About The Athlete Ally Collective

The Collective is an education, storytelling, and culture-change program for athletes interested in using their voices, creativity, and leadership to strengthen connection, belonging, and pro-social behavior within their teams and communities. Athletes in the program will contribute to The Athlete Voice, Athlete Ally’s digital home for athlete stories, commentaries, interviews, and creative content. Rather than asking athletes to perform allyship as a one-time gesture, The Collective gives athletes repeated opportunities to build the confidence and skills needed to invoke culture change through small, meaningful actions over time.

Who Should Apply

The Collective is open to current athletes interested in storytelling, leadership, and community. Applicants do not need to have prior experience or formal involvement with Athlete Ally. We welcome people whose experiences in sport have made them think deeply about belonging and  culture. Athletes do not need to disclose personal information. The questions included below help our staff understand applicants better, but you may choose not to answer any question.



Time Commitment

Participants will engage with The Collective throughout the Fall 2026 semester starting in late August through early December. Athletes should expect to spend 4 hours per week over 15 weeks on the following:

  • Attending 6 full-cohort gatherings on Zoom for onboarding, planning, and reflections.

  • Completing 9 week-long projects with submissions of written, visual, or creative content.

  • Having check-ins with other athletes and Athlete Ally staff over email and group texts.

  • Attending optional weekly office hours with Athlete Ally staff on Zoom.

  • Participating in Athlete Ally Week preparation activities and activations.

  • Completing 1 pre-program and 1 post-program survey.

Athlete Ally will provide deadlines, support, and accessibility options throughout the semester.

Participant Expectations

Selected participants will be expected to:

  • Complete assigned projects by the stated deadlines.

  • Communicate with Athlete Ally staff if you need support, flexibility, or adjustments.

  • Engage with other Collective members with care, curiosity, and respect.

  • Honor confidentiality and community norms when personal stories are shared.

  • Complete onboarding materials and required paperwork.

  • Review and approve content Athlete Ally wished to publish or circulate publicly.


Athlete Ally does not require athletes to disclose their personal histories, any identity information, family history information, medical information, mental health experiences, or institutional harm. Participants will be invited to share only what they choose.

Important Dates

  • Application Opens: Monday, July 13

  • Application Deadline: Friday, July 31

  • Selected Participants Notified: Monday, August 3

  • Participant Acceptance Deadline: Monday, August 10

  • Onboarding Begins: Monday, August 31

  • Program Concludes: Friday, December 18