Feature of the Month 1/22/2015 4:48:37 PM

Student Perspectives from the NCAA Convention

The NCAA held their 2014 Convention from Jan. 15-18th in Washington, D.C.. At the convention, representatives from all three NCAA divisions came together to discuss and vote on key topics in higher education and intercollegiate athletics. The convention featured educational sessions, government decisions and the celebration of student-athlete success.

The CUNY Athletic Conference was represented by a collaboration between the conference and institutions by CUNYAC staff, Commissioner Zak Ivkovic and Associate Director/ Director of Championships Kim Santoiemma, five student-athletes - Baruch’s men’s soccer player Justin Starrantino, CSI’s softball player Danielle Locke, Hunter’s softball player Erica Colangelo, Hunter’s men’s soccer player Alexander Perez, and John Jay’s women’s soccer player Jessica Jean - and CUNY administrators John Jay's Vice President Cook-Francis and CSI's President Fritz.

From the start of the convention, the CUNYAC representatives were exposed to many aspects of collegiate athletics, including students affairs, leadership, social media, student wellness and academic success. The student-athletes were asked for feedback about their experience in Washington.

Justin Starrantino - Baruch College - Men’s Soccer

As a student-athlete at Baruch College, I had the privilege of being one of the five CUNY SAAC representatives at the 2015 NCAA National Convention in Washington, D.C. last week. The conference started on Wednesday the 14th and concluded with the final policy voting on Saturday January 17th. Athletic Directors, Student-Athletes, Coaches, and University Presidents from all around the country were in attendance to discuss, create, and vote on topical themes and concerns in the NCAA. Things that student athletes take for granted were unveiled. The convention made me comprehend all of the hard work and dedication that our athletic administration goes through to make sure that we as student athletes have a fair opportunity to compete and perform the sports that we love most. The events that I enjoyed most, and learned from the most were the meetings with the National SAAC. I gained new knowledge and learned more creative ways to fundraise, organize, and lead my SAAC both at Baruch, and The City University of New York Athletic Conference. The Division III National SAAC has a partnership with The Special Olympics that we at CUNYAC plan to utilize moving forward. On the last day of the convention everyone assembled in rooms of hundreds of people and voted with their divisions on legislation for the upcoming year. There was one pieces of legislation passed that was especially important to me, and I am very proud to have been a part of it.

NO. 2015-8 (NO. 2-5) Recruiting – Athletics Celebratory Standardized Signing Form.

When I graduated high school, I did not take place in a Signing Celebration for my future University. I was not going to a Div. 1 or 2 school and those were the only divisions that student athletes were allowed to take place in signing. This did not seem fair to me because I knew that the amount of hard work I was going to face in my college career was not going to be any less difficult than a Div. 1 and 2 student. We wake up at 6am for practice, just like they do, and we have road trips on school nights before tests just like them. Why should our commitment to a D3 school be any different, or less celebrated? With the passing of Law NO. 2015-8 (NO. 2-5), D3 student athletes will now be able to take part in signing day in high school. Although this will not affect myself, or current student athletes, this will help change and promote the way Div 3 student athletes are appreciated for years to come.

The NCAA National Convention was not only a great experience, but it was also a chance to let the students be heard.

Jessica Jean - John Jay College of Criminal Justice - Women’s Soccer

While I was at the NCAA convention in the Washington D.C. Area I met many people. Many conversations began with introductions, followed by a series of questions.

The first being "Where are you from?"

To which I replied John Jay.

"What conference is that?"

“CUNY.”

"I haven't heard of it. Is that D1 or D2?" When I replied D3, I was met with surprised faces followed by "Oh".

"Why D3?"

A question I hadn't put much thought into because when I applied to colleges I applied for the academics, not the sports' division. The same reason many of our athletes selected this division and we're not ashamed. While I attended the convention I was exposed to a lot of information. Statistics prove that Division 3 has the most athletes and the best grades amongst all three divisions. That's something to be very proud of and I am. Being selected to attend this convention was an honor and an unforgettable experience. As a student athlete we train and get ready for competition. We mostly have to show up and give it all we got because our coaches and athletic directors have everything ready for us. We don't really know what goes on behind the scenes and at the NCAA convention I got just that. I got a peek behind the curtain that is our Athletics in Division 3.

Of all the action packed days within the convention the last two days held the most excitement for me. On Friday, January 16th I was able to give my input on several things including Women's Soccer at the City University of New York conference meeting. I gave my perspective on the championship experience and the journey to earning one of the top four positions as a women's soccer athlete that will allow you to compete in the championship. On Saturday, January 17th I experienced first hand the voting method of changing certain aspects in Division 3. Our Commissioner Zak Ivkovic of CUNYAC allowed me as well as the other student-athletes a chance to voice our opinions on what was being voted on. To which we came to vote together as a unit. This was one of many things in the trip that I am truly grateful for because I had a chance to make a difference and be able to take part in giving athletes in Division 3 a fair experience that is no less than that of Division 1 and 2.

