College is often described as a time of self-discovery, a place to figure out what you stand for and who you are. For A.T. Bartlett, a senior point guard on the Lakeland University Women’s Basketball Team, that journey has meant more than competing on the court. A process of peeling back layers, finding strength in vulnerability and learning that authenticity can be its own kind of victory. It has been about learning to live authentically, find belonging in new spaces and become a voice for others who are still learning to embrace themselves.
When Bartlett first arrived at Lakeland, they were focused on basketball and adjusting to a new chapter of life. “As a freshman, I barely played,” they said. “Maybe two minutes a game, but I used that time to learn and push myself. I wasn’t satisfied sitting on the bench. I wanted to earn my place.” Each late-night practice, each quiet bus ride home after games became moments of reflection and lessons in patience and persistence.
By sophomore year, Bartlett earned Second Team All-Conference honors, a recognition that reflected more than talent. Showing the work on the court and within was paying off. It represented resilience, growth and the beginning of a larger purpose.
After making the choice to delay transition and pursue college basketball, Bartlett saw their purpose come through in their sophomore season. The decision wasn’t simple; it carries weight daily and drove quiet questions about identity and belonging that never fully left even with success on the court. “I am a part of the LGBTQ+ community as a transgender individual,” Bartlett said. “That’s something I shape myself around and take pride in, plus just being able to express myself and figure things out along the way.”
“I’ve learned that my experience can show people they don’t have to hide who they are to do what they love,” they said. “You can be all of yourself and still belong.”
That message has been carried out beyond the court. Bartlett has found ways to connect with others through campus organizations and community initiatives. Through Alphabet Soup, Lakeland’s LGBTQ+ and ally organization, they found a space that encouraged open conversation, visibility and acceptance. While they haven’t been as involved recently, it’s still a place of belonging. “[Alphabet] Soup gave me a community. It was one of the first places on campus where I felt completely seen,” Bartlett said.
A further purpose was found within Alpha Phi Iota, a co-ed fraternity centered on leadership, service and empowerment. Being a part of Alpha Phi Iota helped A.T. understand the impact of their voice and further belonging. “I’ve used my voice to create space for others,” they said. “It’s not just about representation; it’s about helping people feel they matter.”
Off the court, Bartlett describes themselves as a twin, an uncle and a big family person. “I love to eat, and if I wasn’t playing college basketball, I’d love to be living outside of the U.S., traveling and exploring the world,” they said with a smile. “Family means everything to me.” That foundation of love and support has played a vital role in their journey. “My mom will always be considered a role model and a strong presence in my life,” Bartlett shared. “Growing up, I didn’t realize it, but she gave me and my siblings everything. She’s someone who always put others before herself and has supported me through everything, including coming out twice, first as gay and later as trans. Both times she met me with open arms and loved me the same way.”
That same sense of understanding has extended into their athletic world as well. “Coach Lona has been another strong presence for me,” Bartlett said. “When she took over the program, she took the time to build relationships with each player. She developed me as a basketball player and as a person. She’s always been willing to learn more about my experience as a transgender person and pushes me to become the best version of myself both on and off the court.”
Being exactly who they are is also represented strongly in their appearance, especially through the artwork that now permanently resides on their skin. Each tattoo tells a story of growth, resilience and identity. Their first tattoo, a pair of butterflies in the colors of the transgender flag—pink, blue and white—symbolizes transformation and freedom. The vines represent strength and renewal, a reminder that even when cut or hurt, they can grow back stronger. The angel numbers 555 mark a season of change and personal evolution. “Trust the Process” reflects their belief that the journey is ongoing, that patience and faith will guide them where they’re meant to go. And “N:OW” serves as a daily reminder to live fully in the present, to be grounded and grateful in every moment. Each mark holds meaning, a visible reflection of the strength that lives beneath the surface.
They’ve been a constant voice for representation, working to make Lakeland a space where all students feel valued. “I want people to know that they can walk into a room and be exactly who they are,” Bartlett said. “You don’t have to shrink yourself to fit in.”
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Bartlett received national recognition as a top five finalist for LGBTQ+ Student Athlete of the Year, an honor that underscored both their athletic achievements and their commitment to advocacy. Yet for Bartlett, the recognition was mostly about the impact as well as seeing themselves celebrated for living their truth. “If even one person sees me and feels a little more comfortable being themselves, that’s what matters,” they said.
For Bartlett, college has been more than a place to study or compete, it’s a place to grow into themselves. They’ve learned that identity and success don’t have to be separate; that authenticity can coexist with ambition. “Lakeland gave me space to be who I am,” they said. “And now I want to make sure others have that same space too.”
Bartlett’s story is one of resilience, courage and transformation. Learning that the hardest battles are often the ones fought quietly, and that strength can come from simply showing up as yourself. It’s a reminder that the college experience is not just about finding your path, but about embracing it fully, and unapologetically.
