As the Director of Athletics at the University of Alaska Anchorage, my single highest responsibility each and every day, regardless of sport or season, is to make sure that the health, safety and well-being of every UAA student who wears a Green & Gold uniform is secured. All members of our staff, regardless of role, share that responsibility.

Late last week, I received a note from one of our very talented Student-Athletes, wondering why UAA Athletics had not yet made a public statement following the horrific death of George Floyd on May 25. Her inquiry was genuine, thoughtful, passionate, and purposeful. But, her words also seemed to carry a tone of discomfort, wondering where our Seawolf Athletics family stood and, more so, what stand we plan to take. She, like so many college students today -- from Anchorage to Asheville, Fairbanks to Philadelphia, Juneau to Jacksonville – wonder what is next and what responsible actions we can take together to move us to a better place. So many of us are wondering the same.

I have always viewed scholastic and intercollegiate athletics as a pathway of education, a common ground where people of all colors, backgrounds, faiths, and lifestyles gather, share, and unify.  Athletics in so many ways reflect the foundational building blocks in preparing for "real-life."

Discipline. Community. Teamwork. Commitment. Responsibility. Reliability. Accountability. Trust.

As we ponder the days, weeks, and years ahead, these are the traits that will lead us – together – to the point of listening, learning, constructive dialog, and meaningful actions.  Progress.  Only when these traits are present will the wins begin to outweigh the losses. 

UAA Athletics will not be a spectator.  We will respond responsibly and act urgently.

We will fully support and participate in the UAA efforts that Chancellor Sandeen outlined last week, as well as carry out some very specific athletic department initiatives, starting with assuring that our Student-Athlete "Direct Connect" sessions will have the topic of "Our Voices" as the first agenda item each time we get together.

Also, our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee board leadership will gather on a call in the coming days to make sure that we coordinate and collaborate on how we best plan and roll out invitations for our Seawolf Athletics Coaches and Staff, Athletics Alumni, UAA Campus and greater Anchorage community to participate in our conversations and efforts. We will get that call scheduled within the week.

Most importantly, however, before we resume classes in the Fall, and after speaking more with our current Student-Athletes, UAA Athletics will put forth additional plans for how we build and sustain our efforts. What will we be doing to advance progress in January 2021?  June 2022?  I look forward to sharing our plans as we come together and formulate them.

Until then, we can all continue to actively participate by reading, watching, discussing, listening, and learning about why we find ourselves where we are and how we move to a better place. 

We all have a part to play. Together.

Greg Myford

Director of Athletics

University of Alaska Anchorage