Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sports Studies Archives - College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

Celebrating the Achievements of CEHHS Faculty

May 6, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Celebrating the Achievements of CEHHS Faculty

The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) is proud to recognize several faculty members for their outstanding achievements and contributions. Let’s celebrate their success!

Karen Boyd (ELPS)

Boyd received the prestigious Raymond H. Goldstone Legacy of Excellence Award from the Association for Student Conduct Administration. With a long history of impactful leadership in student conduct and higher education, Boyd’s contributions continue to inspire and shape the field. Read more about this esteemed acknowledgement.

Leia Cain (ELPS)
Cain received the Tammy K. Renalds LGBT+ Communities Advocate Award at the Chancellor’s Honors Banquet in April. She collaborates with campus partners to develop inclusive initiatives that support the success and well-being of LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff within higher education.

Mary Dueñas (ELPS)

Dueñas is the inaugural recipient of the Outstanding Doctoral Mentoring Award, to be presented at the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on May 15. She was nominated by mentee Abraham Cervantes, who shared,
“Without her encouragement and affirmation, I am certain I would not be here today. Dr. Dueñas’s mentorship has been a lifeline—guiding me through moments of self-doubt and helping me see the importance of my voice, my story, and my place in this field. Because of her, I am not just surviving in this program; I am thriving. She has given me a vision for my future that I never thought possible, and for that, I am eternally thankful.”

Lauren Irwin (ELPS)

Irwin was named as a recipient of the Annuit Coeptis Emerging Professionals Award at the College Student Educators International (ACPA) conference in Long Beach, California, earlier this year. This prestigious award honors exemplary educators in the early stages of their careers. Irwin was one of five early-career professionals recognized for their contributions to the field.

Robert Kelchen (ELPS)

Kelchen was recognized for Research and Creative Achievement at the recent Academic Honors Banquet hosted by the Office of the Provost. Earlier this year, Education Week once again named him a Top Scholar Influencer. He also serves as associate editor of Research in Higher Education, data editor for Washington Monthly magazine’s college guide and rankings, and was the 2023 recipient of the Excellence in Public Policy in Higher Education Award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education’s Council on Public Policy.

Lyndsey Hornbuckle (KRSS)

Hornbuckle was honored with the “Heart and Soul Award” at the final Faculty Senate meeting of the academic year, recognizing her compassion, service, and collaborative leadership. A dedicated mentor, she is known for her unwavering commitment to student success. For the past two years, she has served as a faculty fellow in the Office of Community Engagement and Outreach, helping to advance equity, respect, and community care across the greater Knoxville area.

Youn-Kyung (Lydia) Kim (RHTM)

Kim is ranked #2 at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, among top researchers in Business and Management, according to Research.com. Nationally, she is ranked #441 among her peers in the United States. Learn more about Kim’s exceptional research and scholarly work.

Junehee Kwon (RHTM)

In May, Kwon received the 2025 Pauly Award from the Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association, being honored as Industry Educator of the Year. This recognition follows a series of milestones for RHTM, including HTM program accreditation and the department’s first “Blissful Wish Wedding.” Additionally, students Kylie Nayakwadi and Grace Keffer were awarded scholarships from the association.

Joshua Rosenberg (TPTE)

Rosenberg has been named the Haslam Endowed Professor in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in educational data science research and program development. He has an exceptional record of research publications and has secured over $10 million in research funding. Rosenberg initiated data science programs and led the hiring of a cluster of faculty to support and expand the initiative. The five-year professorship includes an endowment to support his ongoing work. Learn more about Rosenberg’s groundbreaking research in data science.

Michael Skyer (TPTE)

Skyer has been awarded the Dr. Jon Henner Memorial Early Career Award by the Association of College Educators–Deaf & Hard of Hearing, recognizing his impactful teaching and research just a few years into his career. Since joining UT in 2022, Skyer has published over 25 works, mentored doctoral students, and led groundbreaking work in Deaf aesthetics—a design philosophy that reimagines education for Deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing learners with equity at the center. Learn more about his work and impact in an article by CEHHS Student Reporter, Carly Utterback.

