The Big West Shines Bright at the Black Student-Athlete Summit in Chicago
The Black Student-Athlete Summit (BSAS) recently took over Chicago, captivating student-athletes and administrators from The Big West from May 21-24. More than just an event, this summit served as a powerful catalyst for success, fostering connections among student-athletes, athletic professionals, and industry innovators. The dynamic programming included career development sessions, financial literacy workshops, and wellness activities, all designed to prepare these athletes for life beyond sports. Prominent figures in sports, such as Chiney Ogwumike, Baron Davis, Renee Montgomery, and Rich Paul, headlined an inspiring speaker lineup.
A Diverse Representation from The Big West
A noteworthy group of representatives from four Big West member institutions made the trip to the Windy City. UC San Diego sent a strong contingent of seven student-athletes, guided by SAAC advisor Charity Anderson. Among them were track & field standouts Tamara Aimufia, Destinee Jones, Leila Kepler, Lauren McBride, and Logan Shojgreen. They were joined by swimmer Danielle Greenwood and women’s basketball champion Parker Montgomery.
From Long Beach State, track and field star Daryana Hall represented her institution alongside four athletes from UC Davis: Ryann Bennett (women’s basketball), Zaire Collier (football), Kadidja Sangara (track & field), and Damon Wrighster (football).
Meanwhile, CSUN was represented by a trio of talent: Daniel Harper, Jabari Vaughn, and Sydney Wilson. Their participation transcended mere attendance, as they also shone as presenters and award-winners, being named the 2025 Student Organization of the Year for the CSUN Black Student-Athlete Association (BSAA), an initiative spearheaded by Vaughn.
Building a Strong Community at CSUN
Vaughn shared insights into the CSUN BSAA: "We started this organization to create a support system for student-athletes on and off the field, while building unity within the Black community." He emphasized the importance of connection, particularly in a predominantly white institution (PWI), where he saw a need for unity among Black student-athletes.
The BSAA has hosted engaging events such as game nights, "Know YOUR Rights" workshops, and collaborative barbecues with multiple Black organizations on campus, fostering community and awareness about legal rights among student-athletes.
Achievements and Reflections
The award for 2025 Student Organization of the Year is especially meaningful for Vaughn and the BSAA team. "Winning this award signifies that our mission and activities have made a positive impact on the community," he said.
Wilson reflected on the fulfillment of hosting events and leading initiatives that contributed to the growth of a supportive community for Black student-athletes. For Harper, the BSAA has created a "safe haven for athletes", enabling open and honest conversations.
A Trip to Remember in Chicago
The Chicago trip wasn’t just about the summit; it was an eye-opening adventure. Vaughn recalled visiting iconic landmarks like The Bean and attending a Chicago Sky game, where they got to see basketball star Angel Reese play. A memorable moment for him was when a stranger offered to take professional photos of him and Harper at The Bean, demonstrating the warmth and hospitality of Chicago.
Key Takeaways from the Summit
The sessions and workshops at the BSAS offered profound insights. Vaughn was struck by a thought-provoking statement: “As athletes, we die twice,” highlighting the need for athletes to prepare for life beyond sports. Both Wilson and Harper appreciated the sessions, especially the pre-law session hosted by DLA Piper, which opened doors for future networking opportunities.
Uniting as Student-Athletes from Various Campuses
At the summit, student-athletes from competing schools formed bonds that went beyond competition. Vaughn expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with fellow members of The Big West. Wilson and Vaughn also presented on building a Black Student-Athlete organization, inspiring others, including executives from other campuses.
Lasting Memories and Future Aspirations
Vaughn left the summit with a commitment to graduate next semester and pursue an MBA in Marketing, aiming to inspire others and leave a legacy within the CSUN BSAA. Wilson echoed the importance of the experience, emphasizing how vital it is for Black student-athletes to attend such events.
The Black Student-Athlete Summit was not just an event, but a cherished memory stitched together through shared experiences, networking, and the empowering feeling of community—an experience that will echo in the hearts and minds of all participants for years to come.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As they look to the future, Vaughn, Wilson, and Harper are eager to continue their journey, bridging the gap for Black student-athletes and creating opportunities that extend far beyond their athletic careers. The BSAS has provided them with invaluable experiences and connections—one that they carry with them as they strive for excellence in every facet of their lives.
For more information, visit the Black Student-Athlete Summit.
