NATIONAL HARBOR, MD --- Twenty New Jersey Athletic Conference student-athletes had the opportunity to attend the 2026 NCAA Convention (January 13-16) at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, gaining firsthand exposure to the national governance, leadership, and student-focused initiatives that shape Division III athletics. The initiative was made possible through the NCAA's Strategic Initiatives Conference Grant Program.
 
Throughout the week, the group engaged with student-athletes and athletic administrators from across the country, building connections and exchanging perspectives on the current and future landscape of college sports. The students attended the State of College Sports address delivered by NCAA President Charlie Baker, participated in the NJAC administrative meeting and the NCAA Issues Forum, attended the NCAA Honors Ceremony, and observed the NCAA legislative process firsthand during the business session voting. They also took part in the Division III SAAC event, where they connected with Special Olympics athletes.
 
In addition, NJAC student-athletes attended multiple educational sessions, including Student-Athlete Health, Safety and Performance and AI and Division III Athletics Departments. The AI-focused session featured a panel that included Mandy Jiang, Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Academic Support at Rowan University, offering insight into how emerging technologies are beginning to impact Division III athletic departments.
 
“We had the unique opportunity as a conference to provide a group of our student-athletes with an experience that was impactful to each and every one of them,” said NJAC Commissioner Terry Small. “We had high hopes for this initiative, but I think it even exceeded our expectations.”
 
“Our students were exposed to some of the inner workings of the NCAA and the key issues that are being discussed within higher education and collegiate sports,” Small added. “They also had the opportunity to network and interact with not only other student-athletes, but other leaders throughout the country. It really was a great week, and I could not have been more proud of the way our students represented both the NJAC and their institutions.”

The NJAC also thanks Kim DeRitter, Director of Athletic Communications and Compliance Officer at Kean, and Kate Levin, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications and SAAC Advisor at Ramapo, for their outstanding assistance with group logistics during the convention week.

The following student-athletes were in attendance:

Julianna Cannizzaro, Kean
Emeral Neloms, Kean
Aria Hicks, Montclair State
Julissa Otto, Montclair State
Pratt Charles, NJCU
Emily Reilly, Ramapo
Mia Santana, Ramapo
Joshua Justin, Rowan
Zoey Rogers, Rowan
Angel Chaj, Rutgers-Camden
Mya Cabañas Montero, Rutgers-Camden
Dana Rene, Rutgers-Newark
Janiyah Smith, Rutgers-Newark
Kylee Donegan, Stockton
Melany Mosier, Stockton
Alyssa Deutsch, SUNY New Paltz
Lexi Stragalas, SUNY New Paltz
Alyssa Alfano, TCNJ
Curt Gruber, TCNJ
Megan Tinger, William Paterson