Ashlynne Koly is not far removed from her time spent as a Ridgeback. She is a familiar name in the Ontario Tech community, from hosting athlete of the week videos with her co-star Julia Listro and playing five years with the Ontario Tech women's soccer team.
 
During her time as a Ridgeback, Koly was named captain of the women's soccer team and helped see the program through a pandemic, returning to play and the transition between head coaches. Koly remembers fondly the sense of community and acceptance of her coaches and teammates.
 
"I always felt like I could be myself with my team and around campus as well. I personally always felt safe and accepted in my environment."
 
This inclusive culture was no accident. Audra Sherman, head coach of the Ridgebacks women's soccer program, says Koly's ambition to bring people together and motivate them earned her the program's inaugural position as our culture coach following graduation. The position was created to help first-year student-athletes adjust to their new environment and succeed as student-athletes.
 
For Koly, there are several ways she's received support during her time as a Ridgeback, and she says everyone has a significant responsibility and role to play in helping create a safe and welcoming environment for athletes who identify as a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Koly emphasizes that simple gestures like showing allyship, using inclusive language, and stepping up to address any discrimination can go a long way.
 
Although the support Koly has received has been impactful, she says there is still more that can be done on a wider scale for male athletes in sports.
 
"There is a societal stigma among LGBTQ2S+ male athletes that do not allow for many to feel as though they can express themselves and their sexuality freely, without risk of judgment or harassment," said Koly. "The world of sports needs to continue to take action in making sport feel like a safe and inclusive space for male athletes who are a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community."
 
This inclusive community has profoundly impacted Koly, allowing her to feel empowered and be her true self.
 
"I appreciate everyone in my life and everyone I played with for supporting me and accepting me as I am," she said.