DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis Global Affairs invited UC Davis Athletics as its inaugural guest to the unit's Inclusive Professional Development Brown Bag Series program where Global Affairs staff members learn about ways to incorporate key learnings from partners on campus that exemplify what it means to empower globally conscious work. This session titled "Globally Inclusive Coaching" was a campus conversation focused on leadership, inclusion, and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. The panel provided coaches an opportunity to share how they approach team culture, communication, and connection within their programs.

Linda Amrou, Assistant Director for Inclusive Global Engagement at Global Affairs, co-created the panel with Courtney Randall, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Strategy and Social Impact, with the goal of showcasing that global inclusion is a universal and transferable skill. "Oftentimes we think in silos. Domestic versus international. Athletics vs. academics. This panel proves that our realities and the ways in which we uplift one another are inextricably intertwined. We have so much to learn from our incredible partners on campus as well as from the world. Our esteemed guests expertly highlighted implementable teachings of what it means to make everyone feel like they are an indispensable part of a team while honoring the different lived realities for those with global backgrounds."

Moderated by Student-Athlete Mentor Danielle Hamilton Carter, the discussion featured Field Hockey Head Coach Austin Pile, Volleyball Head Coach Dan Conners, and Men's Basketball Head Coach Jim Les. Each coach shared practical examples from their programs, from team-building and one-on-one check-ins to helping student-athletes balance the academic, personal, and competitive demands of college life.

Throughout the conversation, coaches emphasized that creating a supportive culture requires consistent action. From structured leadership opportunities and regular one-on-one check-ins to team retreats and guided conversations around identity and perspective, panelists described how they build space for student-athletes to feel heard, respected, and valued.

Austin Pile, Field Hockey Head Coach, shared how small, consistent efforts can make a lasting impact. "We make it a priority to create space for every student-athlete to have a voice. We do that through regular one-on-one conversations that go beyond performance, rotating leadership roles so more people can take ownership, and encouraging teammates to support one another through challenges. We've learned that when student-athletes feel comfortable sharing who they are and what they're experiencing, it strengthens trust and helps us build a team environment where people feel respected and supported."

Dan Conners, Volleyball Head Coach, spoke about the importance of connection through shared experiences. Even something small like reading a book as a team together. "Each year we prioritize team building in ways that help our student-athletes learn about one another beyond the court. Whether it's retreats before the season, small group discussions, or moments where they share their personal stories, those experiences create trust and vulnerability that strengthen the way they show up for each other throughout the year."

Jim Les, Men's Basketball Head Coach, emphasized the role of consistency and authenticity in shaping team culture. "Culture isn't a sign on the wall or a tee-shirt, it's something you do every day. We make time for individual check-ins, talk openly about challenges on and off the court, and try to meet student-athletes where they are. When they know you care about them as people first, it builds trust — and that trust allows them to grow, take risks, and support one another."

The discussion also highlighted the importance of learning from student-athletes' lived experiences. By listening, asking questions, and adapting their approach, coaches shared how they continue to evolve alongside their teams to better support individuals from a wide range of cultural and personal backgrounds.

UC Davis Athletics' participation in the Global Affairs Brown Bag Series reflects the department's commitment to holistic student-athlete development and its continued collaboration with campus partners. Conversations like these strengthen connections across the university and support a shared goal of preparing students to lead, engage, and succeed in an increasingly global community.
 

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ABOUT UC DAVIS ATHLETICS: 

UC Davis, the No. 2 ranked public university by the Wall Street Journal, is home to 40,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 employees. Ranked No. 1 in Agriculture and Forestry as well as No. 1 in Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis is located in a true California college town nestled between world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe. Over 650 Aggie student-athletes compete in 25 Division I varsity sports, with 16 sports transitioning to the Mountain West Conference beginning in 2026–27. 

For more information, visit https://ucdavisaggies.com/.