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Burns, Tomlak Represent Duke at 2024 GSA Summit
7/31/2024 2:07:00 PM | Field Hockey, Volleyball, Athletics
LOS ANGELES – For the second consecutive year Duke Athletics was represented at the Green Sports Alliance Summit as Duke field hockey graduate Alayna Burns and junior Sydney Tomlak took part in the three-day event in Los Angeles.
While it was the second time Burns had the opportunity to attend it marked the first year of Duke attending the conference as an official member of the Green Sports Alliance, which is a tremendous step forward in the Blue Devils' commitment to sustainability and combatting climate change.
The 14th Annual Green Sports Alliance Summit returned as the largest and most influential gathering for the sports and entertainment community to unite around environmental and social sustainability. AEG, as a pioneering member of the Green Sports Alliance, was the Title Sponsor for the event which gathered over 700 stakeholders and feature proven solutions to advance the movement.
"This opportunity has been personally empowering for all of us who have attended," said Burns. "Since most attendees are professionals in the sports and sustainability space, they are eager to speak with the few student-athlete leaders who are fortunate enough to attend. Through connecting with so many leaders across the sports world, we are now able to compile a contacts, vendors, and learnings summary that can be of reference for all future student-athletes and staff."
Burns has been a force within Duke's sustainability efforts and has spearheaded countless efforts to educate other athletes while also making a difference within the Durham community. She was named a finalist in 2023 for the Green Sports Award presented by BBC Sport, recognizing her for launching Duke's Sustainable Student organization.
Tomlak, pursuing a degree in environmental science and policy, has been heavily involved in the Duke Athletic Sustainability group during her time in Durham. She joined Burns in helping to lay the groundwork in launching the organization that empowers Duke student-athletes to create a positive environmental impact on campus.
"The Green Sports Alliance Summit was an amazing opportunity for me to learn from Alayna and others working in the intersection between sustainability and sports," said Tomlak. "I learned a lot of new ideas that can be brought back to Duke and hope to achieve some of these ideas, so we can make Duke Athletics into a sustainable space."
While in Los Angeles, Burns and Tomlak were able to take in many different conversations while also connecting with leaders across professional and collegiate sports in breakout sessions. They volunteered at the Community Impact event for a local community clean-up and beautification of Estrella Park and engaged with Duke alumni working in sustainability and sports.
The pair also were publicly called upon to accept a baton from Texas A&M to keep up the leadership in sustainable athletics master planning. Burns is headed west this fall to pursue a graduate degree at Stanford with her extra year of eligibility from COVID-19 and Tomlak returns to be a leader for the Blue Devils on the court and in the sustainability space.
The Duke field hockey and volleyball seasons officially start Aug. 30. The Blue Devils hit the court against Colgate at 12 p.m., while the field hockey squad opens 2024 action on the turf versus William & Mary at 2 p.m.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils field hockey and volleyball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeFH" and "DukeVB."
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
While it was the second time Burns had the opportunity to attend it marked the first year of Duke attending the conference as an official member of the Green Sports Alliance, which is a tremendous step forward in the Blue Devils' commitment to sustainability and combatting climate change.
The 14th Annual Green Sports Alliance Summit returned as the largest and most influential gathering for the sports and entertainment community to unite around environmental and social sustainability. AEG, as a pioneering member of the Green Sports Alliance, was the Title Sponsor for the event which gathered over 700 stakeholders and feature proven solutions to advance the movement.
"This opportunity has been personally empowering for all of us who have attended," said Burns. "Since most attendees are professionals in the sports and sustainability space, they are eager to speak with the few student-athlete leaders who are fortunate enough to attend. Through connecting with so many leaders across the sports world, we are now able to compile a contacts, vendors, and learnings summary that can be of reference for all future student-athletes and staff."
Burns has been a force within Duke's sustainability efforts and has spearheaded countless efforts to educate other athletes while also making a difference within the Durham community. She was named a finalist in 2023 for the Green Sports Award presented by BBC Sport, recognizing her for launching Duke's Sustainable Student organization.
Tomlak, pursuing a degree in environmental science and policy, has been heavily involved in the Duke Athletic Sustainability group during her time in Durham. She joined Burns in helping to lay the groundwork in launching the organization that empowers Duke student-athletes to create a positive environmental impact on campus.
"The Green Sports Alliance Summit was an amazing opportunity for me to learn from Alayna and others working in the intersection between sustainability and sports," said Tomlak. "I learned a lot of new ideas that can be brought back to Duke and hope to achieve some of these ideas, so we can make Duke Athletics into a sustainable space."
While in Los Angeles, Burns and Tomlak were able to take in many different conversations while also connecting with leaders across professional and collegiate sports in breakout sessions. They volunteered at the Community Impact event for a local community clean-up and beautification of Estrella Park and engaged with Duke alumni working in sustainability and sports.
The pair also were publicly called upon to accept a baton from Texas A&M to keep up the leadership in sustainable athletics master planning. Burns is headed west this fall to pursue a graduate degree at Stanford with her extra year of eligibility from COVID-19 and Tomlak returns to be a leader for the Blue Devils on the court and in the sustainability space.
The Duke field hockey and volleyball seasons officially start Aug. 30. The Blue Devils hit the court against Colgate at 12 p.m., while the field hockey squad opens 2024 action on the turf versus William & Mary at 2 p.m.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils field hockey and volleyball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeFH" and "DukeVB."
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
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