HCHY List: Asset building and athletics

[Colleen Mahoney]

Hi Everyone!
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I haven't written anything for a long time.  Life happens.  :)  Often what
brings me back to this listserv is both professional and personal...it
usually has to do with frustrations I face...and things I do not think we
are doing a very good job at...and that I want to impact.  =

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I have a 16 year old son...he is an AP/honors student, a junior in High
School.  He is also a very gifted 3-sport athlete.  I often say I could not
have ordered a better son...he is amazing!  He is the way he is because of
multiple variables--his own nature and efforts, his parents, and the
wonderful people surrounding him -- other family, teachers, friends, coaches
 and on and on.  He is one of those young people that seems to be
resilient-gifted (new word).  =

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My biggest frustrations throughout the years as his Mother and as a
professional working with schools/communities is athletics.  In my eyes, the
athletic programs of schools (and communities) reflect the "true" nature of
the school (community).  There are many schools/communities that view
themselves as "asset rich", yet their athletic programs provide a much
different picture.  And often they do not want "to go there."
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There are the issues related to coaches: developing athletes and individuals
 dealing with the athletes that represent top of the line student athletes
(often these are the ones being brought down these days) and those that are
at risk, getting beyond the politics (daddies and biases, including --
unfortunately -- racism) and communication (most really lack here even those
that are "teachers/educators.").   I can't help but imagine how many
opportunities and dreams have (unfairly) been shattered, etc. There is the
parent end...parents often overstep their boundaries today.  Because of that
though when we need parents to step up they often don't...out of fear of
being viewed as "problems" and out of concerns for how their child/teen will
be treated.  And, administrators...most prefer to not have to deal with it. =


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I know Search Institute (and others) have attempted to address this issue
through publications and so on, but I haven't found a lot of substance in
truly dealing with the issues.  I recently read an article about what had
been done at Vanderbilt under President Gordon Gee to change the culture of
athletics.  Kudos!  Maybe there are implications here for high schools (even
communities)!?!?
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Colleen Mahoney, Ph.D.
Health Education/Positive Youth Development Specialist
Gainesville FL
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