Local parents looking to navigate the complex world of higher education and athletic recruiting will have access to a free community resource this month.
The panel discussion, titled “Beyond the Game: What Every Parent Needs to Know About Raising a College-Bound Student Athlete,” will take place Monday, July 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC).
Whether a child is an athlete pursuing collegiate sports or a student preparing for higher education, the event is designed to equip parents with the knowledge, resources, and connections needed to help their students succeed.
This community initiative brings together college coaches, athletic professionals, former and current athletes, and college transition experts to provide honest conversations about recruiting; academics; Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities; and what colleges seek in prospective student-athletes.
Attendees will also have access to valuable community resources and vendors who specialize in helping families navigate the complex college transition process.
The program’s core mission is to equip every student–regardless of background–with the financial literacy, leadership skills, and real-world tools needed to win in life beyond the classroom and beyond the game.
Discussion topics will seamlessly address what college coaches really look for, recruiting myths versus facts, NCAA eligibility, academic expectations, and NIL opportunities.
Additionally, panelists will discuss how parents can support rather than hurt the recruiting process, ways to prepare students for college life beyond athletics, and general college transition resources for students and families.
The featured guest lineup includes an array of sports and educational professionals. Speakers include Kyrah McCowan, the Senior Director of Football Administration and Program Relations at the University of Texas Football, and McClendon Curtis, an NFL Offensive Guard and former UTC Mocs standout.
They will be joined by Coach Tyrus Ward, the Defensive Ends Coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; Coach Kenneth White, the Head Basketball Coach at McCallie School; and Coach Jay Price, the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Chattanooga State Community College.
Kimberly Cooper Thomas, J.D., a college transition and parent resource specialist from Sister in the Shadow, LLC, will also be featured to provide expert guidance.
Whether a student is entering high school, preparing for recruitment, or getting ready to begin college this fall, this event aims to provide practical information, expert advice, and valuable resources to help families navigate the journey with confidence. Families can reserve their spot today and invest in their student’s future by filling out the online registration form through Google Forms at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLlTXwLsm3B9-jrebLkOz4xEEKBgoZQtgMW6bua5JgLdtxjQ/viewform.