What are your responsibilities in your role as vice president of the NCAA Eligibility Center (EC)?
I am responsible for the EC’s strategic direction and vision. My primary role is to support my people and make certain they have the tools and resources to create pathways of opportunities for young women and men. I lead a dynamic staff that dedicates every day to supporting students’ goals to attend college and fulfill their dreams to compete in college-level athletics. We partner with our membership in the initial eligibility process. We support high school communities that are assisting students as they navigate the transition from high school to university. The EC educates students and parents about the initial eligibility. We update and inform sport associations and grassroots organizations of pertinent updates because they play such vital roles in student-athlete journeys. At the EC, our focus begins and ends with the college-bound student-athlete.
What are the challenges to fostering academic development of student-athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic? What are the short- and long-term implications of those challenges?
The coronavirus pandemic forced sweeping and drastic changes — the challenge of lengthy school closures, canceled standardized testing and the unexpected shift to a full-time remote learning environment. Then, there are the disruptions to nutritional support [and] social and emotional engagement. Data is pointing to students experiencing higher rates of anxiety and depression. Students are grappling with regression and loss of learning. The pandemic illuminated the glaring disparities in access and equity that already existed. The long-term impacts are yet to completely unfold.
How does the pressure of winning impact student-athlete academic success?
For high school students, the pressure to perform is closely aligned to a college scholarship. Yes, recruiting coaches are looking for amazingly athletic women and men who have mastered their sports’ techniques and fundamentals. However, skilled student-athletes without academic achievement jeopardize their chance to earn a college athletic scholarship. College bound student-athletes must meet NCAA initial eligibility requirements. The old slogan holds true — “no pass, no play!” Just as high school students are training to participate on the next level, we encourage them to work even harder in the classroom.
How does diversity come into play in your role?
