Durham Sports Comission Intern, Author at Durham Sports Commission

Author: Durham Sports Comission Intern

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June 1, 2022 – Durham Sports Commission, located in Durham, NC, today announced that it has established a new partnership with Varsity Brands, the market leader in team sports, school spirit and achievement recognition, and one of its operating businesses BSN SPORTS, the nation’s largest direct marketer and distributor of sporting goods to the school and league markets and a division of Varsity Brands. Through this partnership, BSN SPORTS will serve as the official apparel and equipment provider to the Durham Sports Commission. The program will also benefit from access to BSN SPORTS’ line of custom facility branding products and customizable fanwear shops for the many events the DSC hosts.

Marcus Manning, Executive Director of Durham Sports Commission, stated, “This unique and strategic partnership with Varsity Brands and BSN Sports fits within the fabric of striving to have an impact on the Durham sports community, recruiting events to our community, enhancing the awareness and experience of sporting events and continuing to build the brand awareness of the DSC. I can’t thank Varsity Brands enough for this unique opportunity, and we’re excited about what the future holds.”

Matt D’Orazio, Senior Vice President of Varsity Brands added, “Exclusive partnerships like the one we have announced today drive our mission of elevating experiences for athletes and their supporters who will attend these events.”

About Durham Sports Commission

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and create positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

About BSN SPORTS

Dallas-based BSN SPORTS is the leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods apparel and equipment. A division of Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS markets and distributes its products to over 100,000 institutional and team sports customers in colleges and universities, middle and high schools, and recreational programs throughout the United States via catalog, e-commerce, and direct sales. Focused on providing game changing solutions through local partnerships, multi-brand selection and one-stop shopping for equipment and uniforms, BSN SPORTS’ more than 3,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit www.bsnsports.com.

About Varsity Brands

With a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: BSN SPORTS, a Varsity Sport Brand; Varsity Spirit; and Herff Jones, A Varsity Achievement Brand. Together, these assets promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Through its dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year through competitions, camps and sales.

Media Contact

Margaret Pentrack

Sr. Director of Marketing

mpentrack@discoverdurham.com

412.337.2997

Author: Durham Sports Comission Intern

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Press Releases

Grant Program to Offset the Rising Cost of Youth Sports Participation

May 2, 2022 (DURHAM, N.C) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is proud to announce the One Team, One Durham Fund (1T1D), established to support youth sports development in the area. With an initial $10,000 pledged, 100% privately funded, grants will be awarded by a selection committee that will meet monthly. As the cost of youth sports participation continues to rise, the DSC considers 1T1D as an important step, leading the community’s efforts to allow for greater access to the benefits of sport.

“Studies conducted during the pandemic show that more parents think of youth sports as an outlet for more holistic development, improving mental health, peer relationships, and social skills as much as physical wellbeing,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the DSC. “While there’s more of a need than ever for the benefits of sport, the costs associated with playing continues to rise. It will take a One Team, One Durham-like effort for us all to find ways to give more kids transformational opportunities to play.”

Project Play, an initiative created by the Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program, reports that the annual costs of youth participation average $693 per child, per sport. Parents of a child competing with a travel team spends an average of $2,266. Costs include travel, equipment, lessons, registration, camps, and more. 1T1D will offset some of those costs by awarding grants of up to $200 per recipient to 501(c)3 organizations operating in Durham. Up to five people from an organization are eligible to apply. A grant application can be found on the DSC’s website here: www.durhamncsports.com/1t1d.

The DSC will continue to provide grants to event owners to assist those planning events within Durham. The DSC has awarded more than $428,000 in those types of grants to date. The 1T1D fund will be separate and complement this ongoing work to improve access to sports by supporting more of the individual’s participant costs, costs associated with playing on clubs and teams, and so forth. The first round of 1T1D grants will be awarded in the coming months, purposefully allocated before the start of fall sports activities and seasons.

One of the DSC’s goals is to increase the size of the fund and build on the initial $10,000 pledge. Those interested in donating or sponsoring the One Team, One Durham Fund are encouraged to contact Marcus Manning.

