I grew up in Southern California with a deep love for sports and a drive to get the most out of my education. When it came time to choose a college, I knew I needed a place that would prepare me for life after graduation-especially since professional opportunities for softball players are so limited.
That’s why I chose Brown University. It was my dream school: a place where I could compete in Division I athletics and get a world-class education, all while experiencing life on the East Coast. Looking back, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Brown’s open curriculum let me explore different majors and classes, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.
The Power of College Athlete Advocacy
During my time at Brown, I joined the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) after being inspired by a senior teammate. Soon, I was elected as Brown’s representative to the Ivy League SAAC, where I got to participate in conference-wide initiatives. What made the Ivy League SAAC special was that our commissioner and compliance director genuinely cared about our input. Even though we weren’t officially part of the governance structure, they treated us as if we were. That support made a real difference in our experience as college athletes.
A Disappointing Reality at the NCAA Level
Encouraged by my Ivy League SAAC experience, I applied for a position on the NCAA’s Division I SAAC. At first, I was excited to have a voice at the national level and to help make a difference for college athletes across the country. But it quickly became clear that the NCAA’s Division I SAAC was more of a figurehead than a real advisory committee. Our opinions and advice were rarely taken into account, and it felt like our voices were being stifled.
It was disheartening to see the politics at play and realize that the NCAA wasn’t truly interested in listening to athletes. I even experienced being pushed out of an executive board position because my views didn’t align with their agenda. It was a shocking realization: the NCAA wasn’t interested in diverse opinions or real change.
The Need for Real Reform
Despite these frustrations, I remain passionate about advocating for athletes. The current setup of Division I SAAC is broken and in desperate need of reform. We need more diversity-not just in terms of race and gender, but also in sports representation. Every sport deserves a seat at the table, and every athlete deserves to have their voice heard.
I also believe in the importance of independent associations for athletes. Every other group within the NCAA has an association to represent them-except for athletes. We are the foundation of college athletics, and our collective voice is stronger than the NCAA. It’s time for us to come together and demand the changes we deserve with Athletes.org.
Moving Forward
I don’t know exactly what the future holds for me-maybe a career in sports, maybe in politics- but I know that advocacy will always be at the center of what I do. I want to use my privilege and platform to give back and create a better experience for college athletes.
It’s not enough to recognize that things are wrong; we have to be willing to do something about it. My experiences at Brown and on SAAC have taught me the importance of speaking up and taking action. Change doesn’t happen by sitting back and watching- it happens when we come together and fight for what’s right.
I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned along the way, and I’m excited to continue pushing for real reform in college athletics- so that every athlete’s voice is truly heard.