Mahopac High School junior Isabella Gangemi has been selected to represent Section I on the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for the 2026-27 school year.
The statewide committee gives student-athletes a voice in discussions about the high school athletic experience, including sportsmanship, student leadership, community service and inclusion. Two student-athletes from each of NYSPHSAA’s 11 sections are selected each year.
A multi-sport athlete who competes in basketball, field hockey, lacrosse and Unified flag football, Gangemi has already found ways to use her voice as a student-athlete at Mahopac. She recently helped start a Captain’s Council with her friend Jack Egan, bringing together team captains to talk about leadership, support one another and find ways to strengthen their teams and school community. The group also plans to organize community service projects in Mahopac.
Gangemi also works with students in the Life Skills Classroom, an experience that has reinforced her belief that every student should have the opportunity to feel included and valued in athletics. Through her role on SAAC, she hopes to bring that perspective to conversations with student-athletes from across Section I and New York State.
“This opportunity means I have a chance to make a positive difference at my school, in Section I and throughout the state,” Gangemi said. “I want to help grow leadership and positivity across sports programs and create a stronger, more supportive environment for every athlete and team. I’ve already started working toward that at Mahopac through our Captain’s Council, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing as a leader while helping other student-athletes do the same.”
Mahopac Director of Athletics, PE and Health Stephen Luciana said Gangemi’s selection reflects the leadership she demonstrates both on and off the field.
“We are incredibly proud of Bella and this opportunity to represent Mahopac and Section I,” Luciana said. “She is a natural leader who looks for ways to bring people together, make a difference and help create a positive experience for others. We’re excited to see her bring that perspective to student-athletes across the state.”
As a member of SAAC, Gangemi will have the opportunity to contribute to conversations about student-athlete programs and initiatives while representing the perspectives of athletes from Section I.
Congratulations to Isabella on this exciting opportunity to make her voice heard at the state level!