For more information about the Durham Sports Commission, please visit www.durhamncsports.com.

About Durham Sports Commission

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Author: Durham Sports Comission Intern

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Press Releases

November 29, 2021 (DURHAM, N.C.) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is proud to announce that Kaila’Shea Menendez has been selected as Deputy Director. In the newly created position, Menendez will assist in leading the nonprofit’s work to create social and economic impact through sports by helping to manage strategic initiatives, oversee special projects, and serve as a liaison to various committees and key stakeholders. She was most recently the Senior Director of Leadership Programing and Events at Women Leaders in College Sports in Kansas City, Missouri. Menendez’s first day with the DSC will be December 1.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Director for the Durham Sports Commission,” said Menendez. “As a proud North Carolinian from the area, it is a dream come true to work on behalf of my community. I am committed and passionate about the endless opportunities to bring recreational and sporting events to this one-of-a-kind city while enriching the lives of those who visit and live in Durham.”

At Women Leaders in College Sports, Menendez oversaw operations for leadership programming and events, including the Women Leaders National Convention, and collaborated with executive staff to develop long-term strategic plans, partnerships and initiatives to ensure impactful and continuous growth for the association. Responsible for creating innovative solutions to improve internal and external departmental efficiencies, she also fostered significant relationships with presidents, community leaders, and industry experts to assist with advancing women in the industry. Rounding out her experience, she partnered with marketing to increase brand awareness for the association nationwide.

“In Kaila’Shea we’ve identified a person that has experienced tremendous success early on in her professional career, a passion for community, and the skillset and enthusiasm to help build and transform the Durham Sports Commission,” said Executive Director, Marcus Manning.

Menendez joins the DSC at an exciting period, shortly after the organization’s five-year anniversary. On the horizon, the DSC will host the National Association of Intercollegiate (NAIA) Football National Championship and Senior Football Classic at Durham County Memorial Stadium on December 17 and 18. The DSC has also announced its first owned and operated event, the Champion Durham Classic, a high school holiday basketball invitational held at North Carolina Central University’s McDougald-McLendon Arena on December 27-29 with teams participating from Durham and across the mid-Atlantic.

In addition to assisting with the execution of those upcoming events, Menendez will spearhead the work of the DSC’s Advisory and Sports Tourism Committees and build relationships with other key stakeholders. She will be a point of contact for national governing bodies in sports as well as other external rights holders and local event owners.

Prior to her time with Women Leaders in College Sports, Menendez has worked in various positions at the University of California, San Diego, Marine Corps Community Services at Camp Pendleton, and the City of El Cajon’s Recreation Department. She has served on various national committees and is a member of numerous associations like Women in Sports and Events, the American Society of Association Executives, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, and the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association. She earned her master’s degree in exercise and sports administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and a bachelor of science from Western Carolina University.

For more information about the Durham Sports Commission, please visit www.durhamncsports.com.

About Durham Sports Commission

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Author: Durham Sports Comission Intern

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Press Releases

October 28, 2021 (DURHAM, N.C.) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is pleased to announce the Durham Sports Club as title sponsor of the 2021 Champion Durham Classic. The inaugural high school basketball holiday invitational will be held at McDougald-McLendon Arena on the campus of North Carolina Central University on December 27-29.

“The Champion Durham Classic will showcase the talent of Durham student-athletes, aligning well with the mission of the Durham Sports Club to do more when it comes to helping our community and especially uplifting youth in the area,” said Edwin Bryson, president of the Durham Sports Club. “We hope to see many in the community come out to support the local Durham teams competing on the hardwood in December.”

The Durham Sports Club has met regularly since the 1960s, now convening twice monthly for those who share a mutual interest in sports. Although the Durham Sports Club exists primarily as a social organization, it offers various awards and recognition throughout the year to deserving individuals and has a scholarship fund for young scholar-athletes.

