What does it take for a student-athlete to succeed in athletics after high school? Sure, it takes talent. But it also takes a solid plan. Whether aiming to land a coveted athletic scholarship for college or setting one’s sights on professional sports, navigating the path to achieve the best possible results is as crucial to an athlete’s success as his or her game.
On Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, the College of Charleston’s Office of Institutional Diversity, in partnership with the DAE Foundation, will be hosting “The Power of the Student-Athlete,” a free, open-to-the-public event designed to offer guidance for middle and high school athletes, parents, coaches and anyone interested in maximizing the opportunities available in post-high school athletics. The event will take place at the College of Charleston’s Sottile Theatre from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Jermel President (Photos provided)
“The Power of the Student-Athlete” will feature a presentation by Jermel President ’03, CEO Of the DAE Foundation.
“Our goal is to help close the opportunity gap,” says President, referring the challenges student-athletes face when trying to get the top spots and scholarships. These include ACT/SAT testing; developing time-management skills; learning recruiting strategies and more.
The College of Charleston Athletics Hall of Famer knows firsthand the importance having a plan. Following his successful tenure playing for the Cougars men’s basketball team, President now spends his days educating and training student-athletes to become skilled, effective and responsible citizens of their communities through the DAE Foundation.
Working to address the needs of student-athletes in a holistic manner, the DAE Foundation combines innovative basketball skills training with an emphasis on moral character, academic progress, and overall physical and mental health. In doing so, DAE not only helps student-athletes play competitively, but also assists them in developing skills to succeed far beyond the sports arena.
“I was fortunate enough to play under Coach Kresse,” says President of his days playing basketball at the College with former men’s basketball coach John Kresse. “He prepared me for a whole world that I had never been exposed to.”
DAE’s focus on creating involved community members includes working to promote diversity. It is this emphasis that drives its partnership with the College’s Office of Institutional Diversity, which is the main sponsor of the event.
“All the research shows that the more diverse a community is, the better that community is going to be,” says Renard Harris, chief diversity officer of the College of Charleston. Harris oversees the Office of Institutional Diversity, which is responsible for creating and guiding programs and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion on campus.
“’The Power of the Student-Athlete’ will be a good conversation starter for both students and families,” says President. “I am excited to share my knowledge as we, the community, work together to put our student-athletes on a path towards success.”
For more information, visit jermelpresident.com.
