UVA Director of Athletics Carla Williams showed NCAA President Charlie Baker around John Paul Jones Arena on Wednesday night, including a stop to visit Cavman. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
NCAA President Charlie Baker visited the University of Virginia on Wednesday and took in a variety of experiences on Grounds.
Baker, who assumed the NCAA’s top spot in March, toured UVA athletics facilities; met with a number of Cavalier coaches, student-athletes, Director of Athletics Carla Williams and UVA President Jim Ryan; and was a guest at John Paul Jones Arena to see the men’s basketball team defeat North Carolina State University, 59-53, in overtime.
Baker was recognized on the court during the game alongside second-year cross country runner Will Anthony.
We are so proud to see NCAA President Charlie Baker honor Will Anthony, a fierce competitor who led our team to an NCAA Cross Country Championships appearance while achieving at the very highest level in the classroom 👏⚔️
— Virginia Track & Field and Cross Country (@UVATFCC)
Prior to the game, Baker held a question-and-answer session with members of 鶹ƽ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
"The opportunity to engage in conversations about the future of college athletics and share our perspectives as student-athletes with the NCAA President was truly incredible," said Rebecca Skoler, a fourth-year golfer and the committee's president. "His passion for college athletics and commitment to enhancing the experiences and well-being of student-athletes was evident in our conversations with him."
Baker, the former governor of Massachusetts, also took time Wednesday to be interviewed by Darden School of Business professor Kim Whitler in front of students and faculty members at The Forum Hotel. The two discussed a range of topics, including leadership lessons from Baker’s career; the granting of name, image and likeness rights to college athletes; and the future of the NCAA.
Baker later thanked UVA for a “fantastic day.”
Thank you for a fantastic day!
🗣️Had insightful discussions with and students!
🏆Caught up with the 2023 Men’s National Champions, !
🏀Enjoyed the game!— Charlie Baker (@CharlieBakerMA)
University News Senior Associate University Communications
fpa5up@virginia.edu (434) 924-6856
