Elizabeth City, N.C. — When Darius Satterfield walked into the 2025 National Collegiate-Athletic Association (NCAA) Convention in Nashville, he had more than just a seat at the table—he had a key to the dining room. Representing Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) and speaking on behalf of the CIAA, he was the voice for all 132,000 student-athletes in NCAA Division II and the first Viking ever to hold this role.
Born in Durham, NC and raised in Mebane, Satterfield had the instant feeling that ECSU was “a second home.” Then, a football scholarship, an offer from the honors program and foundation scholarships sealed the deal.
But he didn’t know then that his voice would become one of the loudest in the room for student-athletes nationwide.
His path to the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Representative position wasn’t just about titles but about impact. Starting as ECSU’s SAAC football representative in his sophomore year, he quickly climbed the ranks. By the summer before his junior year, he became the CIAA Representative for NCAA Division II SAAC. This appointment also made him CIAA SAAC President and, later, ECSU SAAC President.
A Voice That Changed the Game
At the 2025 NCAA Convention, Satterfield made history. He didn’t just attend but made an immediate impact on legislation.
“In my first couple of months, I was able to get the student-athlete vote changed to support a legislation change allowing automatic qualification for football conference champions,” he shared. “This provides equal access across the board, no matter the size of the conference.”
Because of his efforts, this previously-rejected legislative move became a reality.
And he wasn’t done yet.
Understanding the legacy of SAAC reps before him, Satterfield saw the bigger picture. The work they had done to elevate the student-athlete voice had led to SAAC representatives now sitting on all NCAA Association-wide committees.
“Knowing this motivated me to continue the work my counterparts had begun,” he said.
Moments That Mattered
Many unforgettable moments happened at the convention, but one that stuck with him was the Division II guest speaker Steve Jones’ keynote on leadership.
“One of my favorite quotes from his speech was, ‘Where our focus goes, our energy flows,’” Satterfield recalled. “He even gave us a copy of his book, The Twin Thieves.”
Beyond the speeches and policy changes, the real takeaway for Satterfield was the people.
“I made some of my best friends for life with my fellow SAAC reps,” he said.
Championing Student-Athlete Wellness
Aside from policy changes, Satterfield is passionate about helping student-athletes find balance—both on and off the field.
“A large part of my role involves making sure that student-athletes prioritize their lives outside of their sport,” he explained. “I’ve been advocating for mental wellness and community service initiatives through CIAA SAAC.”
Balancing Books & Big Responsibilities
Being a student, an athlete and a national leader is no easy feat, but Satterfield has mastered the art of time management and communication.
“Letting my professors know months and weeks ahead of time when I’m leaving for opportunities like this allows for better communication and flexibility,” he said. “It’s a skill I continuously work on.”
And the support from ECSU has been crucial.
“I give many thanks to my sports management professor, Dr. Jason Hughes, and CIAA SAAC advisor, Jaime Browne. Also, the Career Development Center has helped me refine my resume, and my professors have been super flexible, making these opportunities stress-free.”
A Future Built on Leadership
Satterfield is already crafting his legacy, but his journey is far from over.
After graduating in May 2026, he plans to pursue a dual master’s degree in Sports Administration and Business Administration, and his experiences have already set him apart.
His advice for student-athletes looking to follow in his footsteps is advice he’s learned from the living examples of his parents, who Satterfield says have worked hard his entire life.
“Keep God first and stay consistent. It won’t be easy when you first get into the industry. You’ll often have to do the dirty work but stay the course. Your work will show!”
Having never missed a game, Satterfield says his parents taught him to prioritize God, family and hard work.
And his “why” is simple:
“To empower others to reach their fullest potential and to be a positive example to those looking at the things I do.”
A Voice for the Nation
From ECSU to the NCAA, Satterfield is proving that one voice—when used the right way—can echo across an entire division.
And he’s just getting started.