JD Barrett named finalist for NCAA LGBTQ student-athlete award

Greg Huffaker Head Cross Country Coach/Associate Director of Track & Field | Illinois Wesleyan Titans Website

By McLean County Times

Sep 1, 2023

Illinois Wesleyan University alumnus JD Barrett has been named a finalist for the 2023 NCAA Division III LGBTQ Student-Athlete of the Year award. The announcement was made on September 1, and Barrett is one of seven nominees for this accolade.

The award recognizes academic achievements, athletic excellence, and leadership among LGBTQ student-athletes in Division III. Nominees are selected based on their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment within their athletics department, campus, and community.

Barrett graduated in 2023 with a degree in business administration and an advocacy minor. He contributed significantly to Titan athletics both on and off the field. Starting in 2020, Barrett played a key role in establishing a program at Illinois Wesleyan that amplified the voices of LGBTQ athletes within the athletic department and across campus. "My goal for this program is to have more LGBTQ athletes feel that they are not alone in any struggle they face," Barrett stated.

In addition to his efforts on campus, Barrett held leadership positions such as Student Senate Vice President during the 2022-2023 school year and served as Student Liaison for the Town of Normal, Illinois from 2021-2022. As vice president, he developed a mental health resolution that emphasized education and expanded counseling services. As Student Liaison, he advocated for civic outreach programs and promoted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.

Barrett's athletic achievements include being voted cross country MVP in 2021 and 2022. He was also recognized as an academic all-conference recipient for three consecutive seasons. On the track team, he earned All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin honors in the 10,000-meter run in 2021.

The award recipients will be announced on January 11 during the 2024 NCAA Convention in Phoenix.

Final nominees for the Student-Athlete of the Year Award include:

- J.D. Barrett – Cross Country, Illinois Wesleyan University

- Lucas Draper – Swimming and Diving, Oberlin College

- Lukas Gates – Volleyball, Sarah Lawrence College

- James Kyle – Swimming and Diving, Carnegie Mellon University

- Brianna Lawless – Track and Field, State University of New York at Brockport

- Anna Slominski – Swimming and Diving, Illinois Institute of Technology

- Rogelio Pena – Tennis, Concordia University (Texas)

Nominees for Administrator/Coach/Staff of the Year Award:

- Andrew Brown – Head Women's Volleyball Coach, New York University

- Kaylie McHugh – Assistant Women's Volleyball Coach, University of Texas at Dallas