WASHINGTON - Erin Saunders was promoted to Director of Student-Athlete Support in July, 2023, after seven years in other roles within the Student-Athlete Support Program at American University. 

"I am thrilled that Erin agreed to take on this role," said Jimmy Dean, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education. "In the seven years I've known her, she's demonstrated time and again to be a passionate advocate for student-athlete success, an incredible relationship builder, and a thoughtful and collaborative leader. She has been an essential part of why our student-athletes thrive and I'm excited for the future of SASP under her leadership. 

In her role as Director, Saunders will oversee all aspects of the Student-Athlete Support Program and be the operational, administrative, and strategic lead for the team. Saunders started as an Academic Counselor in 2016, moved up to the role of Student-Athlete Support to Senior Counselor in 2019, and was promoted again in 2021 to Assistant Director. The Student-Athlete Support Program (SASP) provides academic support and life skills development for all American University student-athletes through holistic counseling and programming.

"I am honored to assume the position of Director of the Student-Athlete Support Program," said Saunders. "I am excited to lead the SASP in fulfilling our mission to enhance the academic and personal well-being of student-athletes through holistic counseling and life skills development programming. I would like to thank UEAS leadership for entrusting me with this significant opportunity, and I look forward to continuning to foster and strengthen our already strong partnership with the Department of Athletics."

Saunders started at American University in October 2016 after serving as an Athletic Mentor at West Chester University of Pennsylvania during the 2015-16 academic year. While working with the student-athletes and earning her M.S. in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs from WCU, she worked in secondary education at a non-profit organization in Philadelphia.

In 2010, Saunders graduated with a B.S. in Exercise Science/Sports Management from Rutgers University, where she was a member and three-time diving captain of the women's swimming and diving team.