Matadors Making a Difference: Taylor Thames
10/14/2020 10:30:00 AM | Women's Soccer, Women's Track & Field
In September, the Big West Conference announced the formation of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee comprised of one administrator and one student-athlete from each of the 11 Big West member institutions. Working under the name Big West Undivided, the committee represents the conference's united front to combat racism, fight for social justice, and support the Black Lives Matter movement and other nonviolent organizations.
A junior goalkeeper on the CSUN Women's Soccer team and a sprinter on the CSUN Women's Track & Field team, Taylor Thames is representing CSUN on the committee. Thames spoke with GoMatadors.com about why she joined and the goals she hopes to achieve as a member.
It's one thing to admit that there is work that needs to be done, and it's another to take part in the work itself. I joined Big West Undivided, the Big West Conference's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, as CSUN's student-athlete representative because I wanted to be a part of a change that affected more than just myself. I saw an opportunity to play a significant role in establishing a conference-wide initiative that recognized our student-athletes outside of our athletic achievements.
To me, diversity and inclusion means taking the time to acknowledge, celebrate, and understand the vast backgrounds that help contribute to the identities of our student-athletes. My goal is to support every student-athlete as they walk unapologetically in their individual truths, providing platforms for them to vocalize their needs, and creating spaces where we can better provide avenues of support. As an institution, we must take the necessary time and effort to identify and address the disparities that exist within our own athletic communities and greater society. As a CSUN student-athlete representative on this Big West committee, I recognize that as an institution, and as a conference, it takes courage to look at all the ways we can improve internally and I plan to partake in such courageous conversation to facilitate tangible action across all campuses.
Diversity and inclusion are more than just the "hot topic" of the month. They are the legacy we leave as institutions and a promise we make to our student-athletes. It's a promise to not dissipate in our efforts, even when the fight against injustice falters around us. It's the everyday precedent we set to offer the necessary support, avenues, and platforms to vocalize our experiences not just as student-athletes but, as people. It's empowering student-athletes to recognize that they are walking vehicles of change, not only at their respective institutions, but in the world itself.
Therefore, by making the active decision to be a part of this committee, I hope to lay the foundation for which future student-athletes can find the courage to let their voices be heard, and those in the positions to make positive change, find the courage to listen.
Taylor Thames
CSUN Women's Soccer & Track & Field
#UniteTheValley
Previous Matadors Making a Difference
Ashlee Sellung
A junior goalkeeper on the CSUN Women's Soccer team and a sprinter on the CSUN Women's Track & Field team, Taylor Thames is representing CSUN on the committee. Thames spoke with GoMatadors.com about why she joined and the goals she hopes to achieve as a member.
It's one thing to admit that there is work that needs to be done, and it's another to take part in the work itself. I joined Big West Undivided, the Big West Conference's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, as CSUN's student-athlete representative because I wanted to be a part of a change that affected more than just myself. I saw an opportunity to play a significant role in establishing a conference-wide initiative that recognized our student-athletes outside of our athletic achievements.
To me, diversity and inclusion means taking the time to acknowledge, celebrate, and understand the vast backgrounds that help contribute to the identities of our student-athletes. My goal is to support every student-athlete as they walk unapologetically in their individual truths, providing platforms for them to vocalize their needs, and creating spaces where we can better provide avenues of support. As an institution, we must take the necessary time and effort to identify and address the disparities that exist within our own athletic communities and greater society. As a CSUN student-athlete representative on this Big West committee, I recognize that as an institution, and as a conference, it takes courage to look at all the ways we can improve internally and I plan to partake in such courageous conversation to facilitate tangible action across all campuses.
Diversity and inclusion are more than just the "hot topic" of the month. They are the legacy we leave as institutions and a promise we make to our student-athletes. It's a promise to not dissipate in our efforts, even when the fight against injustice falters around us. It's the everyday precedent we set to offer the necessary support, avenues, and platforms to vocalize our experiences not just as student-athletes but, as people. It's empowering student-athletes to recognize that they are walking vehicles of change, not only at their respective institutions, but in the world itself.
Therefore, by making the active decision to be a part of this committee, I hope to lay the foundation for which future student-athletes can find the courage to let their voices be heard, and those in the positions to make positive change, find the courage to listen.
Taylor Thames
CSUN Women's Soccer & Track & Field
#UniteTheValley
Previous Matadors Making a Difference
Ashlee Sellung
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