It’s No Joke
How athletes and teams need to support each other to build community

Springfield College alumnus and former U.S. Olympian Tom Waddell ’59 was a champion of inclusion. He believed that sports—for all its inherently competitive nature—could be a unifying force. Indeed, he lived his brief life with a conviction that sports could, and should, help to build community.

Of course, it doesn’t always work that way. Oftentimes, sports serve as a wedge, rather than as a bridge. Even at moments of triumph, such as the recent gold medal victories by the U.S. women’s and men’s hockey teams in Italy, we have seen where the sports culture can be used to divide, rather than to unite.

At Springfield College, competitive athletics are part of who we are—but through our Humanics philosophy, we strive to make sport a powerful driver of connection and community. This year’s symposium brings that vision to life, featuring a dynamic conversation with Women’s Basketball Head Coach Naomi Graves and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mike McClendon. Also, student-athletes from both teams will share how they are building a culture of mutual support. The event will also spotlight innovative efforts across the Department of Athletics that are strengthening community and redefining what it means to compete—together.

At the conclusion of the program, one current Springfield College student-athlete will be recognized as the recipient of the Tom Waddell Leveling the Playing Field Award, given annually to someone whose off-the-field commitments have helped build a more just society.

This event, presented by the Division of Campus Life and Community Engagement and the Department of Athletics, is free and open to the Springfield College community and the public.

For more information, please contact the Division of Campus Life and Community Engagement at campuslife@springfield.edu or (413) 748-3101.

Supported by the Dr. Tom Waddell ’59 Fund.
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