Students and community members recently gathered in McKinnon Hall for the inaugural Beyond the Athlete Conference. This event brought together speakers who discussed the unique challenges faced by Black and African American women athletes and their allies, both during and after their sports careers.
Haleigh Cephus, a senior at Elon University, organized the conference. Her passion stems from her own experiences as a student athlete and her research on the mental health of athletes of color. “I wanted to create something meaningful for my friends and for those who helped me grow,” she shared.
The conference had a clear mission: to foster empathy, collaboration, and advocacy, with a focus on mental wellness for Black-identifying individuals. Cephus highlighted the need for more discussion around the mental health of Black student athletes, noting how important it is to raise awareness about their experiences.
“I wanted to kickstart this conversation,” Cephus said. “Even if this is just the beginning, it’s vital that we keep it going.”
A panel of leaders from the sports community kicked off the day with a fireside chat. Speakers like Andriana Londono and Amber Hill shared insights on creating better resources for student athletes, emphasizing self-care, mental health support, and the importance of a well-rounded identity beyond sports.
“Being more than just an athlete is crucial,” Cephus added. “We need to value individuals for who they are, not just for what they can do on the field.”
Attendees, like junior Lizzie MacKenzie, felt the event’s significance. She learned about it through a flyer and spoke to its importance for recognizing the whole person behind the athlete.
“This is such an important topic, and I’m glad it’s being addressed,” MacKenzie said.
Marcus Smith II, a mental health advocate and former NFL player, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized the power of active listening and the need for athletes to express their emotions freely. “Speaking out can be a huge relief,” he noted.
The conference featured breakout sessions on various topics, including emotional intelligence and empowerment for young women in sports. Cephus believes that proper resources can significantly benefit Elon’s athletic community. She proposed a mentorship program for athletes and better counseling options.
“This conference is just the start,” Cephus stated. “I hope people leave here feeling empowered to take care of themselves and share their stories.”
She plans to host more events in the future, aiming to connect even more campus communities.
An important note: According to a report from the NCAA, nearly 30% of college athletes experience mental health issues, highlighting the need for these discussions and resources.
For more information on Haleigh Cephus and the conference, you can visit the Beyond the Athlete website.
