"I've Got Your Back"
10/28/2020
As part of the NCAA's Diversity and Inclusion Campaign, each day from Oct. 27-29, 2020 will explore a different theme.
Day 2: “I've Got Your Back”
Showcasing student-athletes supporting each other to foster inclusive environments.
Hear from some of Washington's student-athletes as they talk through this topic:
Geneva Thompson, Women's Gymnastics, Senior: "My goal is to make sure everyone feels comfortable. Gymnastics is a very White-dominant sport. I've heard many times where when it comes to things as small as hair styles or even 'skin colored' tape, it puts these Black athletes in a place of discomfort.”
Our gymnastics team here at UW is very diverse. Being a leader and a team captain of this team, I have to be able to be there for and support every single person in their own way. It’s the only way we’ve been able to create the amazing culture that we have today. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong on this team and belong here at UW.Geneva Thompson
Makayla Kelby, Women's Track & Field, Junior: “One way we can support one another through both intentional action and allyship is simply by learning. There is always something new to learn and do when it comes to diversity and inclusion. It's the first step we can take in supporting the need for a more inclusive environment.”
Mireya Grey, Women's Soccer, Senior: “Coaches and staff have shown that my voice matters and I have been given multiple opportunities to be included and heard in our community as a Husky. For two years in a row I and a few other athletes were supported to attend the Black Student-Athlete Summit in Texas. Upon return we were asked to share not only what we learned from the summit, but what we believed our program needed to be more inclusive and active for all athletes of all backgrounds."
I am also an active small group leader with Athletes in Action. Each athlete is asked to implement new ways to support other athletes no matter their background. I am asked things like 'What would you like to see in our athletics program? And how can we help your vision come to life?'. I have witnessed multiple athletes seek and find safe spaces to be themselves, be vulnerable and discover their identity in faith through what is offered in AIA.Mireya Grey
Elijah Mason, Men's Track & Field, Senior: "When it comes to fostering an inclusive environment, I have been supported to do so by the University of Washington in more ways than anyone can ever expect to see from their University so effortlessly...Our Black Student-Athlete Alliance at UW has existed for 3 years, but this summer MaKayla Woods (Women's Soccer) and I were able to take this space further than we ever imagined. The BSAA and our staff believe a space like this is important because it allows our Black student-athletes to have safe spaces and connections with other Black student-athletes from other sports."
The BSAA and our staff believe a space like this is important because it allows our Black student-athletes to have safe spaces and connections with other Black student-athletes from other sports.Elijah Mason