UCLA Student-Athletes Leadership Listening Exercise

Attendees at the chancellor’s Listening Exercise with Student-Athlete Leaders on May 7, 2025 shared a variety of aspirations, concerns, and questions. Some speakers emphasized the financial challenges faced by club sports, highlighting the need for resource allocation and support.

A speaker, representing a club sport, underscored the difficulties of competing against fully funded varsity teams without similar resources. One speaker acknowledged that they were grateful for the financial security of their club sport, thanks to generous alumni donations, but emphasized the importance of resource allocation within the university. Another speaker inquired about the university’s commitment to mitigating the impacts of recent legislative actions on Athletics.

The discussion also focused on the academic experiences of student-athletes. One student spoke about the importance of advisors for both undergraduate and graduate students, noting the lack of dedicated support for student-athletes at the graduate level. Another speaker asked about the university’s approach to navigating the changing landscape of college athletics, referencing recent legislative actions.

Themes

• Funding for Club Sports: There was a concern about funding for club sports, particularly in light of potential financial challenges facing the university.
• Transition to Varsity Status: Some club sports are actively seeking to become varsity programs, as they highlighted the desire for greater recognition and support.
• Impact of Legislation: Discussions focused on the impact of recent legislation on college athletics and the potential challenges it poses to student-athletes.
• Student-Athlete Well-being: The importance of student-athlete well-being, including academic support, was emphasized.
• Balancing Academics and Athletics: The need to balance the demands of academics and athletics was a topic of discussion. One speaker maintained that student-athletes are not receiving sufficient support from their academic advisors. 
• Inclusive Excellence: Discussion focused on the importance of diversity and inclusion within Athletics, recognizing the value of different backgrounds and experiences. Student-athletes seek assurance that – despite federal policy changes –  athletics and sports would remain equitable.
• Future of Club Sports: Participants discussed potential changes and challenges regarding the overall future of college athletics.
• Role of Alumni: The role of alumni in supporting Athletics programs was acknowledged, and their contributions were appreciated.
• Advocacy for Student-Athletes: There was a call for increased advocacy for the rights and interests of student-athletes.  
• Immigration: There was a deep concern among student-athletes for undocumented and international students.