Student Athlete Ambassadors

Special Olympics Minnesota’s Student Athlete Ambassador program encourages collegiate student athletes to use their platforms to make their campuses and communities more inclusive for all. Through regular social media content, speaking engagements and volunteerism, these ambassadors are paving the way for a more inclusive Minnesota and changing the game for athletes everywhere!

We are thrilled to introduce our ten 2024-25 Student Athlete Ambassadors! They are leaders in the Inclusion Revolution, and we are so proud to partner with each of them.

Aiden, a sophomore track and field athlete from St. John’s University, keeps himself busy with two sports, three jobs and multiple clubs. Even with his busy schedule, he prioritizes promoting inclusion on his campus and in his community. To Aiden, inclusion means “meeting people where they are at and treating others how you want to be treated.” Through his involvement as a Student Athlete Ambassador, Aiden has been able to promote the Unified movement to every corner of his school. “I think it is so powerful to reach as many people as you can,” Aiden says. “That is how change and understanding can happen.”

Through his work, Dave has had the opportunity to engage with legislators, business leaders, professional and collegiate athletes, coaches, and community leaders. But his favorite part of his job is when an athlete approaches him at a competition or event with a big smile and calls him by name. “We truly have the best community!” he says.

Mara is a standout member of the University of Minnesota Gopher Women’s Basketball team and was named a Big-Ten Honorable Mention by both the coaches and media during the 2023-24 season. Mara was a member of the SOMN Student Board of Directors in high school and is now a junior in college, working to create a safe space for all students on her campus and beyond.

“Inclusion means breaking the barriers that have been set between students with and without disabilities,” Mara says. “It means coming together as people and as friends to build a community where everyone is welcome!”

Maggie, a senior at the University of Minnesota, has made her mark both on and off the basketball court. Recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award for the 2023-24 season, Maggie began her Unified journey in high school and “absolutely fell in love with Special Olympics Minnesota.”

To Maggie, inclusion means creating a space where everyone feels welcome, and she uses her platform as a Student Athlete Ambassador to spread the word about the Unified movement to her team and campus. “I love to participate in Special Olympics Minnesota activities,” Maggie says. “And I can use my following to promote the movement.”

Lucy is a sophomore at St. Catherine’s University, member of the Dance Team and an active member of the St. Kate’s Unified Club as the Secretary. One of her goals for the St. Kate’s Unified Club is to get more of her peers involved in regular club meetings and off-campus events. She plans to use social media and interpersonal outreach to make it happen!

As an advocate for inclusion, she wants to ensure that all are welcome on campus. “Inclusion involves providing equitable opportunities to each individual in order to succeed,” Lucy says.

“I want to intentionally reach out to as many people as possible to ensure they have all they need to be involved with Special Olympics Minnesota.”

Arianna, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota, has participated in various aspects of Special Olympics Minnesota. She has engaged in Unified Club activities such as basketball, flag football, bowling and Transition Plus partnerships, as well as raised over $1,000 for the Polar Plunge in the last two years.

“To me, inclusion means providing opportunities for everyone to engage in activities,” Arianna says. “It means eliminating discrimination to create an environment that fosters connection and lifelong friendships.”

Joey has been a leader in football, basketball and inclusion at Bethel University for the past five years. Now a graduate student at Bethel, Joey has shattered records on the football field, all while being a key player in the Bethel BUILD Program, an initiative for students with intellectual disabilities that focuses on career building and mentorship. Joey defines inclusion as “everyone being given the opportunity to fulfill their individual potential.”

Elizabeth has been involved in Special Olympics for over ten years, from leading her high school Unified Club meetings to fundraising to purchase adaptive playground equipment for her school. Elizabeth is now a senior at the University of Minnesota and a Team Captain for the Gopher Women’s Soccer team.

A Big Ten Sportsmanship Award Winner, Elizabeth has combined her love of soccer and Unified to plan a tour of the soccer facilities for Special Olympics athletes and promote inclusion to her teammates.

“To me, inclusion means welcoming all people,” Elizabeth says. “It means equal access, respect and opportunity.”

Riley, a sophomore at Bethany Lutheran University, plays collegiate soccer, but she also has played on the Allianz Stadium field as a member of the Special Olympics MNUFC Soccer Team.

She loves being an advocate for Special Olympics because it allows her to get to know those around her in a personal way, and she enjoys helping make all people feel included.

To Riley, “Inclusion means that everyone is equally human, and that you include others who might not get the same opportunities.”

Danny has been a Student Athlete Ambassador since 2022, but he has been promoting Special Olympics Minnesota’s mission of inclusion since high school. A star football player at the University of Minnesota, Danny’s passion for the movement motivates his athletic career.

“When we step on the field, we are always supposed to have a ‘why’,” Danny says. “I’m playing for my friends, my family, my teammates and my coach, but I’m also playing for Special Olympics Minnesota.” Through his involvement, Danny has held leadership roles, tried various sports and met new friends.

Carter has been a leader in the Inclusion Revolution for over five years and was named President of his high school’s Unified Club his senior year. Now a sophomore football player at Bethel University, he is an active volunteer at Special Olympics Minnesota events and supports the Bethel BUILD program. “Inclusion means giving everyone the same opportunities,” Carter says. “For example, if a high school varsity basketball team makes it to state, they play at the Target Center. Unified basketball teams deserve the same opportunity.”