The Power of Sports for Positive Change

March 19, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

The Power of Sports for Positive Change

By Jett Hatfield, Senior in Sport Management, Class of 2025

“It’s more than just a game.” “There is more to sports than just what you see on tv.” These are phrases I am sure all of us have heard. When I was younger, I heard these sayings, but I didn’t know entirely what they meant. I had athletes I looked up to and knew sports taught things like teamwork and instilled some good values into people, but I didn’t think too much about the bigger aspect of sports. I didn’t know how much it could affect people, especially people who grew up in different places and didn’t have the resources to watch and play sports as I did. However, as I grew older and started working in sports, my eyes were opened to how much sports really means to people. It wasn’t until I participated in ‘Football for Change’ in Los Cabos, Mexico, with my internship, A.B.C. Sports Foundation, and the San Francisco 49ers that I realized the full extent of the power of sports.

The purpose of this trip was to work with the San Francisco 49ers and their players to create a positive impact in the local community. The day after everyone arrived, we began to implement this purpose. We started with a school visit at José Lucas Manríquez Arípez Elementary School and Los Niños del Capitán (community center) where the impact could be seen immediately. As soon as the kids saw the likes of George Kittle, Ricky Persall, and other 49ers Players, the kids’ faces lit up like it was Christmas morning. They were jumping into their arms, and there is simply no other way to describe it other than they were filled with immense joy. The kids got to talk and interact with the players, and then we got to reveal to them and the rest of the school exactly how we were helping. Thanks to all our partners and sponsors, we were able to donate over $15,000 to help repair the school’s fencing, add on to playground structures, as well as donate footballs and flags for the school to use. Overall, the day was filled with tons of smiles, and it felt amazing to be a part of something so great.

San Francisco 49ers Tight End, George Kittle, Greets Students

The following day was filled with another school visit and a football camp. There were once again screams of happiness and cheer as they saw some of their favorite players from their favorite team walk into where they go to school every day. This time, however, we were the ones that were in store for a surprise. The school’s football team, band, and cheer team put on a pep rally-type performance where they celebrated the 49ers coming to their school. They had choreographed dances and chants, and it was obvious that so much time and effort went into the school’s performance. It showed just how special and meaningful it was for the 49ers players to spend their time there. We were able to continue making a difference by donating a check and football equipment to this school as well. Later in the day, I got to finally meet someone from the tourism board who we had been working with for months to plan these school visits. She told our team and me that no one ever thinks about the schools when they come to Los Cabos. Los Cabos is a top vacation destination, but even when people come there for a cause, the schools are normally left out. This made everything we were doing feel even more special because we were planting a seed in a place that needed it!

Right after this school visit, we hosted our first football camp of the trip which hosted high school-aged boys and girls that play tackle football. When the players got out of the vans to walk onto the field, it was once again like The Beatles had pulled up to one of their shows. The kids were immediately going up to the players to meet them, but the local coaches were running up even faster! This just goes to show that sports impact all ages. From high school-aged kids to grown adults, the fact that they got to play or coach the sport they love with an NFL team and its stars was like a dream come true to both the kids and coaches. Kids were catching passes from star QB Brock Purdy, linemen were learning how to block from all-pro Trent Williams, and everyone was getting to learn from the best of the best. The 49ers couldn’t have been better this day. They were engaged the whole day, hyping the kids up, celebrating with them after they caught a pass, and they made the kids feel like the stars. It made the kids feel equal. It gave them hope that they could be in the same spot as a Brock Purdy or George Kittle someday. The impact was real, and it was probably a reality that most of those kids never thought they would have the opportunity to be a part of.

