During this walk, Ashley Germain talks to us about her experience as an international college athlete. Originally from Montreal, Ashley matriculated into U.S. higher education as a track and field athlete at the University of Maryland, College Park. Discussion points in this episode include but are not limited to: Navigating the visa process to stay and live/work in the U.S. Ashley's experience as a Team Canada track and field athlete The role of Worldwide Terps, UMD's international college athlete organization Self-discovery during Covid and Black Lives Matter movement The importance of major selection for international college athletes How Ashley learned English through watching Netflix shows International college athletes continue to enter U.S. higher education at increasing rates. This episodes shines light on their unique experience and shares recommendations for how NCAA athletic departments can best support international athletes during their entire lifecycle in the United States higher education system.
During this walk, Dr. Walker talks to us about how to increase access for Black students and Black college athletes to study abroad. Dr. Walker is the Founder of World Walker, LLC. World Walker's mission is to curate transformative learning experiences abroad. https://www.worldwalker.org During the Spring 2025 term, World Walker will lead two Spring Break trips for Black students to the United Arab Emirates and Japan. Discussion points in this episode include but not limited to: Importance of centering Black students when designing study abroad programs Exploitation of Black athletes in global contexts How white supremacy shows up in United States and abroad History of U.S. Black Americans relationship with mobility Interest convergence: college athletics and international education If you don't have Black students interested in studying abroad, you ain't doing it right! Dr. Walker comes with gems, a lot of truth, and a vision for the future of international education.
During this episode, George talks to us about NFL globalization. Commonly known as "George on Sports," George is a Sport and Lifestyle Personality, Creator, Host & Former UK Running Back. George was also named "arguably the most influential Colts fan in Europe," per a 2023 IndyStar featured article. Discussion points in this episode include but are not limited to: NFL Globalization efforts in the UK Differences in NFL fandom between UK and Germany Involving local community in NFL internationalization initiatives Leveraging stories of international athlete/coaches to increase visibility grow the game globally George's 2024 NFL MVP and 2025 SuperBowl prediction When we can expect an NFL regular season game in Africa This an episode we will look back on and say "George told us so!" NFL's International Impact Follow George on IG: @GeorgeOnSports We're walking!
During this walk, Lucy shares why education abroad is for all athletes. A United Kingdom native, Lucy is a returning guest to the Walk With TFB Podcast. During her first appearance, we learned more about her story, career experiences, and moments that led her to create Athlete Futures Abroad (AFA) in 2022. Lucy is the Founder of Athlete Futures Abroad (AFA). AFA is the study discovery platform that empowers student-athletes to explore overseas study. AFA equips athletes with the necessary knowledge, tools and resources to pursue their education in the UK, regardless of their desire to continue competing. Discussion points in this episode include but are not limited to: Impact of global politics on students desire to study abroad Social media as a tool for international student recruitment How UK universities choose to become competitive destinations for former NCAA athletes Role of Graduate Route Visa in decision making to study abroad in the UK Lucy recognizes the value of education abroad. AFA is committed to connecting all students and athletes to opportunities in the United Kingdom, including NCAA athletes who have exhausted their eligibility. This episode surely sets the tone for the rest of Season 6! Tell a friend to tell an athlete about Athlete Futures Abroad! Visit AFA's website! www.athletefuturesabroad.com Follow AFA on Instagram!
