By LAURA BORRELLI
Sports Editor
The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) participated in the 2020 NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Social Media Campaign from Oct. 27 to 29. The campaign consisted of three themed days. The first day was called “My Story Matters.” The athletics communication staff worked with different athletes to film their stories that explored student athletes’ identities, perspectives, and experiences at The College of Saint Rose. The second day showcased how student athletes support one another to create an inclusive environment for their team. Some student athletes were featured in a video about the importance of teamwork. The last day outlined personal steps to take action towards collaboration and inclusive excellence.
Each day, The College of Saint Rose Golden Knights account released videos from student athletes on campus. Karen Haag, the advisor for SAAC, helped facilitate connecting the student athletes with the Athletic Communications. Haag wrote in an email that there is a lot of behind the scenes work with David Alexander, assistant athletic director for athletics communications, and Catie Yanchak, coordinator of athletic digital and video production.
“This campaign is done at the national level through NCAA. It’s extremely important that we participate in this campaign to show our commitment to inclusionary excellence,” Haag wrote in an email.
Co-chair of SAAC, senior Elizabeth D’Agostino, participated by filming for all three days. D’Agostino wrote in an email that she wants to spread open-mindness and this event is a way to give others a voice and start a conversation on campus.
“When student athletes share their stories, spread kindness, and speak words of support it’s telling others who relate or are struggling that there are people who care and understand. It’s important to be heard,” D’Agostino wrote.
Divah Johnson, a representative for the women’s cross country team, participated in the videos to spread awareness and to encourage others to accept people for their differences. The Diversity and Inclusion Campaign will not just help students during their college experience, but it will help them for the rest of their lives.
“It’s important to adapt because after you graduate from Saint Rose you’re going to have to learn to work with people from different backgrounds, and different views on the world. It will be important when working and also networking,” Johnson wrote in an email.
Johnson wrote it is important Saint Rose participates to celebrate differences and build strong connections to those around you on the same or different team.
“I keep in mind that everyone is special and has something amazing to offer to the world. No matter the skin color, sexual orientation and religious background,” Johnson wrote.