On the last day of the trip, we had our last big football camp. This was our biggest event out of them all. It was open for the public to watch, and there were hundreds of people there decked out in 49ers gear to see and check out the 49ers at work. At this camp, we had a tackle football group as well as a flag football group, with half of the campers being girls. Growing the game of football to flag and making it available to not just boys but also girls was a big point of emphasis for this trip. We wanted to show that football is for everyone, and that was done at this camp. Over the course of 4 hours, the campers got t-shirts, autographs and pictures with the 49ers players, and of course, got to learn more about the game they love from 49ers players. To try to put into perspective how excited people were about this camp, I had dozens of people, whether it be people working security, to parents in the stands, etc. come up to me and try to get the campers’ shirts. The shirts had ‘Football for Change’ written and all of the 49er’s attendees’ names on them. People just wanted to say they got to witness this event and show that they were there. It was a big deal to everyone; they knew it was something special, and they wanted to brag to their friends and families that they got to be there. The 49ers were once again so intentional and knew their significance at this camp. They didn’t hesitate to take pictures with the campers and fans and were engaged the whole way through to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Overall, the first ‘Football for Change’ in Los Cabos, Mexico, was exactly what the name was. We used football to create positive change. I probably saw more smiles that one week than I had the whole rest of the year so far. Sports really do create change. They create happiness. They create hope. They create a sense of community. They create a sense of togetherness. They create a positive outlet for kids to relieve stress, learn about life values, and, most importantly, have fun. I might have heard these impacts of sports and even experienced some of these things. However, I didn’t know these things as I know them now until I saw them from a new perspective on this trip. It just goes to show how special sports can be when people come together to initiate change. It is up to not only the athletes, but workers of the sports industry, and even fans of sports to come together to create change and show the true power of sports.

Jett Hatfield is a senior majoring Sport Management in Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies with a minor in Business Administration. This trip was through his internship with the A.B.C. Sports Foundation. Jett is slated to graduate in May.

Pep Rally and High School Visit in Los Cabos, Mexico

Visiting Recreation Center in Los Cabos, Mexico

School Visit with Members of A.B.C. Sports Foundation and San Francisco 49ers

Two CEHHS Seniors Named Torchbearers – UT’s Highest Honor

March 10, 2025 by Douglas Edlund

Two CEHHS Seniors Named Torchbearers – UT’s Highest Honor

Two Seniors in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to service and leadership have been named Torchbearers, the university’s highest student honor. Kate McCarville a Senior studying therapeutic recreation and Jada Walker, studying sport management were presented with the awards earlier this week.

The recipients were surprised with the award through a surprise visit from either Chancellor Donde Plowman or a member of her cabinet. UT leadership — and a balloon sculpture of the university’s iconic torch — appeared in each room to honor the new Torchbearers alongside friends, classmates, professors and mentors during seemingly normal classes and club meetings.

The award reflects the university’s Volunteer Creed: “One that beareth a torch shadoweth oneself to give light to others.” Students selected as Torchbearers embody the Volunteer spirit, displaying initiative and service in the best interests of both the university and their fellow students.

Kate McCarville of Springfield, Missouri, is studying therapeutic recreation and psychology with a minor in leadership studies and will graduate this spring. She is a member of UT’s swimming and diving team, where she was awarded the Lady Vol Student-Athlete Academic Achiever Award in 2024, and she has been named twice to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and seven times to the Dean’s List. McCarville has competed in the SEC and NCAA swimming and diving championships, winning the SEC championship alongside her team in 2022, as well as in the U.S. Olympic Team trials in 2024. She completed therapeutic recreation field experiences with Cornerstone of Recovery, NHC HealthCare Fort Sanders and the FUTURE program, and volunteered with 1Tenn, the VOLeaders Academy and the League of Angels.

—

Jada Walker of Ooltewah, Tennessee, will graduate this spring with a degree in sport management and a double minor in Spanish and business administration. Walker is president of the Zeta Delta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, captain of the VolCorps Volunteer Team and president of the Melanin Mental Health Alliance, an award-winning student organization she founded. Walker has been honored as New Member/Neophyte of the Year by the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and as an outstanding junior by UT’s chapter of the NAACP. She is a member of the UT Success Academy and the Global Citizens Program and has previously been involved with leadership and professional development programs including the Academy for Global Scholars, the Tennessee-Rwanda Leadership Experienceand Big Orange Combine. Walker has volunteered with community organizations like Thrive and the Metro Drug Coalition as well as with Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack program.