The 2021 Champion Durham Classic event will welcome six boys teams and six girls teams for a schedule of competitive play. Of these 12 teams the DSC is proud to showcase three boys and three girls teams from Durham to include Charles E. Jordan High School’s Jordan Falcons (boys) and Lady Falcons (girls), Southern High School’s Southern Durham (boys), Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill’s Trinity Lions (boys), Durham School of the Arts’ DSA Women’s Basketball (girls), and Hillside High School’s Lady Hornets (girls). Games will run from 1 p.m. each day on December 27-29 at McDougald-McLendon Arena at 1.5-hour increments in a round robin-style format.

Spectators are welcomed with tickets available for purchase at the door. Each ticket will be $10 a day for access to watch all games. The Durham Sports Commission plans to follow the COVID-19 safety protocols put in place by the City and County of Durham as well as NCCU campus policies.

For more information about the Durham Sports Club, please visit http://www.durhamsportsclub.com/. More information about the Champion Durham Classic can be found on the Durham Sports Commission’s website at https://www.durhamncsports.com/champion-durham-classic/.

About Durham Sports Commission

Author: Durham Sports Comission Intern

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Press Releases

See Ticket Information

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Durham Sports Commission for the 2022 Football National Championship.

“The Durham Sports Commission is both delighted and excited to be the host city for the NAIA National Football Championship again in 2022 after an amazing turnout last year,” stated Dan Hill, former Board Chair of the Durham Sports Commission. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are looking forward to welcoming the teams, their fans and the NAIA officials to Durham!”

Durham County Memorial Stadium, a multi-purpose stadium built in 1958, has a seating capacity of 8,500 and has been the site of professional, collegiate, and high school football events. Willie Bradshaw Field is an artificial, synthetic turf located inside the stadium that also features the Tommy Hunt Press Box.

“On behalf of the Durham Sports Commission, we are humbled, honored, and thankful to the NAIA for entrusting Durham with these special events,” reported Marcus Manning. The Executive Director went on to say, “We are looking forward to celebrating and promoting the NAIA, providing a great student-athlete experience and introducing Durham to the NAIA, their stakeholders and fans.”

Known for executing high-class events, Durham County has heavily invested in updating the facilities recently. In addition to an upgraded press box and turf field, the county expanded the concourse and improved the team spaces. Currently, it is the home of Tobacco Road Football Club (NPSL/USL2) and Northern High School Football.

The 67^th Annual NAIA Football Championship got underway with rounds of the Football Championship Series on November 19, 26, and December 3 at campus sites. The action now shifts to Durham County Memorial Stadium on December 17^th for season finale. The two teams that have made it to the Championship matchup, slated to play in Durham for the title are Northwestern College (Iowa) and Keiser University (Florida). The Northwestern Red Raiders have played in the NAIA championship game four times previously, while this year marks the Keiser Seahawks’ first appearance.

“Durham Sports Commission is an exceptional partner for the Football National Championship,” said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. “We are pleased to bring our events back to the same venue, which has a proven track record of hosting special events that have an impact on Durham and the greater community.”

Besides football, the stadium hosts soccer, lacrosse, track and field, and archery events. It was the former home of Shaw Bears football from 2007-2018 and the Triangle Rattlers professional football. In its history, it has also welcomed the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Football Championship seven times, Legends of Honduras International Soccer Match, as well as USATF, Big Eight Athletic Conference, Powerade State Games, and the North Carolina Senior Games.

For more information on the National Championship including viewing the visitors guide, media guide, and qualifier information, visit the NAIA Football page!

ABOUT NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS (NAIA) The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. NAIA members provide more than 77,000 student-athletes with opportunities to play college sports, earn $800 million in scholarships and compete in 27 national championships. naia.org | @NAIA

Author: Durham Sports Comission Intern

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Press Releases

June 17, 2021 (DURHAM, N.C.) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is proud to announce that Senior Manager of Events & Operations, Alyssa Duke, has been named as one of 11 board members of the North Carolina Sports Association. The NCSA elected Duke to a three-year term during its Annual General Meeting held virtually earlier this month.

