LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Rider University softball senior Shelby Dyer was selected as the Metro Conference Student Athlete Advisory Committee Board Chair for 2026-27 by the conference on Wednesday. Other members of the new Metro Conference SAAC Board are Vice-Chair Cassandra Ercoli (Canisius – Swim & Dive) and DI SAAC Rep/ Secretary Jaylyn Simon (Iona – Volleyball).

"I am honored that I was chosen to hold this position for the Metro Conference. I am looking forward to leading a wonderful group of student athletes in addition to representing Rider University." Dyer said. "We are incredibly excited to have Shelby…" Associate Commissioner for Compliance and Student-Athlete Development AJ Schaufler said. "As chair, Shelby will work with SAAC leaders across our member institutions to develop and implement conference-wide initiatives that enhance the student-athlete experience."

Dyer will enter her senior year at Rider, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Healthcare Administration. A three-time Academic Honor Roll honoree, Dyer was also named to the 2025 Conference All-Championship Team after batting .357 with a .538 on-base percentage. Dyer has been a member of SAAC since 2023, helping organize events for student-athletes with an emphasis on community service and fostering stronger connections between athletics and the broader student body. She is also a member of the Gail Bierenbaum Women's Leadership Council, where she serves as a mentor to underclassman and participates in workshops focused on professional development and building connections with external mentors.

"I am incredibly proud of Shelby for being selected as the Metro Conference SAAC Chair. Coordinator of Academic Support and SAAC Faculty Advisor Liz Sapudar said. "Having worked closely with her through our campus SAAC, I have seen firsthand her dedication to serving others and supporting her fellow student-athletes. She is a positive, hardworking leader who consistently leads by example and brings energy and enthusiasm to everything she does. I am confident she will represent both our institution and the conference exceptionally well in this role."

"Shelby's strong leadership qualities and her tremendous advocacy for what is right and for the betterment for the student-athlete experience makes her outstanding for this role." Rider University softball head coach Davon Ortega said. "I am always in awe of all that Shelby is able to accomplish on and off the field and I couldn't be prouder of her in this moment. Rider and the Metro will be extremely well represented."

The Metro Conference SAAC provides student-athletes with a platform to have a voice within the conference and advocate for initiatives that enhance the overall student-athlete experience. Its mission is "To enhance the student-athlete experience across the Metro Conference by creating leadership and development opportunities while uniting campuses and communities through service, advocacy and collaboration."