Game Ready: Building an Accepting Team Culture

At a lacrosse clinic, a young player came up to Mira Shane and expressed gratitude. Shane had made an off-hand comment about her girlfriend.

“They told me they were gay,” said Shane, the former Michigan goalie and Athletes Unlimited player executive committee co-chairperson. “They felt so happy that I was able to say, ‘I like to go to the movies with my girlfriend.’ It showed me there is a gap in some areas of the country, being open to all different kinds of folks.”

As a biracial queer woman, Shane credited coaches like Michigan’s Hannah Nielsen for giving her space to express herself. At the USA Lacrosse Convention in Baltimore, she paired up with Caylee Waters to give a presentation to coaches on building an inclusive culture.

Shane — the co-chair of the Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse player executive committee — continued the conversation with USA Lacrosse Magazine’s Beth Ann Mayer.

START WITH HELLO

Shane opens by having everyone introduce themselves, including their pronouns. She starts. When everyone does it, even if they are and present cis, it takes the burden of someone who may be trans or non-binary.

HIRE A SPECIALIST

Shane suggests bringing in a diversity, equity and inclusion specialist to speak with your team or athletic department.

“It says to the team that you are thinking critically and strategically about how you can lead with impact and build a culture of true inclusivity,” Shane said.

BE AVAILABLE

Make it known to players and parents, particularly in marginalized communities, that you’re available to listen. Keep office hours for non-lacrosse purposes. And don’t make it about what you’ve learned, Shane cautioned. People from marginalized communities can sometimes feel exhausted from explaining privilege or their struggles.

ACCOMMODATE NEEDS

Different players have different preferences and needs. For example, Muslim players may fast around Ramadan. Some may want breaks and want teammates to know about it. Others may not. Neither is wrong.

“Respect their request. Some people may not necessarily want the spotlight on them,” Shane said. “The first and last step is accommodating that person’s needs.”

DON’T BE AFRAID

“So many people are worried about making a mistake, like messing up someone’ pronouns,” Shane said. “It’s a really hurtful thing. But so much comes out of intense conversations and apologizing for mistakes. That’s how we build relationships from player to player, coach to coach."