All that I have learned in Washington makes me more appreciative to everything that is done for us. I will not take this experience for granted. I vowed to take the information I have learned back to my campus. I plan to get more involved and put my best foot forward in collaborating with other organizations and institutions to get student-athletes involved in the community and with their campuses. When I met with members of the National Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), I saw something in them that I see in myself and many other student-athletes. Dedication, commitment and a desire to right the wrongs, improve our experience and get more involved. As a member of the executive board of John Jay's SAAC I will try my best to channel the energies of the National SAAC and incorporate and pass along the new ideas and information I've obtained from the convention to student-athletes from my campus to many others. We all have a voice and sometimes we forget how to use it. We need to be able to speak up for the things we want, contribute in conversation and decisions that affect us and at the convention I used my voice. I want to push others to do the same. Next time someone asks me or one of us "Why 3D?" Respond "Why not?"

Danielle Locke - College of Staten Island - Softball

I was honored to have the privilege to attend the NCAA convention this year as a student athlete from the College of Staten Island. This experience was the complete opposite of what I thought it would be. When I first heard it was a convention, I imagined I'd be sitting in on boring meetings all day on rules and regulations. Although I learned a lot about the similarities and differences between the levels of divisions, the seminars on mental health and leadership were my favorite.

The seminar I attended on mental health and wellness of athletes was the most interesting and knowledgeable one I attended. I was extremely interested in this seminar because I could relate to a lot of the topics discussed. Two members of the National SAAC were present who gave their input, which was very relatable to as a student athlete. The PowerPoint stated that studies show that athletes are less depressed and have less anxiety. I immediately thought of my friend from our soccer team who is an epileptic. She was continuously having seizures during her season this year, which was extremely stressful, but still being a part of the team kept her sane. When she was on the field she forgot about all of the doctor appointments and hospital visits along with other stresses, and knew her teammates and other student athletes were behind her if she ever needed help in anything.

Over the few days at the convention I met athletic directors, coaches, and other student athletes from different divisions all over the country. I really enjoyed talking to one of the athletic directors I met from an institution in Michigan. We sat next to each other in a leadership seminar where we had to interact with each other. It was amazing to see his views on student athletes and how much he really cared about them. He was genuinely excited to hear about my athletic accomplishments, not only as an individual, but as a team and conference, which really gave me a different outlook on all athletics.

After this trip, I had really wished I was part of SAAC earlier in my college career, yet I'm extremely thankful to have had this opportunity as my senior year comes to an end. This convention helped me realize how quickly time does go by, and to enjoy every second of my last softball season. I really enjoyed this experience learning about college student athletes nationwide, while being able to meet and talk to them as well. I learned that as a whole, student athletes across the country all have the same mindset. Being a student athlete is beneficial, not only physically, but also prepares us mentally for the real world. I have now passed my knowledge on to the other student athletes at the College of Staten Island and hope to be a part of a college athletic department in the future.

Erica Colangelo - Hunter College - Softball

This January I was privileged to be nominated to attend the 2015 NCAA Convention. I had no idea what to expect but ended up having the most amazing experience. The convention was held at the Gaylord hotel at national harbor in the Washington DC area.

Upon arrival it was very overwhelming choosing from the various conferences and meetings to attend. While there I was able to learn about the importance of athletes mental health, sexual assault on campus, and effective communication and leadership. I was also lucky to be invited to sit in on the national SAAC boards meeting in which I was able to meet with not only the National SAAC members but the SAAC lieazon's (lee-a-zon) and some of the NCAA's attorney. We discussed many of the hottest issues in the NCAA such as the autonomous five and "pay for play". It was most interesting to hear how all the members have a voice which is so valuable to see as a student athlete. What we think and feel is actually heard and matters!

I think my favorite experience however would have to be the special Olympics event. About 80 DIII student athletes from across the country, all different sports, came together to work with the athletes from the special Olympics organization. It was so moving to work with this group of kids! As a group we participated in playing bocci ball and running relay races. I was impressed to see how far division III's partnership with the special Olympics organization has come and I hope all of my peers have the opportunity to have a rewarding experience like this one. In the future I hope to lead a similar event at Hunter.

