LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell student-athletes and staff joined together on Tuesday evening for a conversation about social justice issues led by Stan Van Gundy, the current head coach of the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans.
 
Van Gundy, who has ties to UMass Lowell as the head coach of the River Hawk men's basketball program from 1988-92, addressed the student-athletes about using their platform to encourage social justice and incite change.
 
"Creating spaces for our student-athletes and staff to have important conversations about social justice has been a big focus for our athletics department this year, so having someone like Stan Van Gundy take the time out of his schedule to join us yesterday to speak about these important issues was truly meaningful," said Director of Athletics Peter Casey. "We are very grateful to Coach Van Gundy for sharing his own experiences with our group, as well as his advice for speaking up and getting involved."
 
Prior to the event, Van Gundy spoke about why he takes advantage of opportunities to interact with young people about the important topics of equality and justice.
 
"I'm always inspired by young people who have a social conscience, and want to make the world a better place and want to use their platform," said Van Gundy. "My hope lies in younger people. I know when I was their age, I was aware of what was going on in the world, but I was pretty focused on myself and my own career and where I was going. I didn't take enough time at that age to get involved and help things. So when I see young people, whether it's my own athletes in the NBA or athletes at the college level or my own kids, when I see them wanting to get involved, speak out and change things, it inspires me to do more myself."
 
The veteran coach spoke to the student-athletes about educating themselves about the issues, in addition to being cognizant of what kind of atmosphere they are creating within their own teams. Members of the River Hawk community also asked several questions during the chat, including how the NBA makes athletes feel safe to speak up, book suggestions from the coach, and what statements have grabbed his attention.
 
"As a student-athlete, there was a lot to take away from the discussion with Coach Van Gundy," commented UMass Lowell softball graduate student Jennifer Lee. "Learning more about the platform that athletes have in their communities and how to use this platform was important for all of us. Having events like this is always something that I look forward to, as it gives me the opportunity to open my mind and learn more about how to make a difference using the platform that I am privileged to have."
 
"I think having conversations like we did with Coach Van Gundy is so empowering and important for us as student-athletes," added UMass Lowell women's soccer senior Abigail Drezek. "He talked a lot about resources we could use, as well as ideas for using our platform as athletes and unifying together in order to create change. We are all very grateful for the time he took to speak with us and help us continue to foster an environment where we can comfortably fight for what we believe in."
 
Van Gundy closed the conversation by encouraging the group not to underestimate the impact that can be made if everyone comes together to create a culture of inclusion.
 
"There's power in your teammates knowing that the people around them support them and are willing to speak out. Be an ally and ask what you can do."