How have you fostered a community of belonging within your team?
Ferreira: The Maryland Gymnastics Program promotes a culture of respect and understanding for all Maryland student-athletes, coaches, and staff members. We recognize the diversity of our team and celebrate that as one of our greatest strengths. All individuals, regardless of age, race, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, socio-economic status, or learning style, will be treated with equality by embracing individuality and inclusivity.” This is the first item in our team contract because it’s what matters most to us as a program. We foster a community of belonging within our team through living by this motto. We create relationships with our student-athletes to get to know them in their lives, and each of them to know us in our lives. We educate our athletes about diverse communities and include many support staff members with different backgrounds to truly show that in our space, everyone is loved.
McGill: Stepping into my new role within Maryland Made, I have had a focus on creating safe spaces for international student-athletes through Worldwide Terps. Within this advising role, I have the privilege of assisting students from around the world with finding a sense of community away from their home countries, through monthly meetings and hosting inclusive events. I also use this as an opportunity to provide needed support through sharing beneficial resources that will help them navigate their time as student-athletes at UMD.
Murphy: Some ways I have bring upon forms of community in my team is by being apart of SAAC, where I can invite my teammates to monthly meetings to discuss issues that may be bothering them, but also just reaching out to those that seem to be struggling with whatever issues that may be bothering them at the moment. Even if they choose not to share it with me I want them to know that I care and they don’t have to deal with any situation alone.
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