Carter and McDaniel Find Community Within Heidelberg Athletics

While transitioning from high school to college, regardless of the amount of research done, there will always be wary of whether you'll truly find an accepting home. In the cases of Elisha Carter and Jacob McDaniel, Heidelberg welcomed them with open arms both on and off the court.

Senior Elisha Carter played for the Student Princes on the basketball court for three years, and garnered the position of student coach this past season. She is a sports management major, along with a coaching minor; her life largely revolves around sport.

"Growing up, it was difficult being accepted within athletics due to the stigma surrounding queer identities. As I have grown and found a community within Heidelberg athletics, I have felt accepted, and able to truly express myself on and off the court," said Carter. "I want to go into coaching with the hopes of being an example for young kids in a similar position as myself, and help in defeating the stigma as time progresses."

Sports have always been at the forefront of political and cultural change, whether it be Jackie Robinson fighting for racial equality in Major League Baseball, or Billie Jean King combating gender inequality in professional tennis. 

Trailblazers such as Billie Jean King (tennis), Megan Rapinoe (USA women's soccer), Sue Bird (WNBA), Jason Paul Collins (NBA), and Greg Louganis (USA Olympic diver) have paved the way for athletes that identify with the LGBTQ+ community. 

Heidelberg has provided a safe environment for McDaniel, both in athletics and academics.

"Because my teammates are so supportive, I have been able to be myself," said McDaniel, a freshman member of the cheer team at Heidelberg. "I have been able to express myself more with cheer than I could without it. Sport has provided me with friends, acceptance, and confidence."

14.2% of NCAA athletes identify as LGBQ+, and 1.6% identify as transgender/non-binary (Mullin et al. 352). Collegiate athletes carry a multitude of diverse identities that shape their experiences. 

Junior Ethan Rieman, a three-year track and field athlete, has been a continuous ally to the LGBTQ+ community.

"I believe they deserve the same respect and dignity as any other person," said Rieman, known affectionately around campus as Big E."At the end of the day, they are my teammate and have the same goals as me." 

LGBTQ+ individuals have always, and will continue to be a large contribution to athletics. Through advocating for inclusion, visibility, and equality, both on and off the field, and creating spaces for all athletes to compete and thrive.