Phoenix, AZ - Oberlin College was named the LGBTQ Institution of the Year by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Thursday evening at the annual NCAA Convention. 

Established in 2020, the LGBTQ Institution/Conference of the Year award honors a school or conference that supports LGBTQ inclusion efforts through policies and systems with the goal of long-term sustainability of an LGBTQ-inclusive environment. The recognition is given to one NCAA Division III school or conference per year that has had continuous assessment and reflection about its LGBTQ needs, strategies and goals, while creating and supporting programs aimed at increasing LGBTQ cultural and practical competencies for all student athletes, coaches, administrators and staff.

While Oberlin Athletics has long strived to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all, over the past 12 months the athletics department has recommitted to its LGBTQ inclusion effort as it is at the forefront of our mission. 

In addition to students and staff participating in trainings regarding microaggression, proper pronoun usage, and allyship, Oberlin has formed the Queer Student-Athlete Group (QSAG) to provide an avenue for those who identify an opportunity to meet with athletics administrators and coaches to discuss topics, plan, and problem-solve any issues that may arise throughout the year. 

The department of athletics recently celebrated Trans Day of Visibility with a special photoshoot that was highlighted on social media. The athletics department is also mindful of using preferred pronouns personally and publicly and they are shared with competing institutions while traveling. 

Throughout the year, Oberlin athletics teams have hosted multiple PRIDE games and other special events to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ organizations such as the Trevor Project. 

Working closely with cross-campus partners in the Multicultural Resource Commons (MRC), Office of Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Student Life, and Residential Life, the department is continually seeking avenues of support for its LGBTQ student-athletes. This past year, the athletics department had a presence at the Trans Resource Fair on campus, which showcased that athletics and recreational spaces are open and inclusive to all. 

Former swimming and diving team member Lucas Draper '23, who is currently serving as the team's dive coach, was also named a finalist for the LGBTQ Student-Athlete of the Year award as he has long been an advocate for trans athletes and LGBTQ rights. "It's a great honor to be nominated for such an amazing award," Draper says. "I really owe it to Oberlin and the inclusive and supportive environment the athletic department and campus in general strives to create every day."

Draper has written articles on the topic of swimming and gender inclusion for Swimming World Magazine, Forbes, and has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning.