Stanford University has one of the most storied athletic programs in college sports. Stanford has seen at least one of its varsity athletic programs win a national championship in 37 consecutive years. With 121 team national titles, 104 of them NCAA championships, the Stanford Cardinal becomes the latest team to join the You Can Play Project in supporting diversity and inclusion for all athletes.
A student-led group, Stanford Athletes and Allies Together (StAAT), supports the You Can Play Project to show that at Stanford, an athlete’s performance is what counts, not one’s sexual identity, gender identity, or gender preference. Co-founded by Toni Kokenis (Women’s Basketball), Smriti Sridhar (Women’s Rugby), Noah Garcia (Men’s Swimming and Diving), and Annie Graham (Women’s Club Soccer), StAAT works alongside the athletic department to strengthen the support of LGBT athletes at the University.
Appearing in the video are Stanford coaches, administrative staff and numerous varsity athletes. As Kokenis says, “We welcome all athletes, no matter your identity or your sport. At Stanford, if you can play, you can play!” Video participants include: Hope Burke (Field Hockey), Morgan Fuller (Synchronized Swimming), Katie Nelms (track and field), Carly Wopat (Volleyball), Alexis Lee (Water Polo), Mariah Stackhouse (Golf), Theresa Shropshire (Squash), Chioma Ubogagu (Soccer), Tylyn Wells (Softball), Merideth Kalinowski (Lacrosse), Kay Rusher (Rowing), Lindsey Kotsas (Tennis), Cale Robinson (Gymnastics), Kristian Ipsen (Swimming and Diving), Eric Mochalski (Volleyball), Mike Carter (Water Polo), Josh Huestis (Basketball), Mike Atchoo (Cross Country), Sahil Bloom (Baseball), Barry Sanders (Football), Dominick Franks (Golf), Tara VanDerveer (Head Coach, Women’s Basketball), Jason Borrelli (Head Coach, Men’s Wrestling), Kristen Smyth (Head Coach, Women’s Gymnastics), John Dunning (Head Coach, Women’s Volleyball), Earl Koberlein (Senior Associate Athletic Director), Taylor Lynn (Sports Performance Coordinator), Allison Vendt (Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes), and Bernard Muir (Athletic Director).