Fighting Illini Student-Athletes Grow as Leaders at Athlete Ally's 2026 Athlete Activism Summit
June 15, 2026 | Women's Golf, Swimming & Diving, Academic Services
NEWS
Three University of Illinois student-athletes joined peers from across the country at the 2026 Athlete Ally Athlete Activism Summit, a four-day leadership experience designed to empower athletes to foster more welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environments in sport.
Hosted in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania from June 4-7, the summit brought together approximately 100 student-athletes, coaches, and administrators from more than 30 universities for workshops, keynote speakers, leadership development sessions, and opportunities to build community. Participants explored advocacy, communication, storytelling, allyship, and strategies for creating positive change within athletics.
Representing Illinois were women's golfer Tavia Burgess and women's swimming and diving student-athletes Olivia Dorshorst and Emma Schumacher, all of whom returned to campus with a renewed commitment to leadership and creating spaces where every student-athlete feels they belong.
For Schumacher, one of the most impactful moments came from hearing former professional soccer player Merritt Mathias speak.
"When she said, 'If you don't use your voice to speak up for yourself, somebody will use yours against you,' it really clicked for me," Schumacher said. "I had never been in a space quite like this before. Everyone wanted people to feel safe, loved, and supported, and that's exactly how I felt."
Those same feelings resonated with Dorshorst, who described the summit as "inspirational, educational, and fun." More importantly, it reminded her that she is part of a much larger community.
"I felt less alone after meeting so many amazing people," Dorshorst said.
The experience challenged participants to think beyond organized initiatives and recognize that leadership happens in everyday interactions.
"Allyship happens in every room you walk into," Dorshorst reflected.
For Burgess, the summit offered an opportunity to engage with student-athletes from different backgrounds while strengthening her own perspective on leadership and respect.
"I believe everyone should be accepted and treated with the same respect even if your values don't align," Burgess said.
Though each student-athlete arrived with different experiences, they left united by a common belief that meaningful change begins with listening, empathy, and authentic conversations. Dorshorst appreciated how the summit encouraged dialogue across differing viewpoints rather than avoiding them, sharing that "everyone is needed to create change, and no one should be left on the sidelines."
Burgess echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that respect remains the foundation for every conversation.
"People aren't always going to agree, but everyone deserves respect," Burgess shared.
As Illinois Athletics continues its commitment to developing leaders through The Illini Way, opportunities like the Athlete Ally Athlete Activism Summit equip student-athletes with the confidence and perspective to create positive change within their teams, across campus, and in their communities.
The lessons learned in Pennsylvania will not stay there. Instead, Burgess, Dorshorst, and Schumacher return to Champaign-Urbana with a shared commitment to leading with courage, building community, and ensuring every Fighting Illini student-athlete feels seen, valued, and empowered to be their authentic self.
