Leaders of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) helped Newman’s mission of empowering graduates come to life with its softball fundraiser on Aug. 3.
The first-ever coed softball fundraiser brought together seven teams from across Sedgwick County to Newman’s baseball field.
The fundraising event was run by members of Newman University’s SAAC team: Colby Schreiner, Alex Schreiner and Haleigh Pearson. A substantial $1,650 was raised during the one-day event, with half the proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The NCAA mandates that SAAC has at least two representatives from each team who are nominated by coaches and SAAC officers. The representatives meet collectively to liaise between athletics and administration. Leaders share issues and concerns with administration or representatives at major nationwide events and functions and attend leadership workshops to help the growth of the student members.
Meet the team behind the fundraiser
Pearson started her freshman year at Newman in 2022 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood unified education in May 2025. She was a member of the softball team, part of the NU Future Teachers Club, involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and served as vice president for SAAC. Pearson is now working toward her master’s degree in reading interventions with a focus on dyslexia therapy and will graduate from Newman in May 2027.
Alex Schreiner, a nursing major, will graduate from Newman in December 2026. Alex is the president of SAAC, a resident assistant, a member of FCA, a volunteer for the Campus Activity Board and a member of the softball team.
Colby Schreiner is a nursing major who serves on the executive board for SAAC, works alongside his sister as a resident assistant and is on the men’s wrestling team. He will graduate in May 2026.
Thinking outside the box
The vision for the tournament began when SAAC members discussed ways to improve fundraising for the year.
“When our new SAAC board was elected, we all knew that we wanted to raise more money so that we could do things our members want to do,” said Alex. “Colby shared the idea of a slow-pitch tournament on our baseball field. We have played slow-pitch for many years and knew this would be a fun thing for the community to experience.”
The summer idea quickly turned into a successful event, showcasing leadership, teamwork and an alignment with Newman’s mission. It also coincided with one of SAAC’s annual commitments: donating to Make-A-Wish, a longtime charity partner of the NCAA, particularly its Division II schools.
“Each year, SAAC is required to donate a minimum of $1,000,” explained Pearson. “We wanted to go above and beyond that. Getting a head start this summer allows us to focus future fundraising on enhancing things like our end-of-year athletic awards ceremony, the Jetspys.”
Each team paid a $250 entry fee, and most teams had a full roster of 12 players. Overall, the event raised $1,650, with $1,250 from entry fees. There was also a generous $100 donation from the Schreiners’ grandmother and additional funds raised from concession stands operated by their parents, Lynee and Greg Schreiner.
Both Alex Schreiner and Pearson praised Colby Schreiner for his work in hosting the event. Colby organized much of the tournament and promoted it by sharing flyers on local Facebook pages. Impressively, he also umpired every single game from 8 a.m. until nearly 11 p.m. on tournament day.
“It was super competitive and a lot of fun,” Colby said. “We had players who were Newman alumni, former softball and baseball athletes and lots of other people from all over Sedgwick County. Lots of people said they would love to come back next year.”
Newman in the community
One of the biggest takeaways from the event was the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships throughout the Wichita community.
“You can only do and grow so much within the Newman walls; you have to venture out,” Pearson said. “This was a great way to build healthy competition and get Newman out there on the Wichita map.”
For the SAAC students, it was about more than just raising money for a great cause. It was also a chance to grow as leaders and make an impact.
Events like this help students live a life of service and leadership. It’s the Newman mission coming to life.
Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Maureen Rohleder
“It’s inspiring to see students pour their passions into projects that benefit charities,” Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Maureen Rohleder said. “Events like this help students live a life of service and leadership. It’s the Newman mission coming to life.”
The SAAC team would also like to thank these campus leaders for making the event possible: Rohleder, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Communications Zachary Brake, Director of Residence Life Ian Lecki, Athletic Director Kenyon Spears and head baseball coach Lance Spongberg.
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The mission of Newman University Athletics is to empower its student-athletes on the field to transform society off the field.
