As a core value, the NCAA believes in and is committed to diversity, inclusion and gender equity among its student-athletes, coaches and administrators.  The NCAA seeks to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for student-athletes and career opportunities for coaches and administrators from diverse backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion improve the learning environment for all student-athletes and enhance excellence within the Association.

The Big West Conference and its members support the efforts of the NCAA.  Several Big West schools assisted with the third annual MOIC and SAAC diversity and inclusion campaign.

My Story Matters: The focus is on student-athletes' stories & experiences that portray who they are as individuals. Hear the stories from a few of our student-athletes as they tell you why they are more than just an athlete and show that thier stories can make a difference.

Hey everyone, my name is Vanessa Austin and I'm on the women's basketball team at CSUB! Besides playing basketball, I love to enjoy the outdoors and go hiking with my mom.
    - Vanessa Austin, CSU Bakersfield Women's Basketball

Volunteering and working at my local hospital has given me a greater insight into the medical field. My experience has further sparked an interest in me to become a physician and make a difference in a patient's life in the future.
    - Jadie Acidera, Cal State Fullerton Women's Tennis



I recently started teaching myself how to play guitar because music has always been a great source of stress relief for me.  I was a violinist before starting water polo, so keeping up any musical or artistic hobbies is important to me because it allows me to break out of the stereotype of being 'just an athlete' and evolve my identity as an individual.
    - Sophia Noble, UC Davis Women's Water Polo



When I am volunteering at the local therapeutic equestrian riding center, I feel as if I'm leaving the real world's fast pace expectations to a slower and calmer environment.  One of the most heartwarming views is to wach the excitement on the client's faces when they are approaching their horses for their rides.  I love being able to volunteer my time to a program that genuinely wants to improve the lives of others!
    - Cecily Montanez, UC Irvine Women's Track & Field



Outisde of athletics, I am determined to inspire young women athletes to chase their dreams of pursuing college soccer.  I try to be the best role model on and off the field to empower these young athletes that we, as women especially, are so much more than our sports.
    - Katie Wong, UC Riverside Women's Soccer



Outside of volleyball, I work at a UCSD research lab studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of early cardiac development.  By learning more about how the heart develops, hopefully, researchers will one day be able to more easily identify and treat the causes of congenital heart disease.
    - Gabe Avillion, UC San Diego Men's Volleyball



When I'm not on the track, I like to hike in Hawai'i because it allows me to see new parts of the island and test what I'm capable of.
    - Krista Rados Hawai'i Women's Track & Field


















 

I've Got Your Back: It's time to showcase support for each other to foster inclusive environments.

CSUN, UC Riverside , UC Santa Barbara

Our statement:
Outside of our respective sports, we all share a common interest of enjoying the great outdoors. Whether that is surfing, hiking or camping, you can find all of us immersing ourselves in these outdoor adventures.  Also, a few of us love to read a good book to expand our knowledge in order to stay informed.  We all have each other's backs in our determination to help others and commitment to making a positive difference in our communities. 


CSU Bakersfield, Cal State Fullerton:

Our statement:
Our athletic programs are composed of individuals with varying backgrounds.  Both of our programs seek to embrace their student-athletes' differences while uniting them both on and off the playing field. Athletes show their support for one another by 'showing up and showing out' at each other's events, which have formed bonds leading to cherishable friendships.  Both of our institutions support student-athletes having each other's backs.


UC Irvine, UC San Diego

Our statement:
As members of the Big West Conference and NCAA student-athletes we compete against one another but at the end of the day have each other's backs.  We do this by supporting each other to be successful outside of athletics and standing up for diversity, equity and inclusion.


Cal Poly, UC Davis

Our statement:
Cal Poly and UC Davis athletics departments share similar values and cultures, as they are both agricultural schools and have tight knit athletic communities.  Both of our SAAC groups provide student-athletes a platform to exercise their agency and voice through hands on initiatives that promote inclusivity and civic engagement in athletics.  We have each other's back by supporting inclusivity of every student-athlete regardless of identity or background.