Black. Female. Educator.

Minority Leader Striving for Lasting Change

My identity as an educated Black female leader, shaping the ongoing challenges in sports & mental health.

In the male dominated world of sports and the female dominated world of mental health, crossing the two fields in sport psychology and performance enhancement begins to break down the boundaries of an emotionally distant society.

After leaving the life of competitive dance since the age of 3, I began my journey in sports as an athlete, playing basketball and running track at the age of 12. Moving into high school, basketball became my main sport of focus and enjoyment. However, basketball was not going to lead me to a playing career in college, instead the transition was made to the other side of the game as a coach at the high school level and a student-employee in marketing of college athletics.

Establishing myself as a credible and competent leader of young women in a male-centered profession has been the most rewarding challenge thus far in my career. Surrounded by strong female leadership as a child, enabled the drive and determination to inspire the next generation of athletes to dominate in their sports. That sense of dominance, however negated the sensitivity for mental health and an awareness of self-love and/or self-care on a regular basis. I was not prepared or warned about the anxiety and overwhelming stress I would experience in college as a full-time student majoring in psychology and working three part-time jobs to both gain applicable experience in my field and sustain a living for myself. No mentors or leaders were available to guide me through the most healthy way of navigating the full schedule that I was responsible with at the time.

Striving for success and a lasting impact continued after receiving my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and then two years later, receiving my Master's degree in Sport and Performance Psychology. Realizing how vital it is to have a stable support system and be emotionally sound, no matter at what age, is why I have made mental health and wellness a staple of my career field. Understanding that athletes and performers are not exempt from these challenges and ensuring that they receive mental health assistance is the trajectory I aspire to achieve as an individual with a leadership platform.

Living in a society that celebrates a hard work ethic and punishes entitlement and laziness, contributes to the increases in burnout and lack of consideration for rest and relaxation. I myself have fallen victim to the cycle of long days and short nights in order to achieve greatness. Allowing more room for recognition and awareness of when an individual takes a stance in protecting their mental health needs to be respected and supported. The negative outcomes of these situations result in the widespread occurrences of depression, anxiety, suicide, and/or eating disorders developing around the world.

The role I aspire to create for athletes and performers of all ages is to provide a platform and space to be given for dialogue and conversations to be heard and validated regarding mental health and wellness. Following through with the information shared then gives these individuals the tools for adjustments and interventions to be put in place to then grow a lasting impact and change for the better. The journey to overall wellness is never completed and requires both myself and the individuals I work with to have the vulnerability to admit the hard truths that subconsciously affects our lives and humble enough to continue learning about the differences in perspective from others.

As I write this, the new year of 2023 is approaching in a few days and I am amazed at what a magical year 2022 has been, not only for myself, but for the world of sports as well. Successes and obstacles are a part of every year, but this year specifically resulted in a multitude of personal transformations that have jump started a new level of goals to be accomplished. I am excited to share what will come along during this upcoming year and the journey of growing my presence in the sport and performance psychology field.

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