Bowdoin Athletics of Color Coalition

Bowdoin Athletes of Color Coalition

AOCC Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Athletes of Color Coalition (AoCC) to advocate for student-athletes of color at Bowdoin regardless of their sport, race, class, sexuality, or gender identities. Our group is open to all varsity and club minority athletes, providing a support system in which student-athletes of color can freely discuss their respective experiences on and off the playing field, on a predominately white campus, in a predominately white athletic league. The organization is designed to foster communication between the Bowdoin Athletic Department and its minority athletes as well as to create dialogue surrounding the experiences of athletes of color to the broader Bowdoin community.

Have questions about the student-athlete experience at Bowdoin? Contact a participating member

History of AOCC

Athletes of Color Coalition at Bowdoin was founded by Hannah Cooke '18 in 2016 with the intention to create a safe space in which members could discuss their respective experiences as student-athletes of color at Bowdoin. She cultivated communication between the Bowdoin College Athletic Department and Bowdoin Athletes of Color, and for multiple years in a row, led the spring event Race in Athletics, in which student-athletes of color can share their personal experiences with the entirety of the Bowdoin Athletic Department. During her time at Bowdoin, Hannah was a member of the Bowdoin women's basketball, squash, and track teams. Outside of the realm of athletics, Hannah was an Africana Studies and Government and Legal Studies double major with an Education Studies minor. She was also a facilitator of Bowdoin's Intergroup Dialogue program, which fosters conversations about race in different groups across campus, particularly in sports teams. She is currently a history teacher at the Pomfret School, where she continues to serve her athletic and academic community as the interim co-director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, running an extracurricular social justice program, and works as an assistant coach of the basketball and track teams. By the time Hannah graduated in 2018, the members of the Bowdoin Athletes of Color represented the basketball, soccer, rugby, football, field hockey, lacrosse, sailing, softball, baseball, and squash teams. Her work in advocating for student-athletes of color and Bowdoin students alike leaves a legacy at Bowdoin beyond the Athletes of Color community.

Leadership Team

Laila Nickelson (she/her), December '26, Women's Soccer

Co-President
Visual Arts major, Cinema Studies minor

To me, AoCC is a space where I can show up authentically and build relationships with athletes I've met outside of my own team. I love that we can hang out and discuss a range of topics, however serious or silly they may be.

One of my favorite moments was beating Williams in penalty kicks my sophomore year at the NESCAC Championship weekend in Amherst. The win was a culmination of so much hard work and the team eventually made program history by qualifying for the Sweet Sixteen later that season.

I would tell anyone interested in AoCC or athletes of color in general that identity and how you show up for yourself/others is crucial to your Bowdoin athletics experience. Aside from your record or stats, there are so many ways to contribute to your program's legacy and develop leadership skills, and AoCC has been a great space to do that while also having fun!

Keito Ishibashi (he/him), '27, Men's Soccer
Co-President
Biochemistry and Asian Studies Major

AoCC has been a great space to connect with other members of the Bowdoin athletic community who share similar experiences and backgrounds. It has allowed me to build friendships outside of my own team and feel part of a larger community within Bowdoin athletics.

My favorite moment as a Bowdoin athlete was our penalty shootout against Connecticut College in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament last year. The atmosphere, stakes, and opportunity to share that moment with my teammates made it an experience I'll never forget.

For future AoCC members, I would encourage them to recognize that athletics are about much more than just competing. Sports are an important way to learn about yourself, connect with others, and better understand the community around you. I hope future members can use their experiences in athletics as a starting point for their own journeys throughout their time at Bowdoin and beyond.

Lex Renkert (she/they), '27, Women's Rugby
Senior Advisor
Molecular Biology and Environmental Studies Coordinate Major, GSWS minor

The AoCC is a group I've called family all four years at Bowdoin. It feels like a privilege to connect across sports and class years to form this community. Our meetings have always been a place where I could unwind, debrief, or make a friend.

One of my favorite rugby moments was winning the DIII National Championships in 2023, and the ring ceremony with alumni in 2024. We were so proud of our win and excited to share those successes with the athletes who came before us. Nothing feels more rewarding than a success, after digging in and leaving it all out on the pitch.

To future AoCC members I would say: This group is about so much more than athletics. I have received so much support on and off the field by members of this group, and that is something I am so grateful for. Use your unique skills and talents, and your time at Bowdoin, to your advantage and enjoy it!

Isabella Ornelas (she/her), '28, Cross Country and Track & Field
Director of External Engagements
Double Major in Economics and Romance Languages (French, Italian, Spanish), Urban Studies Minor

AoCC is a safe space where I can bond with athletes on other teams over our shared experiences. It's somewhere I can find support or have a fun time just hanging out. I wouldn't be the person I am at Bowdoin without it.

I was incredibly lucky to compete when Bowdoin hosted the NESCAC Cross Country Championship. I'll always remember how special it was to be surrounded by friends and teammates as I raced on our home course.

I would tell any future AoCC members that the best way to enjoy your sport and reach your best is to show up as your fullest self. Don't diminish or hide parts of who you are. Your teammates care about your success and happiness and want to know you.

Adeline Wongso (she/her), '29, Swimming & Diving
Director of Internal Engagements
Prospective Neuroscience Major

It has been so rewarding being a part of AoCC so far. It is such an amazing space where I am able to share my experiences with other athletes of color who also resonate with them.

My favorite moment as a member of Bowdoin athletics is when Bowdoin hosted a Colby and Bates invitational meet last season. The atmosphere in the pool was electric, and it was so special to have family and teammates cheer everyone on.

A message I would leave for future AoCC members is to embrace your unique position as an athlete of color at Bowdoin and beyond. You have a perspective on the world that not many people have. Stay true to who you are and always spread positivity.

Members studying abroad in Fall 2026:
Axel Nzi (he/him) '28, Cross Country and Track & Field
Social Media Chair

Grayson Moniz (he/him) '28, Men's Lacrosse
Treasurer & Social Media Chair

Reilly Parga (she/her) '28, Softball
Head of Communications

Resources