During this walk, Timi explains what it means to be a British-Nigerian playing American football. Born in London and from Nigerian descent, Timi played global football (soccer) his entire life. After watching Super Bowl LVI between the Rams and Bengals, he became intrigued with the sport. His mom's encouragement was the final push. Timi decided to pivot away from soccer and learn American football. In 2022, Timi enrolled at the NFL Academy. Founded in 2019, the NFL Academy is “a global initiative by the NFL, which aims to use American football to create life-changing opportunities for young people all around the world.” The Academy is THE international athlete pathway to compete as an NCAA college athlete. His story has been covered by ESPN and Sky Sports, but during this episode Timi gets to share his story with his own words. Discussion points: Timi's commitment to being a STUDENT-athlete Timi's career plans alongside NFL aspirations Growth of American football in the U.K. International athlete recruiting process Future of NFL Academy talent in the NCAA Big 10 stadiums Timi is looking forward to competing in Timi is trilingual but throughout this episode he speaks his truth. Buy stock in the NFL Academy now. International football athletes are coming to the NCAA. Timi and others are leading the way. Instagram: @TimiOke Blog: NFL Academy, International Football Athlete Pathway to NCAA
During this walk, Maria Jose (MJ) talks to us about the Pittsburgh Steelers international content strategy. An Honduras native, MJ graduated from Texas Christian University (TCU). While at TCU, she became enamored with American football and was eager to work in sport. Soon after her first football game, she secured her first internship with TCU athletics and the rest was history. MJ currently serves as the International Content Manager for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In her role, she is responsible for contributing to the Steelers' global expansion strategy through engagement on social platforms. Through the NFL's International Home Marketing Areas (IHMA) program, the Steelers have marketing rights in Mexico, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Discussion points include: Detailing the role of an NFL international content manager Strategy to attract and engage global Steelers fan base NFL's International Home Marketing Areas (IHMA) program American football globalization and community engagement Favorite international content and experiences College sport globalization and future directions NFL globalization does not happen by osmosis. Humans dictate what happens and how it happens. The NFL named her a "Next Woman Up," but we argue that she's already arrived. Phenomenal episode in English. Part two will be in Spanish. Muchas gracias, Maria Jose! Connect with MJ on LinkedIn Follow: Los Steelers on Instagram (Steelers Mexico) Follow: Steelers Deutschland on Instagram (Steelers Germany)
During this walk, Amari shares how we can support NCAA Native America college athletes. A Louisville native, Amari is a two-time graduate of The Ohio State University. After earning her Bachelor’s in Business and working corporate, Amari returned to school to earn her Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs and learn how she can best support Native American student-athletes. Land acknowledgements are the bare minimum. Amari’s work moves beyond requirements and explores how college athletic administrators can create environments conducive to the holistic development of Native American college athletes. This episode is one for every stakeholder connected to the NCAA ecosystem.
During this walk, Dr. Jessica Murfree speaks to us about how sport can be used as a tool to understand climate change. A Georgia native, Dr. Murfree has attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill to pursue a her life long dreams to become a veterinarian. After learning she was no longer experiencing joy in academic study, she changed her major, told her parents "just watch, I'll show you," and pivoted her focus to pursue a career in sports. During graduate school, she discovered that she can combine her love for both sport and the natural environment through the study of sport ecology. She earned her doctoral degree from the University of Louisville and has not looked back. Dr. Murfree is a sport ecologist, researcher, and professor who studies how people come to know the realities of climate change through sport. A Forbes 30 under 30 recipient, she has been invited to speak, train, and teach all over the world, most recently the 2023 Sport Positive Summit in London. She lso went to the Falcons v Jaguars game in the U.K. Discussion points during the episode include: How are we raising questions about the environment during diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) conversations? Environmental sustainability: What are the policies, initiatives, and ideas being shared? Who are the beneficiaries? Franchise relocation as an environmental adaptation strategy (e.g, potentially the Jacksonville Jaguars) Social justice issues with deep roots of environmental racism (e.g. Black folks relationship with water) What are our individual roles to help protect the planet? How can sport be used to drive and facilitate conversations and initiatives right now? We get one planet. Let's protect it. Leveraging sport will help. Let's walk. Dr. Murfree's website: https://www.jessicamurfree.com
During this walk, Tatyana shares why Saudi Arabia has earned a seat at the global sport table. Originally from Saudi Arabia, Tatyana grew up in the Atlanta area and graduated from Georgia State University. While at GSU, she gained meaningful work experience through several internships, including ne with the Saudi E-Sports Federation. Her knowledge about sport globalization and higher education internationalization is impeccable. During this episode, she clearly communicates how globalization has shaped Saudi Arabia's influence in global sport as well as the impact of internationalization on international student mobility and virtual exchange through e-sports. Topics we discuss on this walk include: Saudi Arabia's influence in LIV and F-1 The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Purpose and culture of sport in Saudi Arabia Relationship between religion and sport Sport as a vehicle for diplomacy and humanization "You can't have sport without the world." Tatyana reminds us who we are, what we do, and where we are going.
