By Griffin Olah, UToledo Athletic Communications Intern

TOLEDO, Ohio – A group of University of student-athletes, coaches and administrators represented UToledo at the Mid-American Conference's recent "Taking MACtion" Summit in Cleveland.
 
The theme of this year's conference was "Identity." Participants took part in round tables and discussions relating to mental health, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social/emotional leadership. Guest speakers included therapists and LGBTQ athletes.
 
"This was a beneficial event, especially for our student-athletes," said Amanda Berchtold, Learning Specialist/Life Skills Coordinator for Toledo Athletics. "They came in with an open mind and learned a lot. It was a great opportunity to be exposed to the perspective of student-athletes, coaches and administrators and others."
 
UToledo student-athletes were represented by swimmer Kennedy Lovell and football player Lavel Dumont. Lovell said the summit opened her up to others' identities, which she believes will help her grow as a student-athlete and teammate.
 
"You think you know what identity is, but it's a complex idea," said Lovell, a junior English and Intercultural Competency major. "It's made me more aware of my teammates, their identities and how to best work with and relate to them."
 
Dumont, a junior offensive lineman majoring in media communication, believes what he learned at the summit will help him in his career.
 
"It helped me better understand situations that might come up in my career," said Dumont, "I'm going into a career path where I will work with a lot of different people, and what I learned will help me ease their transitions and work with and understand them better."
 
2022 Taking MACtion Summit
UToledo Representatives
 
Lavel Dumont, Student-Athlete (Football)
Kennedy Lovell, Student-Athlete (Women's Swimming and Diving)
Amanda Berchtold, Learning Specialist/Life Skills Coordinator
Brie Globig, Head Women's Swimming and Diving Coach
Andrea Grove-McDonough, Director of Cross Country and Track & Field
Vicky Kulicke, Director, Title IX and Compliance
Alex Lewin, Director, Student Conduct and Community Standards
Michelle McDevitt, Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Investigator
Augusta Schmidt, Interim Coordinator for Student Conduct and Community Standards
Nick Stenuf, Associate Head Coach for Cross Country and Track and Field
Consandria Walker-Hall, Assistant Women's Track and Field Coach