Re: Men’s basketball team votes to unionize
Last summer, members of the Dartmouth women’s basketball team, on which I play, were approached by members of the men’s team with the possibility of joining a union alongside the men’s squad. While we explored the idea, our research, discussions and personal reflections have led us to conclude that unionization is not in the best interest of us as individuals, as a team or as female student-athletes at Dartmouth.
We chose to become student-athletes at Dartmouth because of the unique educational opportunities the experience affords. Transitioning to employee status would detract from the educational journey that is central to our identity as student-athletes. Moreover, we deeply value the strong, direct relationships we have with our coaching staff. The ability to engage in open dialogue with our coaches — addressing any challenges we encounter as student-athletes — fosters personal development and collaboration. These meaningful interactions, we believe, would be jeopardized under a unionized structure, where such direct communication could become more complicated and formalized.
Furthermore, we are mindful of the potential unintended consequences of unionization which could negatively impact us. Watching the men’s basketball team navigate its own unionization process has underscored the risks and challenges that could arise, including a loss of opportunities that are central to our success as student-athletes now and in the future.
The value of being a student-athlete at Dartmouth is extraordinary. The academic rigor, fellowship with our peers, strength of the alumni network and support of the Dartmouth community all contribute to an unparalleled experience. We are forever grateful for the opportunities we currently have and do not wish to see a unionization effort diminish or threaten the quality of our experience, or the experiences of future female student-athletes.
After careful consideration, the Dartmouth women’s basketball team has made the decision not to pursue unionization. We firmly believe that this choice serves the best interests of the past, present and future members of our program. We remain committed to identifying ourselves as student-athletes, not employees, and will continue to prioritize the values that define our experience at Dartmouth.
Victoria Page ’25 is a member of the Dartmouth women’s basketball team. Letters to the editor represent the views of their author(s), which are not necessarily those of The Dartmouth.
