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NCAA Division III Vice President Meets with Student-Athletes
Louise McCleary reaffirms commitment to equity and inclusion during campus visit
University News | March 7, 2024
Virginia Wesleyan University warmly welcomed NCAA Division III Vice President Louise McCleary to its campus today, where she engaged in dialogue with university leadership, shared invaluable insights, and took questions from Marlin student-athletes. A proud native of Hampton Roads and alumna of Norfolk Collegiate School, she emphasized her commitment to prioritizing the well-being and success of student-athletes within Division III. "Everything we do in Division III is with the student-athlete in mind," said McCleary. 
While meeting with VWU student-athletes, McCleary addressed the importance of advancing gender equity and diversity in athletics leadership. She underscored the progress made in elevating the representation of women in athletic director roles within Division III, revealing stark contrasts with Division I statistics. "In Division III, 33 percent of athletic directors are women," she said, contrasting this with only 15 percent in Division I. However, she said there’s a great deal of improvement needed to advance people of color. "When I began working for the NCAA, only 4 percent of athletic directors were people of color," she shared, expressing disappointment that this figure has only risen to 11 percent.
Celebrating the ongoing legacy of Title IX during Women's History Month, McCleary highlighted what’s transpired since its enactment 52 years ago. Before this landmark federal civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination, only 400,000 girls played high school sports, compared to 3.5 million boys. Today, the number of girls playing high school sports has increased to 3.5 million compared to 4 million boys. 
McCleary also stressed the critical importance of holistic support systems for student-athletes, including access to comprehensive physical and mental healthcare resources within Division III sports programs. She commended Virginia Wesleyan University for its staffing in this regard, while acknowledging the disparities that exist among institutions nationwide.
One of the hallmarks of Division III, McCleary noted, is its unwavering commitment to student-athlete welfare, exemplified by policies such as granting additional eligibility for those facing injury or mental health challenges. She reaffirmed Division III's status as a destination of choice for aspiring athletes, and stressed the importance of elevating its profile through increased livestreaming of games.
In closing, McCleary reiterated the enduring commitment of Division III to the holistic development of individuals, affirming that evidence consistently demonstrates higher academic success rates and future leadership among student-athletes. Her words resonated deeply with the VWU community, reinforcing the university's steadfast dedication to fostering excellence in athletics and academics alike.