When UTPB men's tennis player Lucas Nakasato arrived at the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Super Region Convention, he wasn't sure what to expect. As a first-time attendee, the scale and significance of it were entirely new. But one thing became clear almost immediately: this was an opportunity—not just to represent UTPB, but to grow.

"It was a great honor to be there and represent the school," Nakasato said. "It was a great experience, and I'm very thankful to UTPB for giving me this opportunity."

Nakasato's involvement in SAAC stems from a desire to challenge himself beyond the tennis court.

"What motivates me is the opportunity to follow my career and look for leadership roles," he said. "Being in SAAC is a great chance to improve my skills."

That motivation carried into the convention, where he joined nearly 150 student-athletes and administrator's from across the region and learned how to elevate the student-athlete voice, lead change through action planning, collaboration and leadership development.

With little idea of what the event would entail, Nakasato walked in with an open mind—and walked out inspired.

"I didn't have many expectations because I had never been to something like this," he said. "But it absolutely met my expectations. I learned a lot there."

One topic in particular resonated deeply: mental health.

A memorable session highlighted how pressure, anxiety, and performance expectations affect student-athletes not only in competition, but in their lives as a whole. For Nakasato, it was a powerful reminder—and a reassurance.

"It helped me be calmer and realize everything is okay," he said. "Even if I'm not getting the results I want on the court, it's not just about that."

Throughout the convention, Nakasato leaned into collaboration with other representatives, exchanging ideas about campus culture and student-athlete support.

In those discussions, he recognized the value of his own experiences—and the impact of his voice.

"I saw a lot of awesome people there, very organized and confident," he said. "Watching them speak made me realize I can improve too, and that my voice has power."

One idea he contributed focused on building a stronger bond between all sports at UTPB.

"I proposed having more events where all the sports can be together," he said. "Like choosing a basketball game for everyone to attend. Which would help build the UTPB athletics community."

He also shared something UTPB already does exceptionally well: creating shared spaces for student-athletes.

He pointed to Dr. Kirk Edwards Human Performance Center, as a place where connections happen naturally.

"This our place," he said. "We can communicate with other players from every sport while passing by one another in the hallway and lobby."

The convention opened Nakasato's eyes to the broader influence of SAAC—on campus culture, athletics, and student well-being.

"One thing I learned is that it only takes one person to make a difference," he said. "If one person starts something, others follow. It can have a huge impact."

Asked what leadership skills he developed, Nakasato didn't hesitate.

"The most important was my voice," he said. "Knowing the power of my voice and that it can change things."

That realization also shaped his aspirations moving forward.

"I think I can do better in leadership now," he said. "Just by speaking up, you can make a big difference."

For the student-athlete who travels to the next Super Region Convention, Nakasato's advice is simple:

"Go have fun and be grateful for the opportunity," he said. "Not many people get to go. Be present, learn from everyone there, and enjoy it."

As he reflects on the experience, Nakasato feels nothing but appreciation—for the people who believed in him and for the chance to grow in ways he didn't expect.

"I just want to thank Deputy Athletic Director / Senior Woman Administrator, Sarah Ramey and UTPB for giving me this opportunity," he said. "It was a great experience, and we look forward to doing more good things through SAAC."

Nakasato's selection to represent UTPB was the result of both opportunity and merit.

When the Lone Star Conference (LSC) invited schools to send one upperclassman and one underclassman to the event—with GPA as a key factor—Ramey opened the door to any SAAC member not currently in season. From that group, she submitted two names. The conference chose Lucas.

Nakasato has been a consistent presence since the relaunch of UTPB's SAAC committee last fall, showing up to every meeting and every event. His commitment, however, goes far beyond attendance.

"Lucas always has a smile on his face, greets everyone with a handshake or hug, and is willing to help whenever it's needed," Ramey said. "He is dedicated in the classroom, on the court, and in giving back to the community."

For Ramey, watching Nakasato step into this leadership opportunity—and return with energy, ideas, and renewed confidence—was rewarding.

"I'm grateful Lucas was willing and chosen to attend the SAAC Super Region," she said. "He was able to meet LSC and RMAC student-athletes and I look forward to the ideas that he has brought back to help us make UTPB SAAC more impactful."