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.

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.