By: Dawnisha Franklin, Athletic Communications Associate
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – The inaugural Community & Belonging Campaign begins today, Wednesday, Nov. 5, as NCAA member institutions from across the country, from all divisions, participate in different ways to celebrate on social media. This week, we will hear from our student-athletes on the two designated campaign days, each addressing a different theme with a specific question posed to the participating student-athletes.
Today, Wednesday, Nov. 5, the theme is "Belonging," and we will hear from several student-athletes on the prompt "Share how a teammate makes you feel like you belong. Tag them to recognize their impact."
"Friendship and strong bonds make every team stronger. I want to give a shoutout to Jack Natali for being a great friend and a standout teammate. For me specifically, he separates me as a runner from who I am as a person. This has been a very positive impact for me as I feel like no matter what happens on the track or the cross country course, I have a friend who has my back and will continue to support me."
"One teammate who makes me feel like I belong is Maggie Maurer. She takes the time to listen, celebrates my small wins, and constantly offers support, especially when school and sports become stressful. Her attitude creates an environment where I feel comfortable being myself, and I am so glad that the athletic program brought us together!"
"Last year was my first year at SUNY Plattsburgh, and I found myself in a completely new community with new teammates. Since I was in volleyball season during lacrosse fall ball, I didn't have many chances to connect with the lacrosse team until our season began in the spring. At first, I felt disconnected, isolated, and anxious, but Anna Myers changed that. Her energy, kindness, and willingness to give me rides to and from practice helped me feel included, supported, and excited to be on a new team. Small gestures like that remind me how strong connections off the field build stronger teams on it."
"My teammates make me feel like I belong every day, whether we're hyping each other up at practice, being in the locker room, or getting through hard workouts together. They're a big part of why this experience means so much to me."
"The best teams are the ones that have a bond on and off the field. When you think about softball, one person can't do all the work; it comes from the players and the coaches. Softball is a very mentally demanding sport, and the support from your teammates is what makes the mental aspect easier. Whether it was an ESPN-worthy play or a complete mistake, my teammate Mikayla Pappas was always on my side. Picking me up when I might be down or hyping me up in those big moments, everyone has their own person they look to for support or guidance, and Mikayla is that person. Knowing I have that person makes the sport more fun and assures me that I always have someone behind me. Plattsburgh softball taught me that I formed lifelong friendships that I might never have expected to form when I committed here."
"Strong teams are formed by strong connections. It's important to find the people who support, challenge, and uplift you. It takes a village to grow and succeed both individually and as a team. Whether it's people like Seoyoung Yoo or Ava Varecka cheering on everyone or watching Dancing with the Stars with my teammates, these girls have become my second family.
"I remember coming in as a freshman, very nervous and unsure about everything, and the entire team as a whole accepted me and the rest of my class with open arms. However, I want to talk about my teammates Joe Barcher, Tim Keenan, and Kevin Murray, especially because they would hang out and talk to me every day as much as they could. Fast forward a few years, and they're some of my best friends here."
"Being an out-of-state student-athlete has its challenges, especially when the majority of the baseball team is from New York. When I came in as a transfer, I felt a little out of place, but once I got to meet my teammates, I felt wanted."
"Having strong connections with your teammates makes the experience as a student-athlete a lot more enjoyable and manageable through all the challenges we face during the season. One teammate who has had a huge impact on my experience on the soccer team is Brook Lynn DaSilva. Since I transferred to Plattsburgh, Brook Lynn has always made me feel like I belong on the team. She is always there to give me a confidence boost after my best or worst game and is an amazing teammate to all."
"My team has made me feel like I belong by always being there when I've had a rough practice or felt down. They pick me up, encourage me to push past adversity, and remind me to keep going. I'm grateful for a team that always picks each other up!"
Justin Sargent, Junior, Baseball
"My teammates on the Plattsburgh baseball team consistently provide me with encouragement and support, both on and off the field, which makes me feel like I really belong. They make it obvious that we're more than just teammates, we're a family. Whether it's by encouraging me after a difficult play, providing diverse viewpoints and guidance during practice, or checking in on studies and life. Our team bond is strengthened by the positivity and determination to make everyone feel and know that they are a crucial part of the team. It also serves as a reminder that belonging is about having people who support you no matter what, not just about playing the game."
Rosie Sculco, Junior, Women's Basketball
"Players who care about each other play harder, not just for themselves, but for the team. When players feel connected to each other, their motivation goes beyond individual success, and 'doing it for the girl right next to you' becomes a reality. My teammate and senior captain, Jaden Wilson, has always made me feel like I belong. She shows up every day, leading by example with her work ethic and love for Plattsburgh, the game of basketball, and the culture around it. I play for her."
The Community and Belonging Social Media Campaign was first launched in 2025, in collaboration with the Office of Inclusion and the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committees. This campaign celebrates those authentic voices and experiences, inviting student-athletes to share what belonging and community mean to them.
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