BALTIMORE – Loyola University Maryland's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has launched Every Hound Counts, a civic engagement initiative which will focus on three important topics developed in conjunction with their Patriot League counterparts this summer.
 
Every Hound Counts will work in the areas of voter registration and census completion, student-athlete mental health and anti-racism.
 
The first focus will be on voter registration and census completion and is set to begin with a countdown to the National Voter Registration Day on September 22.  The goal is to have 100 percent of all eligible student-athletes and athletics staff registered to vote and to have completed the 2020 United States Census.  

"During these crucial times it is important that every student-athlete participates in their civic duties and be involved in the world around them," said Danielle Spano, a member of the Loyola women's track and field team and co-president of SAAC. "The goal of our Fall 2020 initiative, Every Hound Counts, is to have every eligible student-athlete registered to vote by National Voter Registration Day on September 22. It is extremely important that we all vote in this upcoming election, and by registering to vote, you are actively participating in your future."
 
To learn more about registering, and how, to vote in each state, visit the LoyolaVotes website.
 
Julia Gray, a women's soccer player at Loyola and SAAC co-president added, "Voting is a simple way to exercise autonomy. Whether it be for yourself, your family, or your community, you have the ability to invoke change. Our hope is to empower members of the Loyola community and serve as a reminder that Every Hound Counts."
 
Loyola's SAAC will continue to roll out plans for its student-athlete mental health and wellness and anti-racism work as the year goes on.
 
"Exercising your right to vote is one of our most powerful opportunities to have your voice heard and to affect change," said Donna M. Woodruff, Loyola's assistant vice president and director of athletics. "The fact that Loyola student-athletes are taking the lead in this important initiative gives me great hope for our future."