Zach Glesius, a senior goalkeeper for teh men’s soccer team, not only thrives off the strict demands of student-athlete life with academics and team obligations, but adds more to his legacy at Virginia Tech with his impactful time on the student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and his numerous service efforts. 

Glesius has served on SAAC since the beginning of his sophomore year where he started out as a member and has now been elected President for his senior year. 

What inspired him to get involved in SAAC at Virginia Tech?

“I have always sought out positions of leadership,” he explained. “I wanted to be able to make a difference and understand more than just the part on the field which was always very engaging to me.”

Glesius described that as a student-athlete, he was used to seeing one side of a situation and how it is affecting them, but he now has the opportunity to see what is going on at the legislative level which is impacting student-athletes countrywide. 

“SAAC had President Sands at a meeting last year when the House versus NCAA settlement was proceeding,” he said. “He had the opportunity to share how it was proceeding on his end and we got to do the same.”

Glesius explained that being a voice for the student-athletes with a bottom-up approach communicating to higher levels but also being an intermediary bringing information down to the student-athlete body for mutual understanding keeps him interested in growing in his position on SAAC.

He has had the opportunity to be a part of several changes in his time on SAAC.With something as seemingly small as changing hours for student-athletes access to their respective facilities to be more accommodating of recovery and travel needs,”Small things that you would not think about are just minor inconveniences during the day but when those things are streamlined and made right in your eyes,it helps optimize your experience,” Glesius mentioned.

Due to his recent appointment as President for Virginia Tech SAAC, he had the opportunity to travel to Charlotte, North Carolina in July to represent the hokies for the ACC SAAC In-Person Retreat which happens twice a year. 

“With the current environment of college sports, a large part of the meeting was about all of the legislation being passed around,” Glesius recounted. “We spent a lot of time talking about the House settlement that was just recently passed which had changed for revenue and non-revenue sports all across every school. The ACC leadership heard out some of the SAAC representative concerns and we listened to how they were attempting to address our concerns.”

The ACC SAAC In-Person Retreat is a largely collaborative and conversational environment for SAAC representatives and leadership to come together bring their own ideas to the table, and also hear what is working for other schools and bring back to their execut

Virginia Tech Soccer star Balances Athletics, Academics, and Community Service

Virginia Tech soccer player, Kyle Glesius, exemplifies the student-athlete ideal, successfully navigating the demands of Division I athletics, rigorous academics, and dedicated community service. Recently recognized with both All-ACC Academic Team honors and the ACC Top XI for service award, Glesius demonstrates a commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

The Structure of Success: Athletics and academics

Glesius credits his athletic schedule with providing a crucial structure that benefits his academic performance. “Being a student-athlete has honestly made it easier because I have been so structured,” he explains. “I have had that schedule and have also had the time away from school and studying by being able to go out on the field for three hours and hang out with all of my best friends and just play and unwind.” This disciplined approach allows him to effectively manage his time and prioritize his responsibilities.

Beyond the structured practice schedule, Glesius actively fosters team camaraderie. He spends time with teammates outside of training, engaging in activities like studying, cooking, and participating in team traditions like “freshman karaoke,” strengthening bonds and creating a supportive environment.

Giving Back: A Commitment to Service

The ACC Top XI for Service award recognizes Glesius’s significant contributions to the community. He has been involved in service throughout his life, and his commitment deepened during his time at Virginia Tech, beginning in the second semester of his freshman year.

organizations Supported

• Literacy New river valley: Glesius volunteers by teaching English literacy to adults, helping them obtain their driver’s licenses, citizenship, and assist their children with schoolwork. He emphasizes the privilege of speaking english and the challenges faced by those for whom it is indeed not their first language.
• brain Injuries Solutions: Details about his involvement with this organization were not provided in the source material.
• Friends of Peak Creek: Details about his involvement with this organization were not provided in the source material.

Glesius’s dedication to Literacy NRV stems from a realization of the advantages inherent in English fluency.He recognized that even basic English skills are crucial for navigating daily life and accessing opportunities in the United States.

Key Takeaways

• Structure is Key: A consistent schedule, fostered by athletic commitments, aids academic success.
• Teamwork extends Beyond the Field: Building strong relationships with teammates enhances the overall student-athlete experience.
• Service is a Priority: Glesius actively seeks opportunities to give back to the community, demonstrating a commitment to social duty.
• Recognizing Privilege: His work with Literacy NRV highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing inequalities.

Published: 2025/08/26 08:28:32