The Torchbearers, along with the Macebearer and Volunteer Spirit honorees, will be recognized for their extraordinary achievements at the Chancellor’s Honors Banquet on Tuesday, April 29.

KRSS Alum Named Executive Director of Rise Above

March 5, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

KRSS Alum Named Executive Director of Rise Above

The Growing Seattle Nonprofit Serves Native Youth Through Sports Clinics and Mentorship

Rise Above, a Seattle nonprofit dedicated to empowering Native youth, has announced that Natalie Welch has joined the organization as its new executive director.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Natalie on our growing team,” says Rise Above CEO and founder Jaci McCormack. “Her expertise, knowledge and compassion are going to help us inspire even more kids.”

Natalie Welch

“I’m thrilled and honored to join Rise Above in this role,” Welch said. “Jaci and Brad have built an amazing foundation through their relationships and passion to serve Native youth.”

Welch brings over a decade of professional experience in the fields of marketing and education. She obtained her MBA from the University of Central Florida and completed her doctorate degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, focusing her dissertation on Native American athletes giving back to their communities.

She is originally from the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee, North Carolina, and is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Before moving to Seattle, Welch helped build a sport management program at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon. She volunteers regularly, including coaching for Girls on the Run, a nonprofit that focuses on the social, emotional, physical and behavioral skills of third- to eighth-grade girls.

As executive director, Welch will oversee Rise Above’s community services, organizing events and coordinating with like-minded nonprofits. Welch will continue in her current role as a professor at Seattle University, teaching in the MBA in Sport and Entertainment program in the Albers School of Business.

Welch Speaking to a Group of Youth in Seattle

“Having Natalie on our team is only going to make our work stronger as our organization expands its reach,” says Rise Above co-founder Brad Meyers. “Our mission is to empower Native kids, and she’s going to help us live out that mission.”

Rise Above is projected to grow 25% annually over the next five years, with an aim to double its staff and programming by 2025. To keep pace with expanding services and increased client requirements, Rise Above seeks a range of talented professionals to conceive, develop and implement new and emerging programs; identify and secure additional sources of funding; and recruit, retain and promote top-tier professionals to manage and shape strategy for the organization.

Rise Above has historically been funded by grants and charitable fund programs. Moving forward, it seeks to enlist more support from individuals, foundations, businesses and community partners.

“In the coming years, we have the opportunity to expand our work beyond the Pacific Northwest by maintaining crucial relationships across Indian Country and local governments,” Dr. Welch explained. “This opportunity to serve our Native people is one that I cherish, and I hope to inspire our youth and let them know that their dreams are possible.”

For more information, please nativeyouthriseabove.org or contact Rise Above at info@nativeyouthriseabove.org.

Two CEHHS Alums Selected to Volunteer 40 Under 40 Class of 2024

January 22, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Two CEHHS Alums Selected to Volunteer 40 Under 40 Class of 2024

Andraya Carter and Jacques McClendon are the latest alumni from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) to join the UT Knoxville Alumni Volunteer 40 Under 40 class for 2024. The Volunteer 40 under 40 recognizes alumni who have made incredible accomplishments in their careers as well as impacts in their communities, on campus, and with other alumni.

Carter graduated in 2017 with a Master of Science in Kinesiology. She joined ESPN as a game analyst, working primarily on SEC Network in 2018. Over the past four years, Carter has established herself as one of ESPN’s rising stars across the network’s comprehensive sports coverage. What was a part-time contract with approximately 40 assignments per year ballooned to 128 assignments in 2022. While continuing her role as a color analyst, 2022 featured expanded roles as a studio analyst, studio host, sideline reporter and sideline analyst (a hybrid role created for her) not only for Women’s College Basketball but also for the WNBA, NBA, and Men’s College Basketball across ESPN platforms, including ABC.

While there are many commentators who have countless assignments every year, the multitude of assignments and various roles is what sets Andraya apart. Andraya was also added as a studio analyst for the Brooklyn Nets pregame, halftime and postgame shows this NBA season. Andraya also had the honor of being an analyst for ESPN’s coverage of the NBA Draft alongside JJ Reddick, Jay Bilas and Malika Andrews.