“I am honored to become a member of the NCSA Board of Directors, especially at this moment when sports have such great potential to be a significant driver of economic and social recovery after the pandemic for communities across North Carolina,” said Duke. “I am excited and look forward to working with peers from across the state as we continue to push for North Carolina to maintain its position as a major player in the sports tourism industry and figure out how to best serve championship event owners in this ‘new normal.’”

NCSA is a statewide collaboration of sports commissions, convention and visitors bureaus, parks and recreation entities, and sports authorities who share a direct interest in supporting sports events in North Carolina. The nonprofit’s mission is to grow, promote and enhance the general welfare of the sports industry across the state. By positioning North Carolina as a top-tier destination for the sports tourism market and recruiting event rights holders to the area, NCSA helps generate economic and social impact for destinations from the mountains to the coast.

“Alyssa’s been a gamechanger for the DSC and sports event owners in Durham,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the DSC. “She’s made her mark thinking strategically about what sports events best suit Durham and how we can more efficiently work with our stakeholders. In doing so, Durham has benefited as she works every day behind the scenes towards our mission of bettering the community through sports. We’re proud to have her contribute to the development of sports tourism across the state.”

One of seven sports commissions in North Carolina, the DSC was established in 2016 as a collaboration between the City of Durham, Durham County, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. Alyssa joined shortly thereafter and is the primary facilitator and service provider for both local and external events. Through her work as a key point of contact for organizations near and far, she has had a hand in all aspects of the DSC’s success to date. She has project managed multiple championship-winning bids including the 2019 USATF National Youth Outdoor Championships, Durham’s first track and field national championship since 2000, as well as the 2023 NCAA Fencing Championship and the 2025 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship, which were jointly submitted by Duke University and the DSC. When not directly bidding on events, Alyssa actively leads all event support and marketing campaigns to manage recruitment efforts, drawing more participants and spectators to the area to maximize economic impact.

Before she joined the DSC, Alyssa spent a four-year stint as the assistant director of women’s basketball with the Atlantic Coast Conference where she served 15 member institutions by supporting regular season challenges, scheduling, home game management, television exposure, and promotional materials. Her duties also included planning and administrating the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament as well as staffing other ACC events. Prior to her time with the ACC, she interned with the Greensboro Sports Commission, Durham Bulls Baseball Club, and University of North Carolina Athletics Ticket Office.

For more on the impact of sports in Durham, review the DSC’s latest annual report. For more on the NCSA, please visit its website or contact Bonny Bernat, Chair, at bonny@visitwinstonsalem.com.

About Durham Sports Commission

Author: Durham Sports Comission Intern

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Press Releases

Durham Sports Commission hosts a 2027 World University Games Panel Discussion

Trip Durham to Facilitate a “DSC Bull Session” Conversation on the 2027 World University Games

May 28, 2021 (DURHAM, N.C.) – In recognition of the United States International University Sports Federation (USIUSF) announcement of intent to host the 2027 Summer World University Games in the Raleigh/Durham market, the Durham Sports Commission (DSC) has taped a “Bull Session” panel discussion on the importance of the World University Games and its potentially advantageous effects on the Durham sporting and non-sporting community.

“Not only are we excited about the possibility of bringing the Summer World University Games back to the United States, something that has only happened once before – in 1993 in Buffalo, New York – we’re thrilled to build momentum for Olympic sports in the U.S. a year before to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the DSC. “By offering our platform, the DSC seeks to put a spotlight on this, the largest global multisport event for student-athletes, and the economic impacts of the Summer World University Games being held in Durham and across the Triangle.”

The DSC’s three panelists range from near and far, bringing with them an impressive wealth of experience and insight. Delise O’Meally is the CEO of the Institute for Sport and Social Justice (The Institute) in Orlando, Florida. An executive committee member of the International University Sport Federation (FISU), she has extensive experience with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) as well as a firm understanding of the international culture of sports.

Based out of California, former director of athletics at UCLA, Dan Guerrero now serves as president for the United States International University Sports Federation (USIUSF), the body that facilitates U.S. representation at the World University Games. Guerrero competed in the 1970 games in Italy, drawing on first-hand experience as he leads the federation today.

