MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Wednesday, November 5^th marks the beginning of the NCAA Community & Belonging Social Media Campaign, marking the first year of the campaign, which was created in collaboration with the Office of Inclusion and the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committees.

Belonging means creating a community that embraces and values all its members and their backgrounds. For student-athletes, belonging shows up in the connections made with teammates, the support of coaches and mentors, and the impact they have on their communities. This campaign celebrates those authentic voices and experiences, inviting student-athletes to share what belonging and community mean to them. Day One: "Belonging" - Strong connections build strong teams. Alverno student-athletes were asked how a teammate makes you feel like you belong.

Senior Hailie Eschbach, Softball & Cross Country
"I feel like I belong heavily in Alverno softball for athletics because we have built a close family who always shows up, and off the field, we are here for each other."

"Inside my team, I feel that my closest friends have made me feel like I belong because we know when someone else needs support and how to support them."

"My team makes me feel like I belong when an injury is weighing me down and I'm not able to practice; they help with mentally trying to support me, especially when I get down."

Senior Emily Anguiano, Softball
"I feel like I belong when I look around and see my community. Having the simple acknowledgment on my chest that says Alverno Softball reminds me that I will always have somewhere to belong."

"My friends make me feel like I belong. They're always the ones to make sure I'm actively involved and heard, but also my coaches. I can't remember a single time when they didn't value my input and feelings."

"Simply by showing up, even if I hadn't made a good play or if it could've been on ESPN, they are always cheering. For that, I am forever grateful."

Senior Lylah Wise, Cross Country & Soccer
"I feel like I belong on my team, as I've been here since my freshman year. I've had a lot of ups and downs with the soccer program, but this year, with the team being so small, we've done a great job at coming together. As for cross country, this is my first year, and the whole team is super supportive of each other, making me feel welcome."

"Running for cross was a bit scary at first, but Rosie has been the sweetest person, helping me feel belong within my team. But my coach, Dom, has always been there for me, really making sure I know I belong there."

"My team makes me feel belong by being supportive and checking in on me."

Graduate Student Rosie Robles, Cross Country
"I've always felt like I belong on my team because, from the very start, everyone accepted me for who I am, not just for how fast I could run. When I joined, I was really insecure. I used to be a fast runner, but after having my baby, it felt like I was starting completely over, like I had to learn how to run again. But my teammates and coaches never made me feel like I didn't belong. They were patient, supportive, and always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. Through them, I've learned to appreciate running and my body all over again. They've helped me see how strong I really am, and I'm so grateful for that."

"Everyone of my teammates and my coach makes me feel valued and supported. They've created an environment where I truly feel like I belong."

"Regardless of performance, my team always shows up for each other. We care about the person first, and then the athlete. When one of us PRs is on the course, we all celebrate as one. And on the hard days, we lean on each other and lift one another up so we can make it to the next course together. Being part of this team has shown me what true belonging and teamwork really mean."

Sophomore Felicity Bauerle, Soccer & Cross Country
"Being on the Alverno soccer team has been an incredible experience for finding a real sense of community and feeling genuinely valued. The team does a fantastic job of making everyone feel appreciated, from celebrating each other's birthdays to organizing team-bonding activities that truly bring us together. Plus, the feedback we receive after every practice is super helpful, giving us clear directions on what to focus on and improve. It's awesome to feel so connected and supported!"

"Coach Sendi and all my teammates make me feel like I belong within my team."

"The team makes me feel like I belong by creating a fun and engaging practice environment that I look forward to. We encourage each other to step out of our comfort zones, which fosters a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable trying new things. Plus, everyone on the team is very personable, making it easy to connect and build genuine relationships."

Senior Giselle Moreno, Softball
"I feel like I belong on my softball team because I contribute positively by always encouraging my teammates, attending extra practices, and being someone they can come to for help with softball-related questions. These experiences have helped me grow and develop into a collegiate athlete."

"Hailie Eschbach, Emily Anguiano, and Jaycee Reyes have been a huge part of my college career. They're not only my teammates but also my best friends. They've helped me through the mental challenges of softball and have constantly pushed me to be the best athlete I can be, whether that means lifting or getting in extra reps. They've always been there for me."

"My team makes me feel like I belong by always supporting and encouraging me, both on and off the field. We celebrate each other's successes and pick each other up after mistakes, which creates a strong sense of family and trust."

Freshman Beyonca Hereford, Volleyball
"I feel like I can be the support our team needs, someone who brings honesty and realness. I'm not afraid to say the things people need to hear, not to tear anyone down, but to help them see their potential and grow. For me, it's about guiding my teammates toward self-realization, so we can all improve together and make the team stronger as a whole."

"Holly King makes me feel like I belong on my team at Alverno. Holly is the teammate who will always appreciate you being on the team and make you feel needed. Holly is inclusive and outgoing. Holly also has the drive for the game that makes girls want to be better."

"I feel like voicing our opinions is really valued on this team. We listen to how everyone feels and try to understand where each person is coming from. I feel like I belong because I can trust my team to hear my side and respect my opinion." More Than a Game, 25 Years of Strength and Spirit: Alverno College is proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Alverno Athletics. Since 2000, our student-athletes have embodied the spirit of competition, teamwork, and excellence both on and off the courts and fields. Join us in honoring a quarter-century of Inferno pride on the following dates as we celebrate 25 years of strength and spirit -

• Softball vs. Maranatha on March 31^st at 3 p.m.
• Softball vs. Concordia Wisconsin on April 25 at noon