NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland – In recognition of shifting demographics that reflect Hispanics as the largest ethnic minority in the nation, an Association-wide session Wednesday at the NCAA Convention took a critical look at how the NCAA is preparing for the anticipated increase in Hispanic student-athletes, coaches and administrators.

Panelists also explored ways of not just encouraging that diversity but also effectively managing it.

“The population bubble is coming and we must be prepared,” said panelist Gloria Nevarez, senior associate athletics director at Oklahoma.

Though language was acknowledged as a major barrier, a lively exchange teased out other perceived hurdles to potential Hispanic student-athletes, such as lack of financial resources, lack of role models, and difficulty navigating the application and financial aid processes.  

As the Association prepares for an anticipated influx of Hispanic student-athletes, coaches and administrators, panelist Jim Sarra, senior associate athletics director at Texas-San Antonio, said educating potential student-athletes about opportunities is key.

“The next immediate step is education,” said Sarra. “The question was asked about how to bridge cultural barriers, and we’re going to have to go in and educate and it’s probably going to take Spanish-speaking people to go in and break down those barriers.”

In an example of how schools are addressing the issue, Larry Joe Hunt, an associate athletics director at Adams State who was one of the session panelists, said his institution has reached out to the local Hispanic community through participation in an annual Hispanic Heritage Day. The school also actively seeks out Hispanic coaches for its staff.

Meanwhile, Nevarez said mentoring and networking opportunities were invaluable to her career. In that spirit, she is spearheading an effort to launch a network for Hispanic athletics administrators.  

In addition to Sarra, Nevarez and Hunt, Mark Cabrera, a student-athlete at Palm Beach Atlantic and a member of the Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, participated on the panel. Augusta State Athletics Director Clint Bryant moderated the session.