As a member of the Rising Media Stars mentorship program, Andraya has committed to helping guide young aspiring women in sports. She often welcomes current student-athletes shadowing her on the road and is brought in by teams for media training. She has already formed long lasting connections and earned the respect of many. Andraya hosts coffee meet ups, dinners and zoom calls with aspiring sports broadcasters and sideline reporters. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Andraya put on outdoor PE classes for kids in the metro Atlanta area and over the past few years has visited different schools, organizations and team events to speak to young boys and girls about overcoming adversity, embracing being uncomfortable and being your authentic self.

Jacques McClendon received his Master of Science in Sport Management in 2010. He is in entering his seventh season with the Los Angeles Rams and serves as their Director of Football Affairs. McClendon serves as a key liaison between football and business operations for the organization and has multiple touchpoints throughout the organization.

He also serves on the organizational leadership team. McClendon’s department is tasked with leading and aligning Player and Alumni Affairs and their integration within the overall organizational strategy. He assists the Scouting department with conducting interviews and evaluations during the draft process. Jacques is also involved in football staff talent recruitment efforts, with a specific focus on inclusion and diversity, leveraging his experience with the Rams scouting apprenticeship program as well as his advisory board role for the ID council.

Jacques serves as the Rams liaison for the Nunn Wooten and Bill Walsh Fellowship Program. Jacques serves on the Player Benefits, Bill Walsh, DEI and Legends steering committees with the NFL league office. He also serves as the club liaison with the NFLPA. In May 2022, McClendon graduated with his MBA from Brown University.

McClendon serves on the Chairman’s Forum for Unify Credit Union. He is also on the advisory board for the Black Sports Symposium which was created as an opportunity to create networking, professional development, and job opportunities for black sports professionals. McClendon also serves on the Knight Commission for Intercollegiate Athletics. In 2022, he was also selected to attend and participate in the Ozzie Newsome General Manager Forum.

McClendon spent 7 years as an NFL player, which included time with the Colts, Jags and Dolphins. A four-year letterman at the University of Tennessee, McClendon was an Academic All-SEC choice and holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and master’s degree in Sports Management from Tennessee.

Gao Recognized by SHAPE America for Enhancing Inclusion and Equity in Health and Physical Education

January 3, 2024 by Alyssa Seisser

Gao Recognized by SHAPE America for Enhancing Inclusion and Equity in Health and Physical Education

KRSS Department Head Receives F.B. Henderson Award for His Commitment to Inclusion

Zan Gao, Department Head in Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies (KRSS) in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) is the latest recipient of the F.B. Henderson Award from SHAPE America. This prestigious national award is presented to minoritized members of SHAPE America for their long-standing commitment to academic, mentorship, and service through enhancing the involvement of underserved populations in their professional field. Gao will be receiving this award at the SHAPE America national conference on March 14^th, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

“I am deeply honored to receive the F.B. Henderson Award,” said Gao. “This recognition by SHAPE America not only highlights the importance of inclusivity and diversity in our field, but also reinforces my commitment to nurturing and empowering underserved communities through education and mentorship in kinesiology and sport studies.”

SHAPE America is the Society of Health and Physical Educators and is the oldest and largest organization dedicated to health and physical education. Founded in 1885, the organization defines excellence in school-based health and physical education. In fact, SHAPE America’s national standards in health education and physical education have provided the framework for effective instruction for K-12 students nationwide.

Zan Gao (left) with a group from the Physical Activity Epidemiology Lab

Gao has made significant contributions to diversity at different levels throughout teaching, scholarship, and service. The criteria for the E. B. Henderson Award require that the recipient “demonstrate successful and exemplary involvement in scholarship.” Gao’s academic record is exceptional and well-funded. His main research focus includes population-based behavior change interventions to prevent chronic diseases through application of lifestyle technology, with the goal of promoting health and optimal development. He accomplishes this in the context of promoting inclusive environments that benefit diverse populations and is presently studying the interactive effects of modern technology, physical activity, health outcomes, and disease prevention among underserved populations including children of color, overweight adults, and breast cancer survivors.

