The turn of the new year has traditionally been a time for hope and optimism that new and better things are on the horizon. Never has this wish been more true than this year. After enduring through a 2020 spring season cut midway through, then the postponement and eventual cancellation of the 2020-21 conference season, CCAA student-athletes, coaches and staff are hoping that the new year will eventually bring a return to normalcy.
But as we all are very much aware, the country, and in particular, our beautiful state, is going through the worst of times. COVID infections and deaths are at record highs, hospitals are overwhelmed and people are suffering. As frustrating as the last nine months have been, it’s more important than ever that we all heed what the experts tell us and do everything in our power to mitigate the spread until vaccinations become widely available.
While the CCAA won’t be playing a conference schedule the rest of this academic year, it’s important that we keep our student-athletes, coaches and staff engaged as best we can. Face it, we’ve been handed an orchard full of lemons and we need to start making some lemonade!
To that end, I’m excited to preview our Wednesday Afternoon Speaker Series that will run throughout the spring semester. This series of speakers – some local, some nationally-known – will cover a variety of topics that will most certainly provoke thought and conversation. These will be interactive so that attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end.
Here’s just a brief look at who we have scheduled and the subject they will be sharing:
January 27 – Jonathan Jones (Leadership and Identity)
Jonathan Jones is a young professional and former student-athlete with a desire to use his adversities and life experiences to influence holistic development of current student-athletes.
February 10 – Eric Kussin (Mental Health)
A veteran of the NBA league office and several professional sports franchises, Eric Kussin will discuss his personal battles with mental health and his journey to overcome those adversities.
Note that Eric will do a separate session for coaches and staff on February 12.
February 24 – Art Cox (Job and Career Advice)
The career advisor for the College of Engineering, Computer Science and Construction Management at Chico State, Art Cox has been in the business of helping students find their career path since 2011.
March 10 – Charlotte Clymer (LGBTQ+ Issues in Athletics and Elsewhere)
Charlotte Clymer is a transgender military veteran who grew up in Texas in a conservative environment. Her story is inspiring and enlightening as she illustrates her personal journey.
March 31 – Alonzo Bodden (Stand-Up Comedy)
There is an old saying that laughter is the best medicine, and we could all use a laugh right about now. Alonzo Bodden was the winner of Season 3 of Last Comic Standing and just completed his latest special “Heavy Lightweight” that can be seen on Amazon Prime.
April 14 – Alisha Valavanis (Women in Athletics and Business)
A former player and assistant coach at Chico State, Valavanis is currently CEO and General Manager of the four-time WNBA Champion Seattle Storm and Force 10 Sports Management, LLC.
There is a possibility of one or two more additional speakers joining our series as well. So be sure to mark these dates on your calendar and check the CCAA website and social media feeds for more information.
Look, I know that watching speakers on a zoom call, no matter how cool or interesting they might be, does not equal competing in your sport. I understand how frustrated and disappointed you are. As I’ve said before, all of us who have devoted part of our lives to college athletics are grappling with those same frustrations. But now is the time to dig deep within yourself and set the example for others. Open your mind and your heart and strive to be the best you can be.
Remember, there are better times ahead. Stay engaged. Stay strong. Stay safe.