The Marist Athletics Department is committed to creating a diverse community united by a shared commitment to the free exchange of ideas, consideration of the opinions of others, and civility in all our interactions. Marist is committed to the recruitment and professional growth of student-athletes and personnel from diverse backgrounds, who can become active contributing members of our campus community. The Department of Athletics seeks excellence through an inclusive campus community that promotes, embraces and values multiculturalism and diversity among its staff and student-athletes.

IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action) is an open committee of administrators, coaches, and staff committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment for all student-athletes. The group meets regularly to develop strategies that promote inclusive excellence, cultural awareness, and opportunities for all members of the athletics community.
 
Members:
 
Administration
Tim Murray – Director of Athletics
Elizabeth Donohue – Senior Associate AD/Senior Woman Administrator
Harrison Baker '14 – Associate AD & Director of External Affairs
Tyrell Walden-Martin - Associate SID/Social Media Coordinator
Mike Kagafas - Assistant AD/Compliance

 
Center for Student-Athlete Enhancement
Alyssa Gates – Director, Student-Athlete Enhancement
Ashley Buck - Assistant Director, Student-Athlete Enhancement
 
Coaches
Chris Vidale – Head Coach, Women's Water Polo
Mike Kagafas '14 – Assistant AD, Compliance
Lance Ratchford - Head Coach, Baseball
Moriah Crisp - Assistant Coach, Women's Basketball
Brandon Hall - Assistant Coach, Men's Basketball
Brittany Shields - Assistant Coach, Women's Basketball
Billy Poole-Harris - Assistant Coach/Men's & Women's XCTF
Alisha Samuel - Assistant Coach/Men's and Women's XCTF
Mike Willis - Head Coach, Football

Mission Statement
 
Advance inclusive and supportive strategies that enhance the culture of Marist Athletics. IDEA seeks to improve climate and belonging through education, engagement, and collaboration with all members of the Marist community.

 I. Education

1. Offer leadership and cultural competency workshops open to all student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
2. Provide professional development opportunities through guest speakers, facilitated discussions, and events that promote respect, teamwork, and ethical leadership.

II. Campus Community Engagement

1. Create a lasting relationship with the Poughkeepsie community by partnering with local schools and youth programs in the Hudson Valley.
2. Establish a stronger relationship between the athletic and campus community with workshops and campus initiatives to promote an inclusive environment for all student-athletes.
3. Collaborate and stand in solidarity with groups on campus that advance diversity and inclusion.
4. Provide our student-athletes with opportunities to learn from local community leaders and institutions.

III. Relationships

1. Relationships with each other (coaches, staff, and administration)
   1. Continuation of full athletics department meetings created to promote conversation on issues pertaining to sport and society.
   2. Continued conversations and gatherings with coaches and administrators to ensure all voices are heard in departmental decision-making.
2. Relationships between Coaches, Staff, Administration, and Student-Athletes
   1. Routine meetings with Director of Athletics Tim Murray, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and Black Student Athlete Alliance (BSAA), as well as weekly office hour opportunities for all student-athletes to engage in discussion with the Athletics Department.
   2. Invitation to Ladies Empowering Athletics Program (LEAP), SAAC, and BSAA representatives to attend IDEA meetings to provide updates and engage in collaborative discussion.
3. Peer to Peer: Student-Athlete to Student-Athlete
   1. Department emphasis on support for the Red Fox Challenge, which includes a team support component.
   2. Encourage attendance by all student-athletes at bi-weekly Town Hall Events hosted by the BSAA.
   3. Sponsorship of new Athletics Department traditions such as student-athlete barbecues and Field Day events (as circumstances permit).

IV. Recruitment

1. Introduce Marist's resources for all student-athletes during recruiting visits, highlighting support services, leadership programs, and community engagement opportunities.
2. Promote broad outreach strategies to attract student-athletes from diverse geographic, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.