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Hunter Athletics Values

At Hunter College, accountability is the cornerstone of our athletic identity. It means honoring commitments, taking responsibility for our actions, and holding ourselves and our teammates to high standards. Through the pillars of community, ethical environment, and excellence, we prepare student-athletes to grow as leaders, teammates, and scholars—on the field and beyond.

1. COMMUNITY
We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported. A strong community allows us to thrive together and learn from one another. This includes our values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

DIVERSITY
We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences of every student-athlete. Our teams are enriched by the diversity of our student body, which enhances collaboration, problem-solving, and cultural awareness.

  • We celebrate and represent a wide range of races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and nationalities.
  • We do not tolerate discriminatory language, behavior, or jokes—on the court, on social media, or in team spaces.
  • Diversity makes us stronger competitors and better people.

EQUITY
We are committed to fairness in opportunity, treatment, and resources for all student-athletes.

  • Resources, support, and expectations are distributed equitably across teams and genders.
  • Everyone deserves a level playing field to pursue success.
  • We recognize that equity may mean giving more support to those who have had less access.


INCLUSION
Inclusion means everyone is invited to fully participate and contribute.

  • All student-athletes should feel empowered to share their perspectives and ideas.
  • We foster inclusive team environments where everyone’s contributions are recognized.
  • Coaches and teammates work to eliminate barriers—spoken or unspoken—that may prevent participation.

BELONGING
We don’t just welcome you—we value you. Every student-athlete should feel they are an important and accepted part of the team and the broader Hunter family.

  • Belonging is created through mutual respect, support, and camaraderie.
  • We celebrate each other’s wins, lift each other through losses, and grow together.

2. ETHICAL ENVIRONMENT
We are responsible for creating a culture built on trust, fairness, and doing the right thing—especially when no one is watching. This includes our values of dignity, honesty, responsibility, and accountability.

DIGNITY
We treat ourselves and others with respect and honor, in both victory and defeat.

  • Respect officials, opponents, teammates, and coaches at all times.
  • Maintain composure—no taunting, trash-talking, or boastful celebrations.
  • Wear the Hunter uniform with pride and carry yourself with humility.

HONESTY
Tell the truth. Do what you say you’ll do. Own your mistakes.

  • We expect student-athletes to be truthful in their words and actions.
  • Admit when you are in the wrong and don’t cover up mistakes.
  • Be fair—play within the rules and don’t look for shortcuts.

RESPONSIBILITY
You represent more than yourself—you represent your team and your college.

  • Attend practice, class, and team events on time and prepared.
  • Know the expectations, policies, and consequences of your choices.
  • Be mindful of your conduct in person, on social media, and in the classroom.

ACCOUNTABILITY
Follow through on your commitments and be dependable.

  • If you commit to a team, you are expected to show up physically, mentally, and emotionally.
  • Take ownership of your actions and how they affect others.
  • Student-athletes who fail to meet team expectations may be required to meet with their coach and the Director of Athletics to address the issue.

3. EXCELLENCE
We strive for greatness—not only on the scoreboard, but in our personal development, teamwork, and academic success. Our core value of excellence is embodied through our character, competitiveness, teamwork, and academics. 

CHARACTER
Athletics builds and reveals character. The way you conduct yourself reflects your values.

  • Be a positive role model on campus, at games, and in your community.
  • Uphold sportsmanship and lead with integrity.
  • Handle wins with humility and losses with dignity.

COMPETITIVE
We embrace competition as an opportunity to grow and perform at our best.

  • Compete with focus, intensity, and a love for the challenge.
  • Don’t fear failure—learn from it.
  • Practice hard, play hard, and represent Hunter with honor.

TEAM
We achieve more together than we ever could alone.

  • Be selfless. Lift others up. Celebrate each other's successes.
  • Communicate, collaborate, and support one another through adversity.
  • Show up for your team—on and off the field.

ACADEMICS
Academic success is a non-negotiable part of being a student-athlete.

  • Your education is the reason you're here. Graduation is the goal.
  • Maintain good academic standing and use the resources available to you.
  • Take initiative in communicating with professors and managing your time.
  • Athletes who are proactive in the classroom are more prepared for life after college.