Intercollegiate athletics is an important and necessary facet in the growth and education of Converse University. “Competition under the NCAA’s fundamental principles of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and amateurism is of value to individual students, to members of the immediate collegiate community and to the larger institutional constituency.” Converse is committed to these core values and principles that are included in the philosophy of the athletic department. The Department of Athletics strives to create a diverse, inclusive community to which all students and staff members feel safe, respected and valued. By offering 21 intercollegiate sports: 18 NCAA sports - acrobatics and tumbling, field hockey, softball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s cross country, women’s cross country, women’s golf, women’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s swimming, men’s swimming, men’s track & field, women’s track and field, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, and women’s volleyball; an IHSA equestrian team, and esports team, as well as a spirit squad. It is our hope that students will learn the values set forth in the mission of the university and the philosophy of the department.
Core Values for Athletics
Excellence: Pursuing greatness in all we do - in the classroom, in the sports venues, in the community, in life
Respect: Valuing self and others while embracing individual differences
Strength: Having the physical and mental resilience to overcome adversity
Integrity: Maintaining character by acting honestly and justly
Accountability: Holding self and others to a higher standard
Vision: Setting goals and striving to achieve them
Leadership: Using our voice and actions in a positive manner to maximize effort
Service: Meeting the needs of others for the greater good
Intercollegiate Athletics Philosophy and Purpose
The philosophy of the Converse University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is to reaffirm the convictions of our founders so that we provide a powerful environment for a Converse student to reach their full athletic potential. We offer Converse students the opportunity to participate in a competitive sports environment that will help them learn the value of teamwork and leadership, as well as the value of adversity and growth. The strengths of our student-athletes will be measured not only by their physical abilities but also, as our founder's vision affirms, by their ability "to see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly."
The Athletic Department encourages the growth of each student – emotionally, socially, physically, and academically. Our athletic programs enhance our strong academic curriculum. We are resolved to continue to promote excellence in education.
The Athletic Department will follow the letter and spirit of the rules and regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). We will ensure that all athletic contests, practices, and related activities are conducted in compliance with the principles of fair play and amateur athletic competition as defined by the NCAA.
As members of Conference Carolinas, Converse Athletics is committed to offering challenging NCAA competition in an environment that fosters both the academic and athletic achievements of its student-athletes. All conference members offer exemplary education and scholarships for performance in the classroom and on the field and are committed to challenging adversity and building tomorrow's leaders.
The Athletic Department will promote pride in our university among faculty, students, and our surrounding community. In addition, we will demonstrate a strong obligation to, and appreciation of, the university and the alumni and friends who support the program.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
In alliance with Converse University's core values, Converse Athletics commits to fostering an inclusive, safe, and vibrant environment where student-athletes, coaches, and administrators from all backgrounds are empowered to engage, educate, grow, compete, and lead together. We encourage our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and supporters to actively engage in the world around them, to use their platforms to speak out on issues of racism and inequity, to have open and honest conversations amongst each other, and to stand up for one another. Our solidarity must be backed with actions.
The Pledge
We, therefore, pledge ourselves as staff/coaches to learn and practice inclusive coaching and ensure that our instructive agendas actively consider justice and fairness wherever applicable, and actively expose and resist white supremacy, racism, and antisemitism, as well as prejudice and exclusion on the basis of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, political affiliation, national origin or ethnicity, pregnancy, genetic information, ableism, veteran status, or citizenship or documentation status.