SAN MARCOS, Calif. – Cal State San Marcos Director of Athletics Jennifer Milo announced the creation of the CAR(I)E Squad for the Department of Athletics on Friday morning.
The CAR(I)E (Cougars Against Racial Inequality) Squad was formed to create and enact change in CSUSM Athletics and how the department as student-athletes, coaches, staff and administration CARE for one another to achieve racial equality and social justice.
“I am honored and eager to announce the creation of our Cougars Against Racial Inequality committee,” Director of Athletics Jennifer Milo said. “Now more than ever, it is important to have our voices heard and have conversations that may be uncomfortable in order to create change and a better future. We will move forward together, and this is just one of the many intentional steps the CSUSM Department of Athletics will be taking to ensure we have an inclusive, safe and diverse atmosphere.”
Through thoughtful and intentional communication and action, the CAR(I)E Squad will create the change necessary for everyone to pursue with confidence their personal, academic, athletics and professional pursuits at CSUSM.
“I wanted to join this group because I think it’s extremely validating as a Black athlete to know that our administrators are working to make our athletic department a more equitable place, and I wanted to be a part of that,” said CSUSM volleyball student-athlete Kiora Ridgeway, who also serves on the CSUSM Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the CCAA Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
The CAR(I)E Squad will use the TRACS (Trust, Respect, Attitude, Communication, Support) values that have been emphasized in the Department of Athletics.
“Inequality, injustice and polarized thinking challenge our society and diminish the benefits of the diversity in our communities,” CSUSM Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach Torrey Olson said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the CAR(I)E squad to explore what we can do starting with our Cougar family.”
Members of the CAR(I)E Squad
Student-Athletes (Non-SAAC): Sarah Davis, Zoe Ballen, Jaiden Phillips
SAAC Student-Athlete: Kiora Ridgeway
Head Coaches: Stef Ewing, Greg Hutton, Torrey Olson
Support Staff Member: Paul Signorelli
Administrators: Jason Stock, Andrea Leonard
Chair: Jennifer Milo
