Junior Vanessa Moreira (Selden, NY), a standout on the Women's Soccer and Lacrosse teams, has been appointed to the Division II National SAAC as the representative for the East Coast Conference.

Each conference in Division II has one member on National SAAC and Moreira was one of four finalists from the East Coast Conference. The National SAAC committee reviewed the applications of the four candidates based on personal statements, gender, ethnicity, leadership, and sport. Moreira was chosen and approved by the NCAA Management Council and will begin her term, which will run through January 2012, immediately. 

"I want to thank the National SAAC for choosing me to represent Dowling College and the East Coast Conference at the national level," said Moreira. "I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to getting started."

Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Athletics, Rick Cole Jr., was also quoted as saying, "Vanessa embodies all characteristics of a Dowling student-athlete. I'm excited for her to share in the experience of representing our institution and our conference at the highest level."

Before being appointed to National SAAC, Vanessa has been an integral member of Dowling College's SAAC. She is currently the Vice President of Dowling's SAAC and has spearheaded the department's Make-A-Wish campaign.

Moriera is a three time All-Conference pick on the soccer field. This past season she led the ECC in goals and points to be named to the All-Conference first team. She was also a huge contributor to the Women's Lacrosse team in their innaugural season in 2008. Starting in all 15 games, Moreira finished 3rd on the team with 26 goals and led the team with 71 ground balls.

-Provided by Dowling Sports Information Department.