Illini Student-Athletes Find Community, Leadership, Inspiration at Black Student-Athlete Summit
May 29, 2026 | Football, Soccer, Academic Services, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
NEWS
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Six Illinois student-athletes traveled to Eugene, Oregon, to attend the Black Student Athlete Summit from May 20-23. The annual gathering brings together student-athletes, athletics professionals, educators, and industry leaders from across the country to engage in conversations surrounding identity, leadership and career development, wellness, advocacy, and community.
Representing Illinois at this year's summit were football student-athletes Matthew Bailey, Zafir Stewart, Cameron Thomas, and Corey Rashad, along with women's soccer student-athletes Cayla Jackson and Peyton Rhodes. Accompanying the group were associate director of academic services Madison Rayam; learning specialist and academic coach coordinator D.J. Taylor; and associate director of athletics, academic services and student-Athlete development Dr. Stephon Fuqua.
Throughout the summit, attendees participated in keynote presentations, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and conversations designed to help student-athletes explore their identities, develop as leaders, and prepare for life beyond sport.
For Rashad, being surrounded by Black student-athletes, professionals, and leaders from across the country expanded his perspective on what is possible.
"Being in a space with so many educated Black people really made me shift my way of thinking about the progression of our people as a whole," Rashad said. "It gave me hope for the future because I could see myself speaking at an event like this and sharing my story."
For many participants, the experience reinforced the value of showing up authentically and embracing opportunities for growth.
"My biggest takeaway was to continue to be your authentic self and people will appreciate you for you," Rhodes said. "The experience reinforced the idea that success isn't all about your athletic performance; it's also your own personal development and using the platform you have created to inspire others."
The summit also challenged attendees to envision their futures beyond athletics. Bailey reflected on a session that encouraged participants to consider their aspirations without the limitations of sport or financial pressures.
"In the men's session, we addressed our aspirations if sports or money wasn't in the way," Bailey said. "It allowed us to take a peek into our futures beyond athletics."
Stewart also left the summit with a renewed perspective on embracing future opportunities.
"My biggest takeaway was to always be optimistic," Stewart said. "You never know the opportunities that could be in front of you in the next couple years, and whatever opportunities you get, make the most of them."
Women's soccer student-athlete Cayla Jackson left inspired to pursue opportunities with confidence and purpose.
"I think my biggest takeaway was that you have to continue to put yourself out there," Jackson said. "Nothing changes if nothing changes. We, as a Black community, are just as capable as anyone else in achieving our goals."
For Thomas, the experience reinforced the responsibility that comes with being a student-athlete.
"As student-athletes, we have a very prominent voice, which is impactful to our communities and can be a big advocate for change," Thomas said.
Representing Illinois among student-athletes from across the country was another meaningful aspect of the experience. Connecting with peers from different institutions reinforced both the uniqueness of their individual journeys and the shared experiences that unite Black student-athletes.
For Rayam, one of the most rewarding parts of the trip was watching student-athletes fully embrace the experience.
"The lifestyle of athletics can feel isolating, so to be in rooms with people who know exactly what you're doing felt amazing," Rayam said.
Taylor saw a similar impact as students engaged with new ideas, built connections, and stepped outside their comfort zones.
"It's okay to show up as your authentic self," Taylor said. "There are people who want you to succeed, so much so that they are willing to pour into you."
Beyond the networking opportunities and professional development sessions, student-athletes left the summit with a greater appreciation for the importance of community and belonging. Whether through creating spaces of belonging, pursuing leadership opportunities, advocating for others, or investing in their personal and professional growth, participants left Eugene with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
