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DAVIS, Calif. – Bryanna Duckett (women's soccer), Ava Jablonski (women's cross country/women's track and field) and Isabella Leon (softball) are the newest members of UC Davis Athletics' Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. The trio join Erron Duncan (football) and Monet Kunz (women's soccer), who return for their second year.
 
This group of student-athletes will serve and support the department's initiatives and goals that promote diversity and create an inclusive community.
 
Shortly after the fall quarter commenced, each member of the DEI Advisory Committee spoke with UCDavisAggies.com to explain why they joined this group, their expectations for the upcoming academic year and what excites them the most about their new roles.
 

How did you first learn about the DEI Advisory Committee, and what made you interested in joining this group?
 
Bryanna Duckett: I first heard about this opportunity because I am a board member on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. There is a position for a SAAC representative on the DEI Committee, so I sent my application.
 
What made me really interested about this committee is when I spoke with Dwight Smith (staff advisor) and a colleague, that person asked how we engage in activism and the initiatives the group is involved with. That really interested me and made me want to join.
 
Ava Jablonski: I learned about this through Dwight Smith as well. Previous to his current position (executive director for athletics diversity, equity and inclusion), he was my student-athlete outcomes advisor. When he informed me about the committee, I was interested in joining the team because of my own commitment to anti-racist work and recognizing responsibilities for white student-athletes. 
 
Monet Kunz: I first met with Dwight in the spring of 2018 before the DEI program even started. We were sharing ideas, and I felt that it was important to not take a seat away from someone who was part of an underrepresented group. He assured me that using my voice to elevate other voices could be impactful.
 
Entering this year, now that DEI has been introduced within the student-athlete population, this group can support all student-athletes.
 
Isabella Leon: I first heard about the DEI Committee through an e-mail that was sent to all student-athletes last summer. We were given an application; I conducted research about (the DEI program), looked at all the roles and the goals of the committee. I am really passionate about helping others, which is why I submitted my application. I am super excited to join the committee, for this opportunity to help, and become a resource for others. 
 
Erron Duncan: For me, I also met with Dwight. He is the advisor for CADSA, which is one of the Student-Athlete Resource Groups on campus, so I meet with him often. Through casual conversation, he brought up the committee to me and asked if I was interested in being part of this group. What made interested in becoming part of the committee was his initiative, and him reaching out to me and wanting my voice to be a part of the DEI program. Director of Athletics Kevin Blue is trying to get student-athletes to become more involved in the decision-making process, to find out what student-athletes need and want. 
 
 
What were some of your highlights, or things you are most proud of during your first year with the DEI Advisory Committee?
 
MK: One of the most rewarding parts, and I think most important parts, is sitting in meeting with our athletic director, athletic administrators, and feeling that we are on the same level playing field. We are bringing our own ideas and it feels that student-athlete voices are being heard. 
 
ED: One of the most impactful things we have done, representing the student-athlete body, was the DEI training we received. I had the opportunity to participate with many student-athletes who I interacted with on a limited basis, whether they compete in the same or different sport. I enjoyed having the ability to share that space with them and see how many people were engaged, even though it was extremely easy to turn one's camera off and just listen. 
 
This training involved student-athletes and coaches from every team. There were a few teams in each session; there were four sports that took part in the session that involved my football teammates and it was cool to interact with student-athletes from different sports, in this way.
 
 
What excites you the most about this opportunity, and what are you looking forward to the most throughout your first year on the Committee?
 
AJ: I am looking to create stronger connections with people outside of my team and within the department. I feel that creating those connections will provide a greater understanding of my community.
 
BD: I am excited to work with student-athletes on the board, Athletics staff and administrators. Together, we can impact UC Davis' Athletics community. 
 
IL: With the pandemic and all the racial injustices taking place throughout 2020, everything opened my eyes and made me feel that I can put my best foot forward helping others. I want to be there for people who are facing racial injustices or other stressors. I am excited to meet the rest of the committee, look forward to working with them throughout the upcoming months and making an impact for student-athletes. The athletic community at UC Davis is something special, our combined efforts can make a positive impact.
 
 
Bryanna and Monet: Since you are women's soccer teammates, did you talk about the DEI Committee with one another prior to the start of the 2020-21 academic year?
 
MK: We did not talk about the DEI Committee, but I thought it was cool seeing Bryanna join since I was previously on the board. I was excited to see that she was interested.
 
BD: When I submitted my application — there was an e-mail sent to all student-athletes — I was excited to see Monet's name. Seeing Monet's name made me even more excited to apply because I know how awesome she is as a person. 
 
 
How will this group elevate student-athletes' voices through the DEI Advisory Committee?
 
IL: I think each of us have our own unique voice and experiences that can propel this committee forward. I am half Filipino and half Puerto Rican; as a member of this DEI Committee, I can represent the Latinx/Hispanic and Asian communities. I want to become someone other student-athletes can look up to and talk about anything. Conversations do not need to be DEI-related, it can be about academic, athletics, or anything else that is important to others. 
 