A long-standing champion for sports tourism, North Carolina native Hill Carrow founded the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC), the only 501(c)3 trade association for sports and events tourism in our country. Hill has produced and served as director for over 100 major regional, national, and international sports events and was once the Olympic Committee consultant to the Africa National Olympic Committees Association. Carrow leads the 2027 North Carolina bid.

The World University Games are the world’s largest event for student-athletes. The Games are held every other year in the odd year, with both a Winter and Summer Games in the same year. The Games have 15 required sports including Olympic staples such as Athletics (Track & Field), Basketball, Diving, Gymnastics, Swimming, and Volleyball. The host city for the Games can propose additional sports for inclusion in the Games. The Summer World University Games take place over an approximately two-week period, during the summer months. An estimated 7,000 student-athletes and 3,000 coaches from around the world attend, which would generate more than $150 million dollars for the local economy.

As with prior “DSC Bull Sessions” the conversation was facilitated by Trip Durham, founder of 2D Consulting, LLC, and the current public address announcer for Duke Athletics. Durham was previously the President of the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) and the Associate Director of Athletics at Elon University.

The 40-minute discussion is published across the DSC’s website as well as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. The 2027 World University Games roundtable conversations marks the third installments of “DSC Bull Sessions,” a new storytelling initiative from the sports commission that will showcase and explore various topics that are important to the community.

For more about the DSC, please visit www.durhamncsports.com.

Editor’s Note: If interested in interviewing the DSC, panelists or host about the discussions or the history of women’s sports in Durham, please contact Margaret Pentrack. MP4 and audio files of the recordings will be available upon request.

About the United States International University Sports Federation

The United States International University Sorts Federation (USIUSF) is the American organization that holds membership in the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and is the governing body for USA teams participating in the World University Games and World University Championships. USIUSF is comprised of representatives from the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), and the National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors (NACDA).

About Durham Sports Commission

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and create positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

Author: Durham Sports Comission Intern

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Durham Sports Culture

A Sports Fan’s Guide to Durham

Ready to get out and explore Durham? We’ve missed the crack of a bat, cheering on hometown teams, and taking in outdoor activities with friends, too. Here are some bucket list must-do’s if you’re a sports fan in Durham. Make sure to check with each destination for COVID-19 operating hours and protocols.

Get the full Bull Durham experience

You can find backdrops and familiar spots from the cult-favorite Bull Durham movie all around Durham. Take yourself out to a Durham Bulls’ ballgame, and then follow this guide to see all the Bull Durham sites put together by our friends at Visit North Carolina.

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Catch footy at local favorites

International soccer fan? There are two spots in Durham for you to catch the action. Head downtown to Bull McCabes or head over to the Rockwood neighborhood and check out The Boot Room. Bull McCabes is a traditional Irish pub with 20 beers on tap and TVs galore. Soccer and sports fans will find something to love about this downtown staple, and families and friends will love the large, expansive patio seating perfect for warmer weather and social distancing. The Boot Room, a sandwich shop, soccer pub, and event space connected to Beer Study, a bottle shop, and barcade, both feature lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends. You’ll know you’re in the right place if soccer is playing on multiple indoor and outdoor TVs.

Play a round and find a 19th hole

The greens are finally drying out, and Durham is ready to welcome you to one of its six golf courses! Head over to Duke’s campus for a round at the Duke University Golf Course, followed by drinks at the Bull Durham Bar in the Washington Duke Inn. The Duke University Golf Course is a par 72 public Trent Jones course on the beautiful campus of Duke University and in the shadows of the tranquil retreat that is the Washington Duke Inn. Ready for another round? Hillandale Golf Course, a public par 71 course, hosts an average of 45,000 rounds a year! Wrap up the day with a dozen wings at the new Heavenly Buffaloes location near Erwin Road, or grab a custom popsicle from the famous Locopops!

