At the height of the pandemic, the University of Florida gymnast Riley McCusker balanced training for the NCAA championships with advocating for the rights of college athletes. Her efforts have led to sweeping policy changes across the country..
When Riley McCusker arrived on the University of Florida campus in 2020, the freshman gymnast was laser-focused on training, competing, and studying. But after a season upended by COVID-19 and the murder of George Floyd, McCusker found herself drawn to activism..
“I decided to speak up for what I believed in,” says McCusker, who used her platform as an elite athlete to advocate for racial justice and fair treatment of college athletes. “I saw a lot of injustice in the world and felt a calling to be part of the change.”.
McCusker’s activism began with a social media post in the summer of 2020, in which she denounced racism and police brutality. She then joined United We Dream, an immigrant rights organization, and began speaking out about the need for comprehensive immigration reform..
In the fall of 2020, McCusker turned her attention to the NCAA, which was facing growing criticism for its treatment of college athletes. McCusker and a group of other student-athletes formed the College Athlete Unity group, which advocated for fair pay, better healthcare, and more educational opportunities for athletes..
McCusker’s activism has already led to significant change. In 2021, the NCAA adopted a new policy that allows college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The policy change has been a major victory for student-athletes, who have long been prohibited from earning money from their athletic endeavors..
McCusker’s activism has also inspired other student-athletes to speak out for their rights. In the wake of McCusker’s advocacy, several other student-athletes have formed their own NIL collectives and spoken out about issues such as mental health and racial justice..
“Riley has been a trailblazer for student-athletes everywhere,” says Ramogi Huma, the president of the National College Players Association. “She has shown that athletes can use their voices to make a difference in the world.”.
McCusker’s activism has not been without its challenges. She has faced criticism from some who believe that athletes should focus on their sports and not get involved in politics. But McCusker is undeterred..
“I believe that athletes have a unique platform to speak out about important issues,” says McCusker. “We have a voice, and we should use it to make the world a better place.”.
McCusker’s activism is a reminder that athletes are more than just performers. They are students, citizens, and agents of change. McCusker is using her platform to make the world a more just and equitable place, and she is inspiring others to do the same..
