Columbia basketball standout Perri Page attends Black Student-Athlete Summit
As Perri Page prepares for her junior year at Columbia University, she is not only emboldened by the Lions’ first-ever trip to the NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament, but her own journey of being a student-athlete with a voice. Last month, the 5-11 guard/forward from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania participated in the Black Student-Athlete Summit held at the University of Southern California.
“It was incredible to see how many people showed up, student-athletes from all across the country,” said Page, who is involved in the Black Student-Athlete Alliance at Columbia and in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. “There were even professional athletes on panels, speaking about what they learned as a student-athlete and what they wish they could have done if they could do it all over again.”
The student-athletes were able to engage with current and former student-athletes on numerous aspects of the collegiate experience. “I was able to attend an Ivy League plus Duke University panel,” said Page. “They spoke about the experiences they had, some things that made other groups butt heads with them and what they have done to bring Black student-athletes together to help empower them. Also, what they can do to move forward and help raise awareness for what they need on their campuses.”
Each school on the panel shared strategies to help Black student-athletes have satisfying college experiences. Page is the wellness coordinator for the Columbia women’s basketball team.
Former Lions basketball standout Kaitlyn Davis attended USC for graduate school this past year. Although Davis, a New York Liberty draft pick, headed out to her professional team in Mexico before the Summit, she was able to connect Page with several people.
“It was good for me to understand and meet with people who had the same ambitions and goals as I do, who aspire to be great and successful,” said Page. “[At Columbia], it’s great to build awareness about all different cultures and communities. It brings us together to have these conversations and share experiences.”
Page has returned to campus to help with basketball camps. This summer, she will balance an internship with training for the upcoming season. With the graduation of Abbey Hsu, Columbia’s first-ever WNBA draft pick, the pressure is on to keep the wins coming.
“I was just named captain for my junior and senior years,” said Page. “It is a big honor for me to have a voice and to take on this leadership role.”
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