Gao is a highly productive researcher as evidenced by his impressive list of publications in a variety of high impact peer-reviewed journals. His remarkable research production is reflected in his impressive h-index of 52 and with 7920 Google Scholar citations. Most recently, he has been included in the World’s Top 2% Scientists from all areas (Career Impact) (1960-2023) List and 2023 Impact List (Ranked #46,716 in the world). In 2023 Dr. Gao is listed as one of the Best Scientists in Social Sciences and Humanities by Research.com (Ranked 4,945 in the world and 2,463 in the U.S.). Dr. Gao has been awarded over 10 million dollars as the Principle Investigator (PI)and Co-investigator in grant funding. For example, Gao was the designer and Principal Investigator of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Salud America grant designed to investigate the engagement of urban Latino students in culturally appropriate physical activities. He was also awarded by the National Institutes of Health to study the impact of active video games on underserved children’ health. As an example of his work focusing on underserved youth, Gao recently published a paper entitled “Small-groups versus full-class exergaming on urban minority adolescents’ physical activity, enjoyment, and self-efficacy” as the corresponding author in the Journal of Physical activity and Health. He was also the lead author on an article entitled “Video game–based exercise, Latino children’s physical health, and academic achievement” in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. These and other works by Gao demonstrate an important strand of his research agenda that focuses on health and education disparities in underserved populations.

During his tenure at various universities, Gao has taught and advised students with different backgrounds and experiences derived from, e.g., different race/ethnicities, colors, religions, national origins, citizenships, sexes, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, disabilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. For example, he has mentored students in master’s and doctoral studies including directing master’s theses and doctoral dissertations.

In his research lab in spring 2023, there were a dozen of students and post-docs from a variety race/ethnicity and 7 countries (United States, South Korea, Japan, China, Egypt, Spain, Nigeria). In all these activities, Gao functions with an undergirding effort to forward an agenda of diversity and equity as reflected in his participation in “Equity and Diversity Certificate” from the University of Minnesota. (2021-2022) and his “Leading for Equity” efforts at the National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education (2021). As a result of his dedication and commitment to equity and inclusion in the profession, he received the 2015 SHAPE America Leroy T. Walker Young Professional Award.

Gao has an impressive record of leadership skills at the professional, university, and community levels, while addressing the health and education disparities during his service. Gao is currently serving as a committee member of Diversity Action Committee at American College of Sports Medicine.

Gao believes in leading by example. As the newly hired department head of the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, one of his first sponsored activities was to organize a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshop for his faculty in November 2023. This demonstrates the value he places on access and engagement. The example he has set with his impressive research, teaching and service record is truly inspirational. That record is augmented by his valuing of diversity and the dignity and worth of all students, faculty, and staff. His recognition of the need and value of diversity is reflected in his scholarship, teaching, and service. The quality and quantity of his work in conjunction with the national and international recognition Gao has garnered in his career, attests to his tremendous contribution to access and engagement. He serves as an example of the value of diversity and inclusion in academia.

For Gao, the F.B Henderson Award is an incredible honor and recognition of his long-standing contributions to his profession. From scholarship to service, Gao is dedicated to promoting health and wellness to all.

“The Henderson Award is a testament to the collective efforts of many who believe in the power of sport and physical activity to transform lives. I thank SHAPE America for this prestigious honor and vow to continue advocating for the involvement of diverse populations in our field, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to achieve excellence in health and human sciences,” said Gao.

The F.B Henderson Award is named for Edwin Bancroft Henderson, a noted author teacher, coach, and administrator in physical education and athletics. One of his major scholarly contributions was The Negro in Sports, published in 1939. Tennis star Arthur Ashe used Henderson’s work as the basis for a three-volume series on the African American Athlete. In addition, Henderson widely recognized as the “Grandfather of Black Basketball” through his introduction of basketball in 1904 to African Americans in Washington, D.C.