Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

Apr. 12, 2024 - In the final Critical Conversation of the academic year, the Inclusion Team, led by assistant athletic director for diversity, equity, and inclusion Brian Johnson '95/M '15, held a panel for North Central College student-athletes about life after sports.

The diverse perspectives from Cardinal alumni and staff featured experiences from Division I to Division III. Karl Constant (assistant director of multicultural affairs), Kristin Ison (assistant women's basketball coach), Mallory Jones (counselor for mental health and student belonging, athletic liaison), Mitrese Smith '21/M'22, M'23 (former women's basketball player), and Brad Spencer '04 (head football coach) spoke to nearly 100 student-athletes on Thursday night in Wentz Concert Hall.

Over the 2023-24 academic calendar, IT has held five Critical Conversations, two student-athlete RISE sessions, and a coaching staff/administration RISE session, while highlighting current Cardinal perspectives on social media throughout the year.

This initiative by IT serves as the foundation of D.E.I. work for North Central Athletics. IT has produced the UBelong social media series that can be found on NCC_Athletics' social media channels. Click HERE to visit the Athletics' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion page to see the work the Inclusion Team has done for Cardinal student-athletes.

Download the free North Central Cardinals app for iOS and Android devices to receive up-to-the-minute news, scores, and updates on your favorite North Central teams. Click HERE for more information.