Wade Davis, the executive director of the You Can Play Project. (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)
LONE TREE — Wade Davis, the executive director of the You Can Play Project, addressed the gathered athletic directors at CHSAA’s annual All-School Summit on Monday.
Davis, an Overland graduate and former NFL player, gave a powerful speech about his personal story, and how the athletic directors can create a better culture of acceptance for LGBT student athletes.
Scared to come out as a high school, college and professional player, Davis told the ADs he was more focused on hiding his sexuality during his career than improving himself as a player. He told those in attendance that in order to have a more competitive team, the athletic directors needed to not be afraid to have tough conversations.
His message was one about courage, telling the ADs that these conversations “could save a life.”
Davis told the crowd he wasn’t trying to change their beliefs, but that “I would like you to treat all of your athletes with respect, and as human beings.” He told the athletic directors to put themselves in their athletes’ shoes in order to relate to them.
“Otherwise,” he said, tongue in cheek, “you may miss out on the next Wade Davis.”
Davis’ personal message seemed to resonate with those in attendance, as many swarmed to talk with him afterward.
Last year, CHSAA became the first state association to partner with You Can Play during a video contest which sought to increase inclusion in sports.
Last month, You Can Play received the first Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award from ESPN at the ESPYs.