Nearly 150 Division II student-athletes and administrators gathered Nov. 19-21 for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Super Region Convention in Chicago. Participants from the Central and Midwest regions developed plans to better support mental health and the student-athlete voice on their campuses and in their conferences.
Throughout the event, the student-athletes and administrators listened to and interacted with speakers with expertise in the areas of leadership, mental health, social justice and the student-athlete voice. Each day included a project planning session on mental health or the student-athlete voice, culminating with project presentations on the final day. Attendees left with plans of action. Several schools collaborated on creating conferencewide action plans, while others created plans to implement at their school.
"I enjoyed every part of the convention," said Ladasheray Bell, a cross country and track and field student-athlete at Northwestern Oklahoma State. "Although it was very long days full of learning, I can honestly say I had a great time. If I ever get the opportunity to go back, I would go without hesitation. The atmosphere alone was a huge confidence boost. The people were helpful and encouraging. I even found the courage to face one of my fears and talk in front of 100-plus.
"I just want to say thank you to everyone, from the hosts to the athletes, for showing me that it is OK to not be OK, mentally and physically. It is OK to be different. It's unique. Be yourself, no matter the situation. Change is OK. Stay true to you and your own voice."
Two former student-athletes now working as athletics administrators presented on the impact of the student-athlete voice: Bubba Baroniel, revenue generation and business development coordinator at Nova Southeastern, where he played baseball; and Ashley Beaton, a former volleyball player at Illinois Springfield and current assistant athletics director for student-athlete success at Wisconsin-Parkside.
Additional sessions focused on how student-athletes can facilitate communication with administrators and how former student-athletes transitioned to life after athletics. Student-athletes and administrators also learned more about Division II's work with Make-A-Wish and Team IMPACT.
"I had always known that as a SAAC representative, I was a big part of making sure student-athletes' voices were being heard, but after this convention and the great speakers we had, like Bubba Baroniel and Ashley Beaton, I now understand that it isn't just about representing student-athlete voice," said Grant Dieken, a cross country and track and field runner at Upper Iowa. "It is about growing it, supporting it, understanding it, championing it, and so many other things."Â
Presenter Ivy Watts, a former Division II student-athlete at New Haven, where she graduated with a degree in psychology, focused on mental health. A former All-American who faced mental health struggles as an athlete, she now promotes mental wellness and tries to reduce stigma around mental health by sharing her story through public speaking and her blog, Beautifully Simply You.
Dozie Iwuagwu, a former football player at Emporia State, where he now serves as an alcohol and drug abuse prevention program coordinator and counselor, led a roundtable discussion on mental health.
Keynote speaker Justin Patton, a leadership coach, concluded the convention with a presentation that centered on the factors for earning and keeping trust as a leader, what erodes trust and how to repair broken trust.
Attendees also engaged with the community by tie-dyeing socks and writing notes of affirmation for children from the James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club of Chicago.
This event was Division II's third Super Region Convention since the initiative began in 2017. The fourth will be held in April in California for the South Central and West regions.
