London, ON – The next stop on our Mustangs Season of Celebration brings us to one of the widest reaching groups, that being our Mustangs Athlete Student Council (M.A.S.C.) & Mustangs Care teams.

This group is made up of  over 100 Mustangs student athletes that come together to work on a wide array of projects, initiatives and community involvement tasks throughout the year while always supporting and advocating for all student athletes at Western.

"I feel very fortunate to have such an outstanding group of student athletes involved in our Mustangs Athlete Student Council (MASC) and Mustangs Care team." said Bonnie Cooper, Athlete Services Coordinator with Western Sports & Recreation. "These student athletes volunteer their time to provide support and social opportunities for student athletes as well as organizing outreach in our local community.  It's a great leadership opportunity and also creates such an amazing sense of belonging and I would encourage student athletes regardless of year of study, to get involved!"

In the 2022-23 season the team was led by M.A.S.C. President Lauren Pastor & Mustangs Care President Owen Ker along with an extended group of the executive team that handled several tasks from events, communications, leadership and development and campus connections among many other tasks.

"Lauren has been an outstanding leader and has provided a great example on the organization and vision it takes to lead the team.  Her positive outlook and honesty in sharing her story has provided a safe space for others to share as well" said Cooper "Owen has provided a steady, calming influence to our executive team. He's been instrumental in our connection with local community organizations and getting our student athletes involved."

The 2023-24 team has already been selected and includes incoming MASC president Blythe Hilpert & Mustangs Care President Alyssa Evans. Hilpert spent 2022-23 as a VP of Communications while Evans was the VP of Events.

"Being a part of the Western athletics community has been one of the best parts of my time at Western. I'm very excited to become more involved within this community as I take on the role of MASC president." said Hilpert "My hope is to create a community where athletes have the opportunity to meet other athletes, support other athletes and make the most of their time at Western!"

"I am excited to take on the role of Mustangs Care president for the 2023-2024 year to engage student athletes within the community!" said Evans "Volunteering at local charities will allow student athletes to bond with one another and give back to the greater London community whom have shown continuous support to Western athletics over the years!"

To stay up to date with MASC & Mustangs Care, be sure to follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/westernmasc/