Knox College Prairie Fire

Knox College Athletics Mission Statement

The Department of Athletics provides students an opportunity to obtain knowledge, physical development, and life skills. Whether it is varsity athletics, club sports, or intramurals, we encourage participation by all of our students.  The Athletic Department is committed to diversity and inclusivity of students, faculty, and staff and we adhere to the Knox College Culture of Respect.  We value difference in its many dimensions and believe that athletics provide a welcoming and important environment for participation by all.
 
In concert with the College’s mission, intercollegiate athletics at Knox plays a major role in the development of our student-athletes.  The principles of preparation, goal-setting, teamwork, integrity and sportsmanship, in both practice and competition, are embraced to ensure a quality experience with successful outcomes.
 
Knox College Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Diversity and inclusion are essential to the fulfillment of our Knox College Athletics mission. We value inclusive excellence in learning, curricular and co-curricular programming; campus climate; recruitment; hiring; and retention. Valuing this common ground enhances the social and competitive experience for all and is important to team success and to individual development. Moreover, we resolve to create and uphold a community that is respectful of all persons despite differences in age, class, creed, disability, educational background, gender expression, gender identity, geographical location, income, marital status, national origin, parental status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, work experiences and other dimensions of diversity.



Midwest Conference Statement of Philosophy (adopted Dec. 2015)
 
The Midwest Conference was founded in 1921 by campus presidents and faculty with the goal of establishing an interstate league among similarly minded schools – those which give primary attention to the educational purposes of athletics. Today, member institutions continue to believe that participation in sport enhances the undergraduate experience, providing valuable opportunities in the overall academic program – most significantly the opportunity for student-athlete growth and the realization of personal potential.
           
As part of our educational philosophy, members and affiliates of the Midwest Conference maintain that academic and athletic achievement are not mutually exclusive, purposefully supporting student-athletes in the pursuit of excellence in all that they do. We accomplish this goal, collectively and individually, by:
 
    - Valuing and supporting student-athlete well being,
    - Fostering and modeling sportsmanship,
    - Respecting and advancing diversity, and
    - Celebrating competitive success.