NACDA Podcast

Original air date: January 21, 2021

Sponsored content session by Fusion Sport

This session discusses: The importance of building an athlete-centric performance framework with a 360 degree view of health, wellness and performance; How to develop a performance framework; tips for connecting different departments and technologies; Combining performance and medical data to understand and prevent injury; The importance of athlete engagement and collaboration; and The importance of staff and coach engagement and collaboration. Moderators: Tricia Sterland, MS, CSCS, VP – Enterprise Solutions, Fusion Sport; Mike Compton, Principal Consultant, Fusion Sport. Speakers: Mike Curtis, Head  Strength & Conditioning Coach for Men’s Basketball, University of Virginia; Holly Frantz, Director of Strength & Conditioning for Olympic Sports, University of Maryland; Travis Vlantes, Director of Applied Sport Science, University of Texas.

Original air date: January 14, 2021

Sponsored content session by Extreme Networks

Due to recent events, collegiate venues must now overcome a new set of pain points and deliverables. As universities and athletics departments welcome fans back into their venues, these challenges will only be heightened as they prioritize: Fan Health and Safety; Operational Efficiency; Mobile and Digital Engagement; Data-Driven Intelligence. Now more than ever, the IT network infrastructure is key to accomplishing these priorities. In this discussion, we break down the real challenges college venues face today, and offer proven solutions to meet the unique requirements for hosting live sports in today’s complex landscape. Speaker: Kevin Wittnebert, Extreme Networks. Click here to view the presentation slides in PDF format.

Original air date: December 16, 2020

People are finally engaging in real conversations about race and diversity, equity, and inclusion around the country. Unfortunately, it does not mean everything is solved overnight, or the conversations are easy. Regardless of a person's intent, there are everyday incidences in which someone makes offensive comments or asks insensitive questions. Do you know how to identify a microaggression? Do you know how to respond when someone says something offensive about your identity? Learn from  industry leaders' experience and strategies to reduce microaggressions in your department or area. Moderator: Dr. China Jude, Senior Associate Athletics Director/SWA, University of Wyoming. Speakers: Bryan Blair, Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Operating Officer, Washington State University; Vicky Chun, Thomas A. Beckett Director of Athletics, Yale University; Irma Garcia, Director of Athletics, St. Francis College Brooklyn; Joe Karlgaard, Director of Athletics, Recreation & Lifetime Fitness, Rice University.

Original air date: December 2, 2020

Presented in partnership with NAAC

Forthcoming changes to NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation will impact intercollegiate athletics in a manner far beyond student-athlete revenue generation. This NACDA/NAAC joint session explores the many considerations that athletics directors and other institutional administrators should address to ensure institutional control and monitoring of student-athletes’ NIL activities. Pennie Parker, Director of Athletics at Rollins College, leads a discussion of compliance professionals representing each Division I subdivision and a variety of geographical locations as we explore the practitioner perspective of various NIL era challenges and opportunities. Speakers: Erin Adkins, Associate Athletics Director, Compliance, UCLA; Blake Barlow, Associate Athletics Director, Risk Management and Compliance Services, University of Texas; Malcolm Grace, Assistant Athletics Director/Compliance, Villanova University; Kyle Waterstone, Associate Athletic Director of Compliance, Creighton University.

Original air date: November 10, 2020

Throughout history, sports have had a profound impact on the fight for equality. This session provides unique perspective from a generational standpoint of the Black experience in America, and the challenges of fighting for equality and social justice.  Athletics director Earl Edwards is leading the charge at UC San Diego by implementing programs and initiatives that work towards combating systemic racism on campus and throughout the Big West Conference. His son, six-year MLS pro Earl Edwards, Jr., is a founding member of the newly formed Black Players for Change organization that aims to eradicate racism within MLS and its local communities. Together, and individually, they have taken a stand for the cause through collegiate and professional sports in each of their respective positions. Speakers: Kevin Anderson, NACDA Past President (moderator); Earl Edwards, University of California San Diego; Earl Edwards, Jr., D.C. United Soccer Club

Original air date: November 5, 2020

In these most difficult times, Alex Montoya’s message of overcoming adversity and joyfully defeating obstacles has resonated nationwide. No stranger to the sports industry as a former executive with the San Diego Padres, Montoya’s message of making the impossible possible further enforces sports as a force for good, and helps administrators across the country stay positive despite the hurdles that they may face in today’s challenging environment. Speaker: Alex Montoya, Award Winning Motivational Speaker, Author & Writing Coach.

Original air date: October 29, 2020

Sponsored content session by A-G Administrators LLC

This session joins some of the industry’s innovative minds and thought leaders and discusses how institutions can optimize medical partnerships. The panelists  talk through the relationship between providers and athletics departments including contracting, sponsorship and development opportunities as well as promoting the opportunity for the partnership to advance the academic mission and business resources of the institution. Speakers: Jill Bodensteiner, J.D., Director of Athletics, Saint Joseph’s University; Lew Lyon, Retired Vice President, MedStar Sports Medicine; Eric Roedl, Deputy Athletics Director, University of Oregon; Mike Waddell, President of the Allen Americas (East Coast Hockey League); Alex Fairly, President, Fairly Group; Dixon Gillis, Chief Executive Officer, A-G Administrators LLC.

Original air date: October 27, 2020

Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) as a concept isn’t new to the sports world. However, for collegiate athletics, allowing student-athletes the ability to monetize these rights is a new frontier. The impacts of this impending shift in approach will be widespread as NIL will touch areas such as compliance, recruiting, education, fundraising, and corporate partnerships. This session walks attendees through where things currently stand, what the future looks like, and how to prepare your athletics department and student-athletes for this new era. Speakers: Oliver Luck, Advisor & Sports Business Leader, Altius Sports Partners; Casey Schwab, Chief Executive Officer & Founding Partner, Altius Sports Partners.

Original air date: October 22, 2020

It can happen at any moment, the question is if YOU are ready to address it with your students, staff, donors, media, and community with little or no advanced notice. The year was 2015-16 - student-athletes began to use their platform on the heels of Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel. Using their platform to respond to fraternity racist rants, a devastating shooting in Ferguson, or police brutality - did student-athlete protest influence today's discussions and policies? Join these administrators as they reflect on their campus experience when facing a student protesting which brought national attention. Hear about their action steps, challenges, vulnerabilities and what they would do differently if it happened again. Speakers: China Jude, Wyoming; Joe Castiglione, Oklahoma; Julie Cromer, Ohio; Pat Ivey, Louisville.

Original air date: October 13, 2020

Session presented by Anthony Travel

Your teams and staff are getting out on the road again. You should know about all the new procedures and considerations to stay safe when traveling. This session discusses airplanes, hotels, buses, charters, rental vehicles, security, meals, meeting space, sickness on the road, and more. Speakers: Bob Vecchione, Chief Executive Officer, NACDA; John Anthony, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Travel.