Club athletes in Livonia can qualify for Varsity Letters
LIVONIA – A tenacious group of young women has won their fight to gain varsity letter recognition for club sports in Livonia’s high schools.
During a meeting on Monday, June 17, the district’s school board voted unanimously to grant varsity letter eligibility to club athletes.
The Livonia United girls’ hockey club, the Livonia figure skating club and the Livonia Stevenson Dance spent a lot of time last school year lobbying to have their club sports recognized with Varsity Letters instead of Activity Letters.
During the last academic year, athletes argued that varsity letter eligibility would make their clubs more attractive to new members, help them obtain college scholarships, and provide more appropriate recognition for their clubs’ achievements.
“The girls are so excited,” Livonia United coach Janine Martinez told Hometown Life. “A lot of them really want that varsity jacket.”
In Livonia, students can earn awards for athletic, academic and activity-related achievements. Only the athletic team awards come with the opportunity to purchase a jacket recognizing a sport. Club athletes have argued that their sports should be recognized with athletic team awards alongside other sports.
Several school board members called the new policy “exciting” and thanked athletes for their persistence and patience during the months-long review process.
“You’ve brought up the need to revisit the varsity letters,” said Trustee Colleen Burton. “It looks simple enough on the surface. But it’s not easy if we want to be a district that serves all students in all situations.”
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The three clubs that advocated for the letters are currently all women. Martinez said she is happy for her students and proud that their persistence has led to a policy change that will impact female club athletes across the district.
Martinez said she hoped her athletes learned the importance of fighting for what you believe in.
“I thought it was great that they recognized the players,” she said. “It meant a lot to the kids and to me. I think it showed the girls that you can’t give up on the things you want.”
Under the new policy, a varsity letter can be earned by a varsity or club athlete who meets the criteria set by his or her high school – Franklin, Churchill or Stevenson – or who has participated in the varsity or club sport for three seasons.
Several school board members and Martinez believe the new policy will ensure equality among athletes in all sports.
“You’re not a hockey player, girl or boy,” Martinez said. “You’re a hockey player and you work hard.”
Contact reporter Shelby Tankersley at [email protected] or 734-311-0659.
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