MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Thursday, November 6^th marks the second and final day of the NCAA Community & Belonging Social Media Campaign, 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 Two: "My Impact, My Community" – Student-athletes were asked how they have been impacted by their community around them and how they have impacted their community themselves.

Senior Hailie Eschbach, Softball & Cross Country
"I make an impact on my team when it comes to supporting my teammates on and off the field because I try to be a heavy advocate for my teammates and provide the support that they need, whether it be softball-related or with school/life."

"My teachers and faculty have really helped me grow and impacted my growth as a student athlete because they have been there helping my education when it comes to missing classes for games, to providing accommodations to my injuries, and allowing me to feel supported even when I didn't within my sport."

"My roommate/teammate has made the biggest impact on my Alverno athletics experience because she continues to make me feel supported with every decision I make. Whether it be tips on my hitting to helping me overcome challenges that my injury placed on me. Throughout our four years, she has always been my number one supporter and will always be there to help when needed."

Senior Emily Anguiano, Softball
"I make an impact in supporting my teammates by always keeping my ears open. Playing sports is always difficult, so just being there to help my teammates when it gets hard is the least I can do."

"My teachers, specifically David Brooker, have helped me grow significantly as a student-athlete. He has been by my side since my freshman year in college. David never failed to ask me if the Dodgers were doing well or showing up to my games. In addition to ensuring my classes align with my learning style. Brooker is someone who has helped me grow as a student-athlete during my time at Alverno."

"Dom Hudson and our athletic trainer, Jessica, have made the biggest impact on my Alverno Athletics experience. As much as she is scattered, Dom has always been there to answer the same question eight different times. Jessica has impacted me by showing how much she cares not only as an athlete but also as a person. She always has her office open if I've had a hard day or even if I want to ramble."

Graduate Student Rosie Robles, Cross Country
" try to make an impact on my team by always staying positive and showing my teammates that I care about them as people, not just as runners. I make it a point to check in, encourage them, and celebrate their little wins on and off the course. I want everyone to know they're valued and supported, no matter where they are in their journey. My team has always been that for me, especially when I needed it most, and now I want to be that same kind of support for others, too."

"My four cross country teammates have made an impact on me as a student-athlete. To me, running is all about personal growth and the connections you make along the way. Pushing yourself, cheering for others, and sharing those tough and rewarding moments together is what makes it all worth it. I've become a better person because of the sport and because of the amazing friends I've made along the way."

"My cross country coach, Dominique Hudson, has played a huge role in my growth as a student-athlete. From the very first day, she believed in me, even when I doubted myself, and that's made all the difference. Her faith and encouragement have pushed me to believe in my own potential and achieve things I never thought I could, like cutting down my race times. Coach Don is tough in the best way. She pushes us to give our all, but she also empowers us to take ownership of our training and trust ourselves. She leads with strength and heart, and that balance has truly inspired me both on and off the course."

Sophomore Felicity Bauerle, Soccer
"As a SACC representative, I impact the team by serving as a key communication link between athletics and my teammates. I relay important information to ensure everyone stays up-to-date, which helps the team remain informed and prepared."

"My teammates have significantly helped me grow as an athlete by being incredibly motivating. Their encouragement and support push me to improve and overcome challenges."

"Makynna Gilbert has made the biggest impact on me as a student-athlete. She introduced me to soccer and has been a constant source of support and guidance since day one."

Senior Giselle Moreno, Softball
"I make an impact on my team by hosting extra lifts and practices, and I'm always willing to go out on the field to help anyone who wants to work on something specific. I joined them to get extra reps and improve alongside them. This helps us build strong bonds because we know we always have each other's backs."

"Personally, my brother has played a huge role in helping me grow both mentally and physically in softball. He's always been there for me, not just as a training partner, but as someone I can talk to about anything. Whenever I'm struggling or doubting myself, he reminds me to stay positive and keep pushing forward. He pushes me to be better every day, whether that means getting extra reps in, staying disciplined, or maintaining a strong mindset. My parents have also been a huge part of my journey. They support me in every way possible. Whether it's helping with school, providing financial support, or simply being there to listen when I need someone to talk to. Their constant encouragement keeps me motivated and grows as a student athlete. Having a family that's always by my side has shaped me into the athlete and person I am today. Their love, guidance, and support continue to inspire me to work hard, stay positive, and chase my goals with everything I have."

"The people who have helped me the most throughout my athletic journey at Alverno are my teammates Hailie, Emily, and Jaycee. They've always been there for me through thick and thin, whether it's dealing with challenges in softball or in life outside the game. No matter what we face, we go through it together, and that support means everything to me."

Freshman Beyonca Hereford, Volleyball
"I make an impact on my team by supporting my teammates, giving them a safety net. The net your teammates create through support makes you feel comfortable, safe, valued, and able to make mistakes."

"Many people on the team have taken actions to help the team get work done and keep their teammates in the classroom, helping not just me grow but all of us collectively."

"Imani Stingley has made the biggest impact on me at Alverno, as she has advocated for me and seen my potential. If she hadn't taken time out of her day to help me adjust to the college volleyball lifestyle and mindset, I'd probably still be on the bench. Imani encouraged me to get in the gym and do exactly what the coaches were asking for, and it changed how I play for the better." 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