Samford volleyball junior Ally Cordes is taking her leadership beyond the court — the NCAA chose her to be the SoCon’s representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where she represents her peers on campus and nationally.
On SAAC, she has a voice in conversations that shape the future of college athletics. She traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana in July for her first meeting with representatives from across the country.
For Cordes, the opportunity came as a surprise. She had never attended a SAAC meeting before but her enthusiasm stood out in the interview process.
“They told me they really enjoyed my passion for SAAC,” Cordes said. “I didn’t expect to be chosen.”
On the campus level, Cordes leads a committee focused on strengthening the student-athlete experience. One of their priorities is organizing Samford’s athlete formal, an event designed to give athletes the kind of community celebration they often miss out on because of their demanding schedules.
“A lot of athletes can’t be in sororities or fraternities,” Cordes said. “They don’t get to go and enjoy sorority formals just because of time so that is something that we really prioritize at Samford SAAC: making athletes feel important and hosting that.”
Cordes also hopes to bring more visibility to financial literacy resources available through the NCAA. She believes student-athletes need more preparation to manage money responsibly especially as the sports industry is rapidly changing since 2021 with rule changes on name, image and likeness.
“Athletes are getting paid now,” she said. “You don’t want them to blow it all away and then have nothing to land on after postgrad or post-playing pro.”
Faith also plays a role in Cordes’ leadership philosophy. She believes in advocating for those who do not have a voice.
Her impact isn’t limited to committee meetings. On the court, Cordes is a dedicated teammate. Off it, she is building meaningful friendships, including a close bond with sophomore Carly Minatel.
“Coming in, Ally welcomed me with open arms and always conducted herself with grace, which to me is what leadership is about,” Minatel said. “Ally is always someone I can rely on to give me advice or just be a shoulder to cry on. I’m so glad I have a friend like her.”
Samford head volleyball coach Keylor Chan said Cordes’ new leadership role is not only a milestone for her but also a meaningful moment for the program.
“To have someone from Samford being at that level,” Chan said. “Hearing the conversations and being a part of them, being able to represent and bring a voice at the very top of college athletics in those rooms, I think it’ll be a very powerful experience in so many ways.”
Chan said that Cordes’ commitment has inspired him as well.
“She definitely enjoys and wants to serve, and I think, as Christians, we’re called to do that,” Chan said. “It emboldens me for the future of humanity that young people have that wired into them.”
From representing Samford athletes at the NCAA level to supporting her teammates off the court, Cordes’ influence reaches far beyond the volleyball court.
Staff Reporter
