Earlham College, located in Richmond, Indiana, is a small liberal arts college with a reputation for strong academics and a commitment to social justice. While it may not be as well-known for its athletics programs, the Earlham Quakers have a rich history of success on the playing field and a deep connection to their community that reflects the broader values of the school.
One of the hallmarks of the Earlham athletic program is the way that sports are integrated into the overall campus culture. The school emphasizes the importance of physical activity and provides a range of opportunities for students to participate in recreational and competitive sports, regardless of their skill level or experience. The Quakers compete in a variety of NCAA Division III varsity sports, including basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and track and field, and they also have club teams for activities like ultimate frisbee, rugby, and equestrian sports.
Despite being a relatively small school, the Quakers have had their share of standout athletes over the years. In 2019, senior Hannah Franklin became the first woman in Earlham history to earn All-America honors in track and field, finishing seventh in the nation in the high jump. Other notable recent feats include the men's basketball team earning the school's first-ever berth in the NCAA Tournament in 2016, and the women's soccer team reaching the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference championship game in 2018.
But perhaps the most significant impact that the Earlham Quakers have had on the world of sports comes from their commitment to using athletics as a vehicle for promoting social justice and community engagement. In recent years, the school has launched several initiatives aimed at encouraging student-athletes to use their platform to raise awareness of issues like race, gender, and sexual orientation.
One such initiative is the "Speaking Out Loud" program, which brings in outside speakers and hosts events that center around topics like mental health, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development. The program encourages student-athletes to use their voices and influence to advocate for causes they care about, both on campus and beyond.
Another way that Earlham is promoting social justice through sports is through the creation of the "Impact Team," which brings together student-athletes from different teams and backgrounds to work together on service projects in the local community. Through this program, the Quakers are able to play an active role in addressing issues like poverty, education, and health equity in Richmond and the surrounding areas.
Overall, the Earlham College Quakers may not be the most high-profile athletic program in the country, but they are doing important work both on and off the playing field. Their commitment to using sports as a means of promoting social justice and community engagement serves as an inspiration for other schools and programs looking to make a positive impact in the world.