Let us show you the ropes to climbing

Did you know Durham is home to the largest indoor bouldering space in a five-state radius? Triangle Rock Club offers 90-minute reservations to climb, plus private instruction, group visits, and even a Durham Community League! After you’ve climbed to the rafters, grab a delicious bite from Only Burger or coffee and snack from Bull and the Bean. If pizza is more of your thing, you can build your own pie at Pops Backdoor Restaurant. You’re sure to work up an appetite.

Break out of your routine with an Xtreme adventure

Feeling Xtreme? Make a reservation for paintball, zipline, a ropes course, and more at the most XTREME spot in Durham! Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends, Xtreme Park Adventures has something for every adventure lover.

Get outdoors!

Trails and more trails! Lace-up your shoes and hit the American Tobacco Trail, the Al Buehler Trail, or one of the over 30 miles of trails and greenway maintained by Durham Parks and Recreation. The Durham Bike & Hike Map is available electronically through the Transportation Department.

Author: Durham Sports Comission Intern

Filed Under

Press Releases, Sports Stories

Trip Durham to Facilitate the “DSC Bull Sessions” About Gender Equity, Inspiring Women through Sports, and the Play Like a Girl Movement in Durham

March 22, 2021 (DURHAM, N.C.) – In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Durham Sports Commission (DSC) will host three virtual panels to explore the accomplishments and impact of women athletes, coaches, and changemakers from Durham. The first discussion, titled “Being a leader in sports,” will center on the importance of women working in male-dominated sports and female mentorship. The first taping was released today, Monday, March 22 and can be viewed here. The second panel focuses on the importance of female coaches and can be viewed here, while the third and final panel features female student-athletes and can be found here.

“Women have had a transformative impact on sports and that trend has continued in recent months. From Sarah Fuller to Kim Ng to Sarah Thomas, women — to steal a phrase from Women Leaders in College Sports — are kicking glass and it’s exciting to see” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the DSC. “By offering our platform, the DSC seeks to put a spotlight on female leaders, coaches, and athletes to dive deeper on complex, timely topics such as gender equity working in sports, coaching in sports and the future of female participation. I encourage sports fans and casual viewers alike to tune in and learn more about the immediate impression women in sports are having in shaping Durham and communities across the country.”

Starting from a national perspective, the DSC found it integral for the opening Women’s History Month discussion to feature a representative from a National Governing Body of sport. Ashley Bratcher, senior director of baseball operations for USA Baseball will discuss topics ranging from the disparities between women and men working in sports, the importance of female participation in male-dominated sports as well as mentorship amongst females working in sports and the expectations associated with being a female leader in sports.

The second-panel discussion concerning the importance of having female coaches at all playing levels will be shared later this month. Confirmed panelists include Trisha Stafford-Odom, head women’s basketball coach at North Carolina Central University, and Kerstin Kimel, head women’s lacrosse coach at Duke University. This conversation will be centered on why female coaches matter, the lack of female coaches, and delve into how female coaches lead and inspire women through sports.

The third and final discussion focuses on female student-athletes and will be shared at the end of the month. Confirmed panelists include Darcy Bourne, field hockey student-athlete at Duke, and Christine Alcox, women’s volleyball student-athlete and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) president at North Carolina Central University. Part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, SAAC is made up of student-athlete advisory committees – at the campus, conference, and national level – to ensure that student-athletes not only have a voice, but that their entire experience is enhanced through opportunity promotion, protecting student-athlete welfare, and fostering a positive image. This conversation will bring to light the motivation behind women wanting to play sports, the Play Like a Girl movement, the impact of social media on women’s sports, and life after athletics.

All three conversations will be facilitated by Trip Durham, founder of 2D Consulting, LLC, and the current public address announcer for Duke Athletics. Durham was previously the President of the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) and the Associate Director of Athletics at Elon University.

Each discussion is expected to be approximately 30 minutes to an hour in length and will be published across the DSC’s website as well as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. The Women’s History Month roundtable conversations mark the second installments of “DSC Bull Sessions,” a new storytelling initiative from the sports commission that will showcase and explore various topics that are important to the community.