella and Javier) are without a doubt the kindest, strongest and most generous people in the world. I owe my strength, resilience and drive to them.
GJ: What is your dream job?
NC: My dream job is to one day own my own counseling practice. I have always wanted something of my own and I think one day after working having worked amongst teams I would love to own my own practice.
GJ: What are your goals for the 2024 soccer season?
NC: My goals for the 2024 soccer season are to score goals, work hard, be a great teammate and leader and honestly enjoy every single second of what this final season of college soccer has in store for me. I can't wait to see what my team and I can do this year! Go Jaspers!
GJ: What does being a Jasper mean to you?
NC: Being a Jasper means being resilient, open to new things, seeking challenges and seizing opportunities.
