TicketsCINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati's Black Student-Athlete Association earned a team-wide award for 2024 Student Group of the Year at the Black Student Athlete Summit in Los Angeles.
Cincinnati's nomination, in conjunction with the Big 12 Conference, was based on its overall community impact during the academic year. UC's year-round activities included countless school visits, school supply and shoe drives, free haircuts ahead of school picture days, mental health initiatives and much more.
The Bearcats' cohort included student-athletes Corey Kiner (football), Ligia Williams (volleyball), Vyviene Spaulding (soccer) and Victor Dawson (football). UC staff members Chad Allen, Dr. Lenecia Nickell and Alex Coleman also attended as co-advisors.
"The Black Student-Athlete Summit continues to provide a transformational experience for our student-athletes that educates, empowers, and exposes them to a network of industry professionals," Allen said. "What we do for today's athlete, prepares them to be tomorrow's leader!"
"Attending the Black Student Athlete Summit, I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the unique experiences and perspectives of black student athletes," Williams said. "I wanted to learn about the strategies and initiatives that have been successful in supporting their growth and development. Additionally, I was eager to explore ways to promote inclusivity, empowerment, and success within the UC Black Student Athlete Association."
Dawson, who just enjoyed his first season as a Bearcat, cherished his first time on the west coast.
"The sessions provided valuable information and encouragement, helping us understand the challenges and opportunities for Black student-athletes today," he said. "I believe all student-athletes should have the opportunity to experience something like this event. It offered not only valuable knowledge and inspiration but also a sense of belonging and support."
Spaulding, who listed her favorite part was the opportunity to build new relationships that included more than 100 phone numbers and social media handles, acknowledged another key component of candidacy.
"I heard so many stories from the former athletes who spoke on the panels about when they realized it was time to stop playing and how that transition could really tear you down," she said. "But I also got to see these former athletes happy in what they do, passionate in their field even without their sport. They found their passion in the corporate world too, not just on the field or court.
"As a player in my final year of college, I have been nervous about having to find myself and new passions after soccer ends. But the summit showed me in 100 ways that there are other paths to success."
Kiner, a Queen City native has been everything and more as a Cincinnati student-athlete, including a 1,000-yard rusher and NIL ambassador with local businesses and Cincy Reigns.
"The summit reinforced the idea that success is not just about individual achievements but also about helping and uplifting the Black community," Kiner said. "Overall, the Black Student Athlete Summit was a life-changing experience that has greatly influenced my approach to personal and professional growth."
Cincinnati's nomination, in conjunction with the Big 12 Conference, was based on its overall community impact during the academic year. UC's year-round activities included countless school visits, school supply and shoe drives, free haircuts ahead of school picture days, mental health initiatives and much more.
The Bearcats' cohort included student-athletes Corey Kiner (football), Ligia Williams (volleyball), Vyviene Spaulding (soccer) and Victor Dawson (football). UC staff members Chad Allen, Dr. Lenecia Nickell and Alex Coleman also attended as co-advisors.
"The Black Student-Athlete Summit continues to provide a transformational experience for our student-athletes that educates, empowers, and exposes them to a network of industry professionals," Allen said. "What we do for today's athlete, prepares them to be tomorrow's leader!"
View this post on InstagramThe program, held May 23-26 in Los Angeles, featured panels and workshops that included DEI support, financial education, business inside the game, international impacts and more.
"Attending the Black Student Athlete Summit, I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the unique experiences and perspectives of black student athletes," Williams said. "I wanted to learn about the strategies and initiatives that have been successful in supporting their growth and development. Additionally, I was eager to explore ways to promote inclusivity, empowerment, and success within the UC Black Student Athlete Association."
Dawson, who just enjoyed his first season as a Bearcat, cherished his first time on the west coast.
"The sessions provided valuable information and encouragement, helping us understand the challenges and opportunities for Black student-athletes today," he said. "I believe all student-athletes should have the opportunity to experience something like this event. It offered not only valuable knowledge and inspiration but also a sense of belonging and support."
Spaulding, who listed her favorite part was the opportunity to build new relationships that included more than 100 phone numbers and social media handles, acknowledged another key component of candidacy.
"I heard so many stories from the former athletes who spoke on the panels about when they realized it was time to stop playing and how that transition could really tear you down," she said. "But I also got to see these former athletes happy in what they do, passionate in their field even without their sport. They found their passion in the corporate world too, not just on the field or court.
"As a player in my final year of college, I have been nervous about having to find myself and new passions after soccer ends. But the summit showed me in 100 ways that there are other paths to success."
Kiner, a Queen City native has been everything and more as a Cincinnati student-athlete, including a 1,000-yard rusher and NIL ambassador with local businesses and Cincy Reigns.
"The summit reinforced the idea that success is not just about individual achievements but also about helping and uplifting the Black community," Kiner said. "Overall, the Black Student Athlete Summit was a life-changing experience that has greatly influenced my approach to personal and professional growth."