EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE student-athletes kicked off the 2026-27 athletics year this week with the annual Cougar Games.

The Cougar Games, organized by Associate Athletic Director Ashley Beaton Simpson and SIUE Athletics' Student Success staff, gives SIUE student-athletes from each different program the chance to spend the evening with one another competing in fun challenges.

The night also served to introduce the SIUE Student Athlete Advisory Committee Executive (SAAC) board led by President Taylor Babb of the women's soccer team.

"I am really passionate about SAAC," Babb said. "I really care about everyone's experience. As an athlete myself, I want everyone to have a good experience. I think everyone on our committee really cares and I am excited for us to do what we need to do."

Babb also commented on the importance of the work SIUE SAAC does.

"(The work) is very important," she added. "Everyone cares about the environment here. This is a big part of our life at SIUE. It is important that we put in the time and work to make sure everyone has a great time while they are here."

In addition to Babb, the E-board includes Vice President Harrison Alexander (men's basketball), Internal Operations Claire Jones (volleyball) and Claire Nieroda (women's soccer). Babb and Alexander serve as SIUE's SAAC representatives to the Ohio Valley Conference.

Babb added that she believes events like the Cougar Games are important for the entire class of student-athletes.

"We're all a family at SIUE," she said. "As a women's soccer player, I might not always get to interact with, say, the men's cross country team. We may not necessarily know each other like that. So, events like this are super important to really get to understand each other. We get to become friends and then come out and support each other."