A group of twelve student-athletes from Oregon, accompanied by eight UO staff members, received recognition at the Black Student-Athlete Summit held in Los Angeles in May. Co-hosted by USC from May 23-26, this event saw the UO contingent, along with peers from Oregon State, being honored with the BSA’s Student-Org of the Year Award. Their collaborative efforts focused on strengthening connections within the local Black community, alongside engaging in networking and professional growth opportunities.
Representatives from Oregon included football players Brison Cobbins, Dante Moore, Devin Morrow, Elijah Williams, and Emar’rion Winston; members of the acrobatics and tumbling team Morgan Hood, Nicole Jackson, and Blessyn McMorris; volleyball players Naomi Glover and Onye Ofoegbu; Sarah Rambus from women’s basketball; and Gianna Bullock from track and field.
Winston expressed his appreciation for the chance to network with fellow Black student-athletes, highlighting the rarity of such opportunities. Accompanying the student-athletes were UO senior associate athletic director Da’Mon Merkerson; O Heroes director Malik Lovette; football staff members Lydia Gibbs, Karl Holmes, and Kai Jones; volleyball assistant coach Arica Nassar; athletic trainer Brandee Barbee; and the director of the university’s Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center, Dr. Aris Hall.
McMorris, a returning attendee, shared how the summit continually impacts her life, offering insights into both her athletic journey and career aspirations. Barbee reflected on the significance of creating safe spaces for international and minority student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of representation and exposure to diverse career paths.
The joint efforts of UO and OSU groups earned them the organization of the year award, acknowledging their innovative spirit and impactful contributions to their departments, universities, and communities. Dr. Hall underscored the importance of supporting student-athletes holistically, fostering their growth as individuals and leaders beyond their athletic pursuits.
The summit also facilitated discussions among representatives from various universities, including Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA, regarding the upcoming transition to the Big Ten Conference. The event aimed to equip participants with skills and perspectives to navigate their collegiate experiences effectively and prepare for their futures.
Cobbins reflected on the empowerment gained from the summit, emphasizing the potential for student-athletes to enact meaningful change through their voices and actions.
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