MK: I think it is interesting how we all have different backgrounds, and how we all work with different Student-Athlete Resource Groups. I work with Athlete Ally and with students who are injured; I think that perspective will enhance the voices of student-athletes who feel they are not heard.
 
ED: I want to use this opportunity to help student-athletes use their voices with confidence knowing the power they have to influence changes, whether it is on their team or within the department. Student-athletes need to know how the entire system functions off our skills and assets, whether it is on the field or in the classroom.
 
BD: I have a unique experience being a transfer student-athlete; I saw how things worked at my previous school and can compare to how things operate at UC Davis. That experience, as well as working through other challenges, will help me use my voice with initiatives that involve this committee.
 
AJ: There has not yet been an opportunity for the five of us to meet (in person), I have a lot to learn about how I can personally contribute through my identity and experiences. I know the five of us are not a representation of every student-athlete's voice, but I am committed, and know that everyone and their experiences are valued and understood within the system.
 
 
How do you balance academic, athletic and DEI roles and responsibilities to ensure that everything receives your full attention?
 
ED: It is not easy at all, but it is a lot easier when it involves things you care about, whether it is athletics — we are all serious about our sports, which is one of the reasons why we are here — academics — we are all really good students who care about our academics and our futures — and DEI — which is something we all care about. This is why we are on this committee. 
 
BD: When you are passionate about something, you will find the time to make it work. Things may be hectic at times, but if you are dedicated and passionate, which we all are, that hard work will pay off. 
 
AJ: Being here shows how much this group prioritizes this work. With quarantine, the pandemic and being disconnected from people, this committee has been an outlet for me to reconnect with my community and understand how I can best serve it.
 
MK: We care about our friendships and teammates beyond sports. The work we are doing not only creates a better community and a more inclusive environment, but ensures we are keeping each other accountable for who we are after our athletics career ends. 
 
IL: When it comes to balancing all my responsibilities, time management plays a huge role. As I enter my fifth year, I have improved my time management skills and feel confident to take on my new DEI roles. I will serve this advisory committee to the best of my abilities, and accomplish this by getting ahead of my schoolwork and making the most of my time by working hard in everything I do.
 
 
How can UC Davis create a more inclusive environment for all student-athletes?
 
AJ: I believe that creating an inclusive environment takes engagement from everyone at all levels of this system. This involves listening, leadership and trust from the community. I am hoping that this group can help build that trust. 
 
ED: As student-athletes, it is important that we are valued as full complex human beings and not simply as athletes. Respecting the fact that we are all different, hold different ideas and identities, and celebrating the diversity among student-athletes at UC Davis are important. 
 
BD: Every sport, voice and person matters. In an inclusive environment, every sport has a voice that is respected the same and not one more than the other. We are more than just athletes, everyone is complex and brings something to the table. 
 
MK: DEI has done a great job with validating student-athletes' voices and showing their importance by adding more individuals to this group. I think that student-athletes may not know what they need at times, if their experiences are unique or worth additional discussion, which is why I want to make sure everyone's voice is heard. 
 
 
What would you tell student-athletes to help the DEI Advisory Committee create an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard?
 
ED: I feel that student-athletes do not express their doubts or concerns because they are unsure as to who will listen or back them up. I want to let everyone know that as leaders we are there for them. We have faculty and people in positions of power who care about student-athletes, their needs, and are willing to address their concerns. 

MK: I think DEI is a great place to start a conversation if needs are not being met, or if (student-athletes) are unsure about how to handle conflicts on a team, when they arise. This is how the committee can best support student-athletes who are not part of this group, and ensure their voices are heard by ICA leadership.
 
BD: When conflicts, incidents or events happen, be ready to have some uncomfortable conversations and know that you can turn to us to help with anything. We are here to provide the support you need.
 
AJ: Be ready to have uncomfortable conversations, we can help facilitate those conversations and make it easier to connect with additional people or resources. 
 
IL: This committee is a starting point to make UC Davis Athletics as inclusive an environment as possible. This DEI Committee is a support system for all UC Davis student-athletes.
 


 
ABOUT UC DAVIS
With the addition of equestrian and women's beach volleyball in 2018, more than 700 student-athletes represent the fifth-ranked public school in the nation on one of 25 intercollegiate athletics teams.
 
UC Davis, a national leader in Title IX gender equity and leadership, is centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley; and offers an unrivaled student-athlete experience that features the ideal combination of elite academics, Division I athletics and personal growth.
 
Ranked annually in the top 10 in diversity and students' social mobility, UC Davis is uncommonly committed to preparing student-athletes for life after graduation with Aggie EVO — an innovative student-athlete outcomes program that helps young women and men develop passions, gain real-world experience, and enjoy a successful launch to full-time employment or graduate school. Through Aggie EVO, Intercollegiate Athletics provides unmatched resources and a vast network of working professionals to ensure post-graduation success for its student-athletes.