Another important take away from my experience is the fact that I wouldn't have known any of this took place if I didn't attend. Before this experience, and I think I can speak for most of my peers at Hunter and that attended, I just showed up to practice, my games, and the van ready to go expecting everything to be ready for me. However, I never realized how much takes place behind the scenes in order for everything to run smoothly. Basically, the main purpose of the NCAA calling this convention every year is to vote on the proposals of legislation. For everyone that doesn't know the NCAA is a membership organization meaning every member (school) pays a fee to participate and that means they have a say. Legislation that schools aren't happy with can be amending which starts by conferences working together to make proposals. This year, for example, their were propositions of a non-traditional football season, changes in the recruitment process starting in high school, the additional of sand volleyball, a reduction in number of competitions, and several others. For the student athletes at the convention the process started at the athlete education session in which we learned all about the process of voting, initial straw polling, and about the proposals in general. The following day was the "opening business session" in which all the convention delegates were in a huge room seated around round tables. The 80 student athletes in attendance sat one per table to ensure the student voice was heard. At the table each proposition was brought up and discussed by the positive and negatives in each and as every proposal was discussed at my table I had he opportunity to voice my opinion about every issue.

The next morning, the last day at the convention, was "closing business session" which is where the voting takes place. Every school has one vote and every conference has one vote. The five cunyac athletes in attendance all sat with their athletic directors to discuss the vote. Alex and I sat with Terry and as every proposal was announced we talked about why or why not we should vote a certain way. The most important vote that effected us a hunter student athletes was the rejection of a reduction in the number of competition days meaning we don't have to reduce the number of days we can compete in the sport we love!

When I look back on my week at the convention I am grateful for my experience. I learned so much about how the NCAA works, was given the opportunity to network with individuals from around the country, spoke my voice, and made four new friends. I am also gained a lot of pride for being not only a CUNY Hunter Athlete but as part of the much larger DIII community with the reminder of why I chose DIII!

Alexander Perez - Hunter College - Men’s Soccer

5:30 AM, on an Amtrak train headed to Washington D.C. I wasn’t able to sleep because fear of missing the train and having to deal with my athletic director- or the entire Hunter college athletic department- kept me in a stage of fight the urge to sleep and make sure you catch your “flight”.

As I felt the train starting to come to life to get ready to depart, I felt a tiny bit of regret and I contemplated running out the doors and to skip the convention before it- it was too late the train was already out the station. As the city started turning into lines and sky, I told myself maybe it wouldn’t be so bad as I fell asleep.

I was woken up by the bustling of the passengers and fellow “SAACer,” Erika, telling me we were here. We made our way to the main platform to hail a taxi that would take us to from the Nation's Capital to Alexandria, Virginia where our hotel was located. There we would be able to leave our luggage before heading out to the main place: The 2015 NCAA convention being held at Gaylord national resort & convention center.

As I rushed through the doors, all I could worry about was getting to my event I was already 3 hours late. I was able to find my way with the help of arrows and the letters on big blue boards saying NCAA registration. I quickly checked in, to get my name badge then I went to find the room where my first event was being held. As I walked up, I took a quick breath and opened the door. Lines of chairs were filled with adults in suits, slacks, skirts, and shoes. The environment was very conservative. I quickly found a seat close to the back and tried not to attract attention. Of course, I was the only bleached hair, Navy blue polo with CUNY plastered on the front, ravishing black student athlete walking in, not to mention late. As the session finished, I felt as lost as I did walking in. I was only able to get some key points for gender equity in athletics: recruiting and advocating for both programs.

I met up with Erika for the next event, which was conveniently located in the same room. At times, I found it hard to concentrate, but I had to remind myself why I was here and what it meant.

The session took a break and we decided to check out the Special Olympics clinic that was just about to start. I was welcomed by staff members -who were also SAAC members- to participate in their relay team as they needed one more participant. Each team consisted of four student athletes from different institutions and two special athletes which where athletes with disabilities. Of course, in the end my team won but that wasn’t the prize. It was beautiful to see the intellect and the joy of the special athletes, as they were happy just to play. Even more, during the relay there were times when there were quizzes on almost every aspect regarding Special Olympics. I didn’t know anything so I looked up hoping someone would have an answer. Then, all of a sudden, answers started coming out the mouth of one of the special athletes. The CEO, founder, the chairman of the board, the number of sports offered, the year it was founded, and partnerships. I don’t think there wasn’t anything he didn’t know. To me, all I could think of was: this is why we do it, we love our sport. we know everything and we just want to play. That was the last event of the day which had me thinking, maybe it won’t be so bad after all.

The following day, I was up early to get to an event focused on fundraising. Something I was sure would give me information to be able to bring back to my school- I mean the event was titled Fundraising: Keeping It Simple, Successful and Transparent- maybe, the transparent should’ve made me give a double take. The session would’ve been helpful to me if I was an athletic director or if I held a similar position. Unfortunately, I am only an athlete-student, the session was geared towards the aspect of having a donor and trying to maintain that donor to continue donating towards athletics in general and not a specific sport; although, they are entitled to do as they wish. Luckily, I was able to see how some information can be geared towards the general fundraising I am well familiar with: Reporting is critical and Divide up the big goal into mini goals. If any athletes were to hold a fundraiser for any event or for their program, the population should be able to know where there contributions went, helped obtain or how close and what goals were achieved, because it would not only cause a feeling of purpose but an invitation to donate, if the chance was again presented.

