Recruited!

At the time of recording this episode the Biden Administration had not selected their Secretary of Education.  Mr. Migeul Cardona was confirmed to this position on March 2, 2021. Inside Higher Ed announced today, the request of President Joe Biden, to the Department of Education to revisit the Title IX changes discussed in this episode. 

For high school student-athletes, it can be easy to focus on the athletic aspect of the recruitment process. But at the end of the day, recruitment is just the vehicle for going to college.  Accessing higher education provides a real space to challenge yourself to grow academically, athletically, and socially.  As a coach, I have had to make phone calls to families and share the news that while they were interested in attending the Academy or University, that they could not be admitted for a host of reasons. It is not a fun conversation to have, nor is it news that anyone is eager to face.  To address the questions around the actual admissions process, the role of diversity recruiting and the impact of covid-19 on the future incoming classes, we will hear from Ms. Kim Holley, senior director of admissions at Appalachian State University.  For Kim, being strategic throughout her own education experience, prepared her well to school us on the college admissions process considerations for Black girls.

Do you know how powerful your voice is? I do. It means everything. Today's episode describes how Black women athletes have used their platforms to advocate for fairness and justice throughout history. Dr. Akilah Carter-Francique is visiting with us from her post at San Jose State University, where she serves as the Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of Sport, Society, and Social Change. Dr. Carter-Francique is also an Associate Professor in the African-American Studies Department there, doing storytelling, teaching, and elevating her role as an educator, scholar, and activist. Akilah's journey through sport participation forced her both to the sidelines at times while positioning her for a proverbial seat at many tables. Finally, listen for the common thread of Black women's experiences and police brutality and the rallying cry to #sayhername. I would encourage you to visit the work of Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw, founder of the African American Policy Forum and Director of the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies, to learn more about this campaign.

I imagine the most challenging part of having your student-athlete leave home is hoping someone will take care of them. To say it another way, you want to hope they come back to you. Today's episode discusses medical professionals' responses in athletic spaces and the need for transparency and communication throughout the process.  Dr. Yvette Rooks is the Head Team Physician and Assistant Director of The University Health Center at the University of Maryland. She leads a team that has established a new Patient-Centered Care approach for student-athletes.  This approach eliminates the decision-making for student-athlete health and wellness from athletic department administrators and instead empowers campus health-care professionals.A daughter of an HBCU love story raised in a household of sporting tradition, Dr. Rooks has a foundation built on community, character, and courage. Her pursuit of medicine was despite heartache and loss, yet she remains committed to providing medical care for the sick and well.  Dr. Rooks offers insight on the current topics impacting young Black women student-athletes and provides insight into the role of their health insurance and the need for various medical services and service providers on college campuses.  

Welcome to the very first episode of Recruited! I was selected to participate in a podcast incubator with Denver's House of Pod during the most impactful summer of my life. The summer of 2020 was America's awakening, and my personal awakening as well. I wondered how to fit in and contribute when and where I didn't feel welcome or accepted. Recruited! provides just enough space and opportunity to elevate the voices of young Black women, their teammates, and their families including my own. In this trailer you will hear the diverse voices of those using sports as a vehicle for education and finding identity and purpose along the way. Stay tuned for season 1: System Check. I hope you enjoy