James “Tony” Hypsher is a sophomore men’s soccer student-athlete at University of Rochester. An honorable mention UAA All-Association player in his rookie campaign, he was named UAA Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 28, 2019 after netting the game-winning goal against Endicott College.
The UAA “Conversations About Race and Racism” series seeks to lift the voices of people of color and recognize the challenges faced in both athletics and academics at the collegiate level. By sharing personal stories, we hope to elevate the conversation about race to raise awareness and bring about change.
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Neutrality is Not Neutral
South African activist and retired Anglican bishop Desmond Tutu said in Robert McAfee Brown’s book, Unexpected News: Reading the Bible with Third World Eyes, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your mentality.”
On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states. At the time, Tony Hypsher was attending a residential language camp. “The decision was a common subject of discussion and a lot of opinions were voiced. I said that I wasn’t for or against same-sex marriage, taking a neutral stance. One of my classmates said to me, ‘Why wouldn’t you want them to be happy?’ That moment really stuck in my mind. I learned that day that it is difficult to understand people’s issues from the outside and that a neutral stance on others’ civil rights is a damaging place for those fighting for their rights. You have to be strongly empathetic and put yourself in the shoes of others.”
The “Athletic” Black Soccer Player
“In terms of soccer, I’ve noticed that there are sometimes typical ‘Black positions.’ This is generally a central defender if you are larger or winger/forward if you are smaller. You are also assumed to be fast and are placed in these positions because you are ‘athletic,’ regardless of your skillset.”
“This is similar to the past when college quarterbacks of color were converted to other positions when entering the NFL (National Football League) because of some perceived inability to play that position.” (Last season, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens was named NFL Most Valuable Player and Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City was named Super Bowl MVP. Both are Black quarterbacks).
“I am not saying this as a slight against Rochester because I was playing forward when I was recruited and that is where I am playing. I am, however, saying that prior to my time here, I do think race has clouded the view of the best attributes of some athletes I have seen because of preconceptions.”
Challenges at a Predominantly White Institution
“I definitely feel lonely at times. Obviously, I have friends and others who I connect with, but sometimes you want to communicate with people who know your struggles, even if they are minute. Just having someone to talk to about those things is nice sometimes.”
While some things said and done are overtly racist, there are more covert actions that can also be difficult. “Blatant racist comments are obviously bad, but overcompensating for race can also be damaging. When I am in a situation or position that I have earned like anyone else, I don’t want extra praise or extra criticism when it isn’t appropriate. I worked hard to be in this position and would like to be treated as an equal. When I am not treated equally, it is demeaning and shows that a lack of expectation existed in the first place.”
Everyone Has a Part in Fighting Systemic Racism
For student-athletes of color: “I would say to be comfortable with yourself and your surroundings, and be self-confident. This problem isn’t going away tomorrow so continue to stick up for what you believe in. Call out injustices and continue being yourself, while still treating people the way you like to be treated. Educate yourself about your own past behavior so you can continue to educate others and help them be aware of their prejudices.”
For allies: “You are an ally when you treat everyone based on their character and abilities rather than on racial stereotypes and broad generalizations. One thing people can do is correct others’ poor behavior when it is not always convenient to do so.”
The Role of the Team and Head Coach
“I think if teams just have a merit-based system, this will eliminate a lot of racial problems. Teams can also make the effort to make everyone feel comfortable when joining the team. Just being nice and treating the sport as sport is good enough.”
“I think the head coach should lead by example. Players do look up to their coaches, so if coaches treat everyone with respect and dignity, I believe that is enough. The field is no place for racism so if that happens, there should be consequences. Otherwise, I think coaches should be good role models for student-athletes. Helping in the local community could be a way to subconsciously educate, but I don’t think lectures are effective.”