The following event I went to was very informative and exciting. It had an aspect on mental health but a focus on how sports will save society. The speaker came out to the congregation and preached on the positive aspects and negative aspects of sports. He went through the A-Zs on sports and wellbeing: from youth sports bringing “broken athletes,” losing 5 years of life from physical inactivity, how sports makes you less depressed, the amount of sleep we take for granted vs what we really need, using stimulants, sexual abuse, concussions, bystander intervention, having a point of contact, the relationship between coaches and their athletes, alcohol and drugs, lacrosse players being the craziest with drugs, NASPA, Division III drinking the most out of the three divisions and making the smart choices for your body as an athlete. I walked out of there with enough information to take a final on Addressing Student-Athlete Health and Wellness.

Luckily, the next event was a luncheon… with my athletic director. Too many questions went through my head as I made my way to the table where Terry Wansart was seated, waiving us over. What do I say? How do I look? Do I open with a joke? How do I eat? What’s a spoon? Which hand is left, which is right? As soon as we were seated, we were served an appetizer: a fancy looking salad and rolls to let me know just be cool like the butter. The keynote luncheon was very pleasing with seeing a representative of national SAAC for D3 and what it means to be an athlete, and seeing the success of athletes from an academic level to an athletic level then to a business level. Almost as if to say anything is possible.

After the luncheon, the rest of the events seemed to breeze by until the Delegates reception which was more of a dinner meet and greet than anything. I introduced myself to athletic directors, assistant athletic directors, coaches, and students from schools across the nation. I had an interesting experience with an athletic director from a Division I school in the Midwest. The conversation started with the familiar introduction of name and how the experience was going at the convention. As the conversation progressed, she asked what sport I played and naturally what division. As I finished saying division III, she said “oh, okay” with a tone that said I’m not impressed.

The last event I attended was the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Educational Session, which was a time to meet other division III SAACers and prepare us for the big event that was going to happen the following day. Issues that most division III schools were facing were addressed with solutions such as attendance for games, and the budget for division III and the history and origin behind it.

The following day, I found my way to where the NCAA Division III Issues Forum was taking place. This is where I would hear about the legislative proposals that would either be established or defeated. I found a table in the front closer to where the “action” would be. After all the proposals were discussed, I was able to take part in straw polls that were held for some of the concerns regarding a few of the proposals. Within my table we then had to discuss our views on the issues regarding budget planning, nontraditional seasons, and diversity and inclusion. Thanks to the roundtable discussion, I was able to find out why there will not be an increase of the allocated 3.18% for division III budget, what individuals that participated in sports such as football felt about having only strength conditioning versus skill practice or competition during the nontraditional season in the spring- yes, I had a stern discussion with the individual- and how schools that don’t have as many female or ethnic minorities in their athletic program can potentially find a solution to that issue. Overall, the issues forum gave me a sense in how I can be more proactive within the legislative aspect. But now I was to wait for the final event that would either bring to life a proposal or the death to it. I was excited for the NCAA business section that was to come on the final day for Division III of the NCAA convention.

Game time: I walked into the room, and sat in the section for CUNYAC, surrounded by other athletic staff members of the 9 different senior CUNYAC institutions. As the seats began to fill up, the event started. The proposals were introduced and every legal representative was asked to submit their vote on accepting the proposal, defeating the proposal, or the option to abstain. We were then given the results moments after. A few proposals were followed with gasps and chatter with the overwhelming support of it. I was amazed on how I saw a sport being accepted into division III, I still am. The second and third proposals were about establishing Women’s sand volleyball as a Division III sport and establishing a national collegiate championship for it. With just a click of a button, history was made right in front of me. As of August 1, 2015 women’s sand volleyball will be start taking Division III by storm. I was very anxious when the voting for proposal 13 which “would allow Soccer and women’s volleyball to play up to three soccer scrimmages or exhibition games (which should not count toward he institution’s win-loss record).” I had a moment of elation when the proposal was accepted, next season could mean more games and chance to try new things.

My time at the convention was finally over. As I headed back to “the city that never sleeps,” I thought about how I exaggerated my worries of what to expect, how I witnessed history, the new people and faces I met, the wonderful mouthwatering food, how beautiful everything came out to be, and how I’m truly grateful to be a student athlete. I knew I was about to fall asleep again because that Amtrak train ride is no joke.

Thank you Hunter College Athletics

From Hawaii with love.