SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has officially selected Ally Cordes of Samford University as the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Representative for the Southern Conference. 

In this role, Cordes will serve as the voice of SoCon student-athletes on the national stage. She will play a key role in shaping NCAA policies, advocating for student-athlete well-being, and strengthening communication between the NCAA and its member institutions. Her leadership and commitment to collegiate athletics distinguish her as an outstanding choice for this prestigious position. 

A native of Wyoming, Ohio, Cordes is a junior outside hitter for the Samford Bulldogs volleyball team. During the 2024 season, she started in 26 of the team's 27 matches, averaging 2.58 kills per set and finishing third on the team with 250 total kills. 
Off the court, Cordes is an accounting major who has demonstrated academic excellence, earning Dean's List honors twice during her time at Samford. 

In addition to her national responsibilities, Cordes will also serve as chairperson of the Southern Conference SAAC to continue advancing the mission of opportunity, the protection of student-athlete well-being, and positive student-athlete image. She brings valuable experience to the position, having been an active member of the Samford SAAC since 2023, where she most recently served as co-chair. 

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as a representative for all of the athletes in the Southern Conference," Cordes said. "I have been involved in SAAC at an institutional level since I was a freshman and have enjoyed every minute of it, and this opportunity for me to lead continues to amplify my passion for advocating for student-athletes and making their voices heard at every level of college athletics." 

The Southern Conference congratulates Ally Cordes on this well-earned honor and looks forward to the impact she will make throughout the coming year.