A pre-participation physical is an important part of keeping young athletes safe, but it’s only one snapshot of their health. Having a pediatrician or primary care physician who knows the athlete and understands their health history can provide more consistent, ongoing care throughout the sports season. It’s also important to…
When it comes to heat illness, knowing the warning signs can make a critical difference. Excessive cramping, whole-body cramps, and especially stopping sweating can be signs that an athlete needs immediate medical attention. If an athlete is showing serious symptoms, don't wait. Call 911 and begin cooling the athlete right…
When it comes to hydration, drinking a large amount of water or an electrolyte drink right before practice isn't a substitute for staying hydrated throughout the day. Young athletes can go through long periods without drinking, then try to make up for it by quickly chugging a large amount before…
With the heat right now, nutrition and hydration need to be a priority, especially for young athletes heading into practice after a long school day. Skipping lunch, rushing out of school, and going hours without eating or drinking can leave athletes unprepared for intense practices, especially when they're spending several…
Getting back into sports is exciting, but it also comes with important responsibilities for athletes, parents, and coaches. As the school year begins and sports seasons get underway, student-athletes are facing intense practices, long tournament days, and extreme heat. Knowing how to properly prepare, hydrate, recover, and respond to warning…
When it comes to health, recovery, and wellness treatments, not everything you see or hear is backed by reliable information. With so much misinformation out there, it's important to do your due diligence, use trusted sources, and take the time to verify what you're putting into or doing for your…
When an injury makes movement difficult, contrast therapy may offer another way to stimulate the body during recovery. Alternating between heat and cold causes the blood vessels to constrict and dilate, creating a cycle that can help stimulate the injured area. The goal is to mimic some of the effects…
Not all light therapy is the same, and understanding the difference matters when choosing a treatment. Blue light, red light, and infrared light can have different applications depending on what you're trying to address. From deep muscle injuries and recovery to skin concerns like wrinkles and acne, choosing the right…
When it comes to peptides and emerging recovery treatments, education should always come first. For athletes, knowing what you're putting into your body is especially important. Some peptides may be permitted, while others are prohibited by anti-doping agencies. Using something without understanding its ingredients or regulations could have serious consequences…
Taking care of your body is not just about pushing harder. It is also about understanding how your body heals, recovers, and responds to the tools we use to support it. As red light therapy, infrared treatments, and peptides become more popular, it is important to know what is backed…
Sometimes, the opportunities that make the biggest impact start with simply being willing to help. When the sports surgeon at Jackson State needed someone to step in, the plan was only to cover the team temporarily until a full-time physician could be found. Five years later, that temporary role has…
Representation matters, especially when young athletes are deciding what they want their future to look like beyond the playing field. For many students at HBCUs, seeing a Black orthopedic surgeon in their community can help them recognize that careers in sports medicine and healthcare are possible for them too. Sometimes,…
Every athlete deserves access to quality training facilities and resources, but financial gaps can make that difficult, especially at historically Black colleges and universities. While some Power 4 and Power 5 programs have state-of-the-art training facilities, many HBCUs are working with limited space, equipment, and resources. With 107 HBCUs across…
Providing quality healthcare for athletes isn’t just about having more resources. It’s about building stronger systems, creating meaningful partnerships, and making sure every athlete receives the care they deserve. HBCU athletic programs often face significant gaps in funding, staffing, facilities, nutrition, rehabilitation, and access to specialty care. These challenges can…
Every athlete deserves proper care, but limited funding can make that difficult, especially at historically Black colleges and universities. From medical care and facilities to proper nutrition, these resources can make a real difference in an athlete’s health and performance. Sometimes, providing better care means thinking outside the box and…
Every athlete is surrounded by a team—trainers, physical therapists, doctors, family, friends, agents, and more. Together, they all play a role in helping that athlete succeed. But every player is different. Some thrive with a collaborative support network, while others need a private, one-on-one space where they feel safe to…
Caffeine is not completely panned but regulated by NCAA and NAIA. 🚫 Listen for more details!🚨
Having big goals is exciting, but goals alone don't create results. It's the daily habits, consistent actions, and reliable systems that make progress possible. Instead of only asking, "What do I want to achieve?" ask yourself, "What systems will help me get there?" When you focus on the process, the…
The people who care about you can't read your mind. That's why communication matters. Let someone know they're part of your support system. When they're aware, they're more likely to check in, ask how you're doing, and create space for an honest conversation. Sometimes, one simple "How are you?" is…
Being ranked #5 can mean very different things depending on where you started. For one person, it might feel like a setback. For another, it's a huge milestone. What matters most isn't the number—it's your trajectory. Keep taking the right actions. Stay focused on growth. Progress isn't about where you…
Success is rarely the result of one big moment. More often, it comes from the small habits, consistent choices, and support systems that shape who we become over time. Many people focus on goals, but goals alone don't create lasting change. Without systems, it's easy to lose momentum once the…
Your journey isn't just about achieving success—it's about making an impact. Breaking barriers can be a heavy responsibility, especially when you're the first or one of only a few. That's why it's so important to stay connected, protect your mental health, and continue investing in your own well-being as you…
When life and work become overwhelming, it's easy to withdraw and try to carry everything on your own. But isolation can make the journey even harder. Growth happens in community. Reach out to mentors, stay connected with people who genuinely care about you, and surround yourself with accountability partners who…
Success isn't meant to be achieved alone. One of the most valuable investments you can make in your career is surrounding yourself with people who understand your journey. Mentors, professional organizations, and supportive communities provide more than opportunities—they offer wisdom, encouragement, and a network that helps you grow through every…