Student Senate has several standing committees that meet throughout the year regarding a wide variety of departments on campus. During the 2023-2024 academic year, then Andreas president, Joseph Tolbert ’26, proposed an ad hoc committee (a temporary committee) to join senate that year. This school year, senators voted to make the Athletic Representation Committee a standing committee (a permanent committee).
The committee comprises the chair, a current varsity athlete and senator, and two to three other senators (one of which is a nonathlete). This year, the committee members found it helpful to have an advisor who could bridge the gap between coaches and players, allowing for improved communication between student-athletes and the Athletic Department.
The committee members include Tolbert, Hannah Preston ’25 and myself ’25, acting as the chair. Our advisor is assistant baseball coach Isaac Bouton who brings a youthful, fresh perspective. Each member brings their unique view and charisma, making it incredibly rewarding to work alongside them. Each sports team has an active representative, who acts as a liaison between their respective team and the committee members.
The committee's mission statement is “To provide practical solutions, aid, and [be] a forum for comfortable conversations surrounding the unique struggles of our student-athletes in the classroom, in training, and around campus.” The committee’s goal is to provide a space for representatives to openly share their thoughts and feelings about a wide variety of topics such as the Great Hall and nutrition, facilities, game day operations, social media presence, etc.
The committee strives to also bring to light positive aspects of the Athletic Department as well, such as the fantastic athletic trainers. The representatives and members gather once a month to update one another on their teams and current seasons as well as continue conversations from the previous meeting.
This semester, athletes are working to make minor adjustments to the Great Hall and weight room that will benefit the student body as a whole. The committee has taken steps to schedule a meeting with Creative Dining later this month to discuss several ideas they are excited about. The addition of an advisor has also opened the door for easier communication between the committee and Coach John Hirte, the athletic director, making it easier to communicate areas of growth for the weight room.
The Athletic Representation Committee is here to use the resources that we are provided with and work to steward them well and for the betterment of the Athletic Department. These student-athletes are committed to making change with the resources available to them while also dreaming bigger for the future. We recognize that we cannot fix everything, but we hope to plant and water seeds for future Scots.
Galatians 6:9 says, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap of harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” This year, we hope to represent the Athletic Department well while working together to make small, intentional changes where we can.