Earlier this week, Valparaiso University men's basketball sophomore Rakim Chaney (Rockford, Ill. / Rockford Auburn [212 Sports Academy]) represented the Missouri Valley Conference at the Protect College Sports Act Press Conference in Washington, D.C.
 
PCSA is a bipartisan bill designed to establish uniform national standards for collegiate athletics by creating a level playing field, setting a five-year eligibility period, creating reasonable transfer limitations, developing sustainable, fair revenue sharing, instituting practical tempering rules and ensuring reasonable enforcement.
 
"I want to be a leader," Chaney said. "I want to stand out and speak up for my peers. There are a lot of student-athletes who agree with this, so I wanted to be one of the people representing Valpo and our league. The student-athletes who spoke at the press conference did a really good job and it was good to be standing right behind them supporting them."
 
Chaney had the unique opportunity to spend significant time with Missouri Valley Conference Commissioner Jeff Jackson during the trip.
 
"Undoubtedly, the most memorable aspect of my trip to Washington, D.C. in support of the PCSA was the opportunity to connect with Rakim," Commissioner Jackson said.  "Given the extensive focus on all the 'new items' surrounding college athletics, it is easy to overlook the fundamental importance of the student-athlete role. Engaging with Rakim through listening, learning and building a rapport served as an important reminder of the true essence of the term student-athlete. The Valparaiso community should take pride in his accomplishments 'who he is' and the values they are fostering."
 
Chaney soaked up all aspects of the opportunity, including the chance to learn from Commissioner Jackson.
 
"It was good to hear his perspective on everything and get to know him," Chaney said. "He does a lot for our league. He has a very difficult job and is very good at what he does. Getting to know the behind-the-scenes of what a commissioner does was really cool. I have a lot of respect for him."
 
Chaney made the trip to and from Washington, D.C. on the same day in order to minimize missed class and practice time. This made for a long day, but one that Chaney will never forget. He woke up at 2:30 a.m., flew out of Midway International Airport in Chicago at around 5 a.m. and arrived in Washington, D.C. at around 8 a.m., where he met with Commissioner Jackson and chatted about PCSA and more.
 
"We spoke a little about everything," Chaney said. "We talked about basketball, family life and got to know each other a little bit more."
 
From there, they headed to Capitol Hill and grabbed a bite to eat before starting meetings. After their meetings, Chaney met with other student-athletes in a coffee shop, speaking about PCSA and building bonds with student-athletes from across the country. The press conference itself began at 4 p.m. and featured some of the nation's most well-known coaches and administrators.
 
"We want fairness," Chaney said. "It's been a little bit chaotic over the past few months and the past year with pros trying to come back to college and play basketball after they've played pro games and with international players coming over and having questions about their age and eligibility, so we're trying to have some controls to create balance and fairness."
 
On the court, Chaney averaged 10.3 points per game and totaled 92 assists while playing in all 33 games and making 31 starts last season. He ranked among conference leaders in assists per game, steals per game, 3-point percentage and assist-to-turnover ratio. Off the court, he has quickly become one of the best leaders, not only on his team, but on Valpo's campus and across the Missouri Valley Conference.
 
"It means a lot to have this opportunity; it means the conference thinks highly of me," Chaney said. "I want to stay humble – I'm really grateful for the opportunity. Not a lot of kids from Rockford or kids my age are in the type of position that I'm in, so I'm really grateful for it."