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.
THE VALKYRIE WAY
✦ Built to REIGN ✦
MISSION STATEMENT
As Valkyries, we are built to REIGN. Through Respect, Excellence, Integrity, Grit, and Nobility, we develop champions — not just in competition, but in the classroom, in our community, and in life. We embrace adversity, lead with purpose and compete with an unbreakable will. This is not just how we play. This is how we live. This is the Valkyrie Way.
VISION STATEMENT
We will develop and empower student-athletes to live a life of purpose by optimizing achievements in academics, competition, within our community, and in life.
CORE VALUES
R – RESPECT
Valuing ourselves, teammates, opponents, and our community in everything we do.
E – EXCELLENCE
Relentlessly pursuing greatness in competition, the classroom, and life — settling for nothing less than our best.
I – INTEGRITY
Acting with honesty and character, holding ourselves accountable to a higher standard on and off the field.
G – GRIT
Embracing the physical and mental resilience to overcome adversity, rising stronger and more determined than before.
N – NOBILITY
Leading with purpose, acting with integrity and serving others in ways that leave a lasting impact.
***Valor defines us. REIGN drives us. The Valkyrie Way unites us.***
PHILOSOPHY
Converse student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in a competitive sports environment that helps them learn the value of excellence, respect, strength, integrity, accountability, vision, leadership, and service. As an athletics department, we have identified significant existing strengths that will serve as platforms from which we will continue to deliver, expand, and improve: a proven track record of academic excellence, a measure of competitive success with three national championships and several conference titles, a focus on financial stability, emphasis on retaining student-athletes and growth, and prioritizing a well-rounded experience for all student-athletes. Together, we will rise to the occasion and be bold and resilient, as we strive to maintain excellence for Converse Athletics, as this is The Valkyrie Way.
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 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 student-athletes' academic and athletic achievements. 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.
Excellence in Belonging
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.