Athletes.org (AO), the players association for college athletes, is hosting its first-ever Leadership & Policy Summit on May 20–21, 2025, bringing college athletes to the table to hold direct conversations with U.S. policymakers and industry leaders on the future of college sports.
Athletes.org has worked with members to organize this two-day event to bring athletes directly to lawmakers and have a productive dialogue on the future of college athletics, athlete rights and the college athlete experience in the new era of athletics–an era when rules and protections for college athletes must be considered first instead of profit. Members will also gain invaluable leadership insight from legendary leaders who have advocated for athlete empowerment and rights at the pro level from leading sport law and collective bargaining expert Jim Quinn and Dr. Don Davis from the NFLPA.
“The Leadership and Policy Summit is just another illustration that Athletes.org is the solution for the college sports ecosystem to create a sustainable and equitable future,” said AO cofounder Brandon Copeland. “These athletes–along with more than 4600 other college athletes they’re representing today–have chosen AO as their vehicle, their players association, because they recognize that the time is now – and that Athletes.org is uniquely able and positioned to elevate the voices and opinions of college athletes, especially in rooms that athletes have historically not been invited to.”
Participants will engage in meetings on Capitol Hill visits with prominent members of Congress including: Senators Mark Kelly (AZ), Raphael Warnock (GA), Jon Ossoff (GA), John Fetterman (PA), Cory Booker (NJ), Chuck Schumer (NY) and many more.
Athletes in attendance on behalf of Athletes.org will be: Chief Borders (Football, UNLV), Angelina Vasquez (Track & Field, USC), Jada Brown (Women’s Basketball, Vanderbilt), Terian Williams (Football, Bucknell), Jacob Hardie (Football, Georgia), Alika Crawford (Alumna, Track & Field, North Texas), Chris Gatty (Men’s Basketball, Syracuse) and Justin Wodtly (Football, Arizona State).
“These athletes are stepping up to the table to discuss their future, because they have seen that when decisions have been made about them, without them, it may impact them athletically, but it rarely ends up considering how it will impact their well being academically, mentally or physically,” said Copeland. By joining the Leadership and Policy Summit, these athletes are showing the world that AO is ready and willing to negotiate and work together to bring real, effective change and save college sports.”
Athletes will receive purposeful leadership training prior to their visits with lawmakers and explore the political landscape of the 119th Congress as it relates to collegiate athletics and reflects Athletes.org’s commitment to empower athletes by educating them, organizing them advocating for their seat and then representing them at the decision-making table(s).
Athletes.org, “The Players Association for College Athletes,” is a voluntary membership organization whose membership includes more than 4600 current and former college athletes. AO exists to educate, organize, and represent college athletes as their chosen players association in an attempt to ensure their seat at the table in the ever-changing landscape of college sports.