Just hours before Thursday night’s women’s soccer game, the CSUN Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted their annual trunk-or-treat in the Redwood Hall parking lot. The event is hosted annually by the committee to help bond the athletes with one another and connect with the community.

CSUN SAAC is a student-led program that serves as a voice for student athletes. It allows athletes to have input on NCAA rules and regulations, campus policies and improving the student athlete experience through philanthropic opportunities and community building.

Co-President Marin Byars, a second year water polo goalie, aims to propel the program to new heights. As the committee continues to grow, more opportunities arise to help the athletes get involved and grow their image, citing the annual trunk-or-treat as a great way to bring athletes and community members together.

The committee invited several elementary and middle schools within a few miles of CSUN to join the trunk-or-treat.

“The super exciting part about this event, and why it’s one of my favorites, is because it actually shows all of the little elementary schoolers that they’re able to become division one athletes just like us,” Byars said. “This was the biggest turnout of kids from all different schools.”

The kids walked up and down the street with their parents, going to the decorated cars and receiving their candy. They also played several games with the athletes, with spikeball being quite popular.

CSUN athletes conversed with one another, with several groupings of athletes attending, ranging from the women’s tennis team to the men’s soccer team.

Madison Shepperson, the social media lead for CSUN SAAC ensures that all their events and schedules are posted on Instagram, giving the program the exposure that they want.

“Making sure that the student athletes come together and feel supported is important to us just as much as creating good events as well as community service,” said Shepperson.

Shortly after the trunk-or-treat had finished, the group of athletes turned their attention to supporting the women’s soccer team who went on to win against Long Beach State, finishing as regular season champions.

CSUN SAAC said they strive for greatness within their athletes every day by building a body of support among their peers and showing what that support can do for the community outside of CSUN.