Triumph on the Field: College Football Captain Advocates for LGBTQ+ Visibility

This story, first told in 2019, now shines brightly in our Pride Pioneers series.

At a pivotal meeting with our Pomona-Pitzer football coaches, we, as team captains, brought up a meaningful initiative: putting Pride-ribbon stickers on our helmets in honorof National Coming Out Day. Other teams on campus had already taken this step, setting a great example.

One captain, brimming with determination, stood up and said, "We're doing this, and that's that—not just because it's important, but because people like Jack need our support. It's on us as athletes and humans, really, not just athletes, isn't it,  to challenge how LGBTQ+ folks are perceived in sports."

The backing from my team left a profound impact on me. They weren't just standing by me; they were standing by anyone who's ever felt like an outsider, acknowledging that sports shouldn't come with strings attached. We weren't just a team; we were a family where every member had each other‘s backs.

Navigating personal hurdles

College can be a wild ride in terms  of personal growth, and these past few years were no exception.

Friends often saw me as someone who had it all figured out, like I should be in Los Angeles instead  of back home in Arlington, Virginia. But, deep down, I felt far from it. Ever since I was diagnosed with depression at 11, every year since has been a steep climb.

In college, I started coming face-to-face with my bisexuality. This kicked off an internal tug-of-war between who I thought I should be—the “straight jock” persona—and who I really was.

The pressure I felt came from all sides—me included. At first, I fit myself neatly within that mold, but accepting my bisexuality threw a wrench in that. Suddenly, reconciling who I was with who I pretended  to be felt like trying  to mix oil and water.

This clash consumed me. I tried shoving my feelings aside, even went as far as keeping it from my therapist, because admitting it might make it all too real.

A turning point

Everything changed when someone I trusted outed me, turning my private battle public. Though it was tough at first, it made me share my truth with family and close friends. Their acceptance and support were unwavering.

On June 1, I took a leap and announced, “Just so everyone knows, I'm bisexual," on Facebook. The outpouring  of love and encouragement was both humbling and comforting. It was a testament  to how simple acts  of kindness can make all  the difference.

Throughout my senior year, my teammates, coaches, and school leaders continued  to show their support. Coming out, something I once dreaded, only strengthened my bonds with my team.

Cultivate a diverse and inclusive team

We celebrate diversity in every form—whether it be sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, race, or religion. Because when you get down  to it, as long as we support each other and push  for greatness, nothing else matters.

Putting those Pride stickers on our helmets was a powerful statement. How often do you hear  about a bisexual football player? But visibility matters. We first sported  the stickers during our game on October 12, and we've kept at it since.

All this has helped me perform better, on and off  the field, shedding a heavy burden and sharpening my focus on what really counts.

Embrace your true self

If I could give a piece  of advice  to anyone in a similar boat—coming out, questioning, or just unsure—I'd say face your fears and embrace your identity. You don't have  to tiptoe around other people‘s expectations. The biggest role you'll ever play? Being your happiest self.

Have faith in your journey  of self-discovery. You might be surprised at how many allies you'll gain along  the road.

As I set sail  to graduate with an Economics degree, I look forward  to joining Goldman Sachs and carrying these experiences with me. They've shaped me, and they'll continue  to guide my path.

Jack Storrs, 22, will soon graduate from Pomona College this December 2019. He serves  as a leader and linebacker on  the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens football team.