Northwestern University Athletics
Student-Athletes Victorious at Sixth Annual LGBTQ+ and Ally Inclusion Kickball Game
6/10/2024 10:45:00 AM | General
On May 20, in the leading up to Pride Month, Athlete Alliance, Northwestern's LGBTQ+ Student-Athlete Affinity Space, held its sixth annual coaches and staff versus student-athletes LGBTQ+ and Ally Inclusion Kickball Game. In addition to education opportunities and Pro-LGBTQ+ Athlete highlights, there was food, giveaways and fun had by all. The event was held at Ryan Fieldhouse inside Walter Athletics Center.
The student-athletes, made up of representatives from the 19 varsity teams, weren't going to let the coaches and staff three-peat, winning the game 7-1 with a crowd of Wildcats cheering from the stands.
"Helping co-host the sixth annual Pride and Ally Inclusion Kickball Game in Ryan Fieldhouse is a full-circle moment for me," said Director of Fencing Operations AG Gomez-Shah. "I've been at Northwestern for ten years in many different roles – student-athlete, alumni, and staff member. The thing that I love most about this event is, no matter who you are or the role you share in our department you are welcomed into this space and can be authentically you! I can't wait to see how we can continue to grow this community event and provide our department with more education and training resources for LGBTQ+ inclusion."
Don't miss the opportunity to view a photo gallery and highlight video from this year's event.
"I am so glad to have been able to emcee this year's Pride and Ally Inclusion Kickball Game," said cross country student-athlete Ava Earl. "A lot of my queer journey, including coming out, has taken place while being a student-athlete at Northwestern. The Kickball Game is a lovely opportunity to join together in a queer and ally space where the main purpose is celebration. Having a dedicated event like this shows that our athletic department is dedicated to supporting our LGBTQIA2S+ athletes, coaches, and staff, and educating our ally community. While I was honored to participate in the hosting of this event, I'm even more grateful to our Athlete Alliance and DEI team who made the event possible, as well as everyone who came out to support! Most importantly, I will never forget watching our student team thwart the attempt at a staff three-peat. Go 'Cats!"
"These events are so important for our Northwestern Athletics & Recreation community," said Senior Associate A.D. and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Maria Sanchez. "This annual event highlights the power of community and visibility as we support and celebrate our diverse population of students, staff, and coaches. As we grow events such as the LGBTQ+ and Ally Inclusion Kickball Game, it is important that we maintain a commitment to dialogue and education on several topics that are core to our values as a department."
In tandem with this year's Kickball event, Athlete Alliance teamed up with the Northwestern's Department of Athletics & Recreation's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee to bring former D-I student-athlete and current LGBTQ+ educator, author, and advocate Schuyler Bailar to Northwestern to host an LGBTQ+ Inclusion Keynote Address.
