Established in the Fall of 2020, Huskies' Student-Athlete Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Committee (Huskies' SADIE) was created by a group of dedicated, motivated and vocal group of student-athletes seeking to create a community that values and prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion, and is committed to listening to student-athlete's concerns surrounding social justice issues.
 
In its brief existence as a student organization, Huskies' SADIE has done just that, and has been recognized for its efforts. In the Spring of 2021, Huskies' SADIE was recognized by the University of Southern Maine Student Government as its Outstanding New Student Group, and more recently, Huskies' SADIE has received national recognition from the NCAA as the September 2021 recipient of the Division III Diversity Spotlight Initiative. In addition to the recognition, USM Athletics and Huskies' SADIE will receive a $500 grant to use towards its next diversity initiative.
 
"I'm very proud of our student-athletes who are active in SADIE and also proud of our staff who are supporting them, making a commitment and helping our athletic department to be more inclusive," said Director of Athletics Al Bean. "We have encouraged our students to take an active role, come forward with their concerns, tell their stories and we have listened.  We continue to work together as partners to affect change, make a difference, take action and provide a voice."
 
The idea for Huskies' SADIE followed a dialogue between the USM Department of Athletics and its student-athlete population, particularly our students of color, during the Spring and Summer of 2020 to ascertain and develop ways to help support USM student-athletes in the best way. 
 
"When I first arrived at Southern Maine, I was one of three or four African Americans on the track & field team," said Jaequan Grant, a founding member of Huskies' SADIE and one of three USM student-athletes to attend the 2021 Black Student-Athlete Summit this Fall.  "Creating a culture that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion is very important to me.  With everything that has happened over the last two years in our society, I think it is essential to start conversations about these topics.  When the Black Lives Matter movement came to the forefront of the news, not many people knew anything about it, and not many people wanted to engage in conversations about it because they were either afraid to, felt as though they were overstepping or were worried about sounding uneducated. For me, as a founding member of Huskies' SADIE, my motivation was to welcome the topic of diversity, and help create an environment that is conducive to learn about others beyond their role as student-athletes on campus, and to being inclusive."
 
Seeking to empower their peers, the Department of Athletics and surrounding community to embrace and celebrate the differences among each identity, work on equity and diversity issues, and to apply the knowledge of these practices at an individual, local and grand scale, Huskies' SADIE is open to all student-athletes. 
 
Victoria Harris, captain of the women's basketball team and a founding member of Huskies' SADIE has found the student-organization helpful in finding her role as a leader and amplifying her voice.
 

"As someone who was more comfortable leading by example, being a part of the SADIE group has given me the confidence to use my voice, and it has helped me to be a better leader and citizen," said Harris, who was presented with honorable mention recognition for the State of Maine John Lewis Leadership Award this summer. "SADIE has given the student-athletes that want to be involved a venue to voice concerns and advocate for so many things that student-athletes, people my age, are wrestling with from racial injustice, mental health, identity and more."
 
Both Grant and Harris represent the University of Southern Maine as members of the Maine Student-Athletes of Color (SAOC) - the only intrastate collegiate partnership between all schools and their diversity committees, and are both decorated student-athletes.  Grant is studying to earn his degree in Cyber Security and Business Administration, while Harris is earning her degree in Health Sciences. 
 
"The student-athletes that are involved in Huskies' SADIE are some of the most motivated and successful student-athletes we have on campus," noted Mike Keller, men's soccer coach and the Athletic Department's NCAA Diversity and Inclusion designee.  "I am energized working alongside of them and to listen to their ideas and concerns – they are laying foundational work to make USM Athletics, and in turn the rest of the community a more inclusive environment."
 
Over the last two semesters, Huskies' SADIE has accomplished a number of its goals, and some of them are visually stunning – including the colorful and diverse set of flags representing and celebrating the make-up of USM's nearly 500 student-athletes.  Located in the Alumni Reception Center in the USM Ice Arena, hanging above the many national awards, coveted championship trophies and historical moments and celebrations created and won by these Husky student-athletes and their predecessors, are flags from the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Zambia, Canada, Democratic Republic of the Congo of the Congo, Puerto Rico and more.  
 
Huskies' SADIE has also hosted unique programming on campus.  Last spring, Huskies' SADIE had virtual event "Deaf Culture in Sports and Academia" featuring USM Professor Regan Thibodeau, Certified Deaf Interpreter/Educator, ASL Instructor and Specialist; and former USM hockey player Johnny Kyte '19, captain of the Canadian Deaf Men's Ice Hockey Team and graduate of Southern Maine's Tourism and Hospitality program. 
 
However, with all of the accomplishments and honors, Grant and the rest of Huskies' SADIE continue to have greater ambitions and hopes for the student group.
 
"I would love to get more student-athletes involved, and even coaches involved," said Grant.  "Right now. it is a small, dedicated group and I want to encourage more participation.  I want to see members of the baseball team, the lacrosse teams, the golf team, and more interaction from others.  Diversity is a big word that covers a broad spectrum of unique identities – our group is here to educate, learn and expose ourselves to cultures, backgrounds, experiences and identities. This is a chance to make our college experience reflect the world outside, and educate ourselves." said Grant. "As someone who has experience racial issues on campus, change – change that needed to happen yesterday – happens when we address the issues."
 
 
"Personally, being a member of SADIE has been beneficial because I have had the opportunity to interact with people and learn about their backgrounds and experience and understand their lives in a more impactful way. We have members of different cultures, races, identities, and each has value."
 
Huskies' SADIE meets bi-weekly on Thursday nights at 7:00 pm.  Meetings take place in the Alumni Reception Center and on Zoom.  All are welcome to attend and learn more about the organization and take part in its events and goals. The next meeting is tonight (October 7).  For more information, interested students can reach out to Grant, Harris or co-Chairs Antoine Grace (men's track & field, wrestling) and Sophie Lindsey (women's volleyball). 
 
"My hope that SADIE continues to grow in strength and numbers after I've graduated," said Grant.  "I want it to be woven into the fabric of the athletic department.  The award feels good and helps validate the work we are doing, but so much more can be done. I would love it if I came back in 10 years and Huskies' SADIE had its own room or building, and was one of the largest groups on campus."