Rachael Estell, Junior, Harvard Women's Track & Field

"Track and field is one of the most diverse sports in the NCAA. The student-athletes who participate are racially diverse and represent all genders and body types. This sport demands a wide range of athletic aptitude whether that’s speed, strength, stamina, skill, etc. I believe that the power of diversity is found in the chemistry, collaboration, and continuity that comes from a group of people who respect, embrace, and work to understand each other’s differences. At the highest level, individual differences converge to help team members use their strengths for the good of the group, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness. Through this opportunity to be a part of a diverse team, I have learned that diverse individuals bring nuanced perspectives, experience, and insight that would otherwise be missing from a group of homogeneous individuals. Sports create a template for wider society, showing what’s possible when we embrace differences from all walks of life. Both sports and life are about our ability to respond to constantly changing circumstances. A commitment to fostering diversity allows individuals to be flexible and adaptable in order to adjust to new situations."

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The Ivy League is proud to showcase its diversity and inclusivity during the 2019 #NCAAInclusion Social Media Campaign, which will run from Tuesday, Oct. 22-Friday, Oct. 25, with different themes each day. The Ivy League will share quotes from select student-athletes about what they are doing on and off the field to make their campus a healthy and welcoming environment for everyone.