Convening a strategic planning committee for athletics has been a long time coming and serves as the next big step in the school’s effort to create a program that complements its academic offerings. But this collection of parents, alumni, faculty and administrators left out one critical voice-current student-athletes. The committee is filled with a range of adult stakeholders who each provide different values and knowledge, but no representatives from the athletes themselves.

In not including student-athlete perspectives, the committee missed the chance to learn from their valuable firsthand experience and their unique, creative and original voices. They have direct exposure to the current facilities and equipment, living the sport and experiencing the existing culture–all areas which the committee will discuss and reimagine.
Student voice is able to fill a hole in the committee to create a more diverse group. Relevant ideas about the changes that could enhance the athletics experience and culture are beneficial when the frame of reference is from the people living it. Student-athletes can provide insight into what is missing, what the culture feels like and what can be changed to ensure that sports at SPA can thrive. Adding current student-athletes to these discussions will be beneficial to their understanding of their role in shaping the future of SPA athletics.

Student-athletes can also bring knowledge from other aspects from their athletic career. In their participation in school and other club sports, they have experienced comparable facilities, coaches and teams, which can help them identify areas for improvement at SPA.

Many student-athletes already have experience fighting for improvements for their team. For example, last year, the volleyball team and their coach advocated to the athletic department to improve their equipment, which had limited their abilities that year. The athletic department was able to provide brand-new equipment, including volleyballs, nets, posts and post pads for them this year, which will benefit the team for years to come. The entire volleyball program greatly benefited from the newer equipment, as it gave them a better opportunity to thrive.

Student voices are authentic and innovative from the distinct perspective they hold and the future they hope to create for them, their peers and future athletes. The athletic department must incorporate student-athletes in this committee and future planning groups. It would be a waste of an opportunity not to include their voices to solidify a more well-rounded committee.