During this episode, Dr. Fry talks to us about the relationship between sport geography and conference relignment. Dr. Fry has traveled to more than 200+ colleges and universities speaking to students, faculty, and staff about conflict. She is also the founder of two tech companies: Coordle and Hyreable. She earned her PhD from Michigan State and dedicated her dissertation as a love story to Black women volleyball athletes who competed in non-U.S. professional leagues. Her academic research, coaching experience, and commitment to disruption informs our conversation about conference realignment across the NCAA ecosystem. How will conference realignment affect enrollment at Division I mid-majors, and Division II and III institutions? How are athletic departments taking care of their staff who will also be affected by increased travel? What additional mental health resources will be dedicated to college athlete well-being? These are just some of the questions we dive into on this episode! Unfiltered and very timely! Let's walk!
During this walk, Lucy shares why education abroad is for all athletes. A United Kingdom native, Lucy graduated from De Montfort University. Lucy spent several years working in the higher education and technology industries across marketing, international recruitment, and customer success. Throughout her career, it became apparent that global education and student mobility were part of her calling and in August 2022, she took the leap. Lucy is the Founder of Athlete Futures Abroad (AFA). AFA is the study discovery platform that empowers student-athletes to explore overseas study. AFA equips athletes with the necessary knowledge, tools and resources to pursue their education in the UK, regardless of their desire continue competing. Lucy recognizes the value of education abroad. AFA is committed to connecting all students and athletes to opportunities in the United Kingdom, including NCAA athletes who have exhausted their eligibility. Excited for y'all to learn more about AFA as well as sport culture differences between the United States and United Kingdom! Visit AFA's website! www.athletefuturesabroad.com Follow AFA on Instagram!
During this walk, Jasmine teaches us all about digital communities. A former college athlete and McNair scholar, Jasmine is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on Black digital cultures, online dating, and sports. What are the key markers of "Black Twitter?" What are the experiences of Black women on dating apps? Why should digital studies be including in NIL education, especially Black college athletes?! What in the world is Black digital world building?! Jas the PhD student helps us answer these questions alongside so much more. Digital studies is a complex field and future Dr. Jasmine is committed to providing vibrancy through interdisciplinary research and practice. Enjoy this episode, follow her, and buy some damn stickers! :) Follow Jasmine, her ventures, and purpose work here!
During this episode, Stephanie explains how Ubuntu captures her life. A Louisiana native, she attended Loyola University New Orleans and later earned her master's degree in student affairs from Texas State University. She is a currently a doctoral candidate at Prairie View A&M University who is in her season of preparation, planning, and service. But she will be mobile soon, as future Dr. Stephanie just became THE FIRST Prairie View A&M University student to be a Fulbright scholar. She will spend her Fulbright year in South Africa as part of the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Stephanie's story is inspiring and her humility is just one of her strengths. We are so grateful to have spent time with Stephanie and excited to share our conversation with the world. Stephanie's LinkedIn Profile
During this episode, Aïcha talks to us about the fresh starts happening in her life. A Canadian native, she started playing basketball at age 14. The time she spent training and traveling finally paid off when she was offering a scholarship to compete as an NCAA athlete. After starting her career at Penn State, she enters her first season at the University of Cincinnati. She will be part of UC's inaugural season in the Big 12 season. Aïcha has meaningful experience in global competition, representing both Canada and Senegal in international events. She speaks about what she has learned from her teammates and opponents while representing her countries. This episode is fun with a lot of learning and insight for us to consider as we design programming and support interventions for NCAA international athletes. Let's walk!
During this walk, Ancia provides insight on her conference call with God. A native of Barbados, she came to U.S. and competed at IMG Academy. After graduating, she continued her tennis career as an international college athlete at Bethune-Cookman University. She has worked in college athletics throughout her career, supporting college athlete academic advising and development. She is also a PhD student at the University of Louisville, where her research focuses on Black international college athletes. Excellent episode with visionary insights into the future of college athletics!
During this walk, Lo explains why she stays true to the game, to herself, and to Black women. Lauren Dreher ("Bigggg Lo") is a star in the sports industry. Born and raised in the 803, Lo started playing basketball at a young age and her passion for the game has never faded. Lo is a member of The Committee Sports Group - a group of women’s basketball enthusiasts committed to covering the game and sharing stories at both the college and professional levels. Every Tuesday evening, you can find Lo on The Committee's Twitter Spaces discussing recent events in the women's game and often addressing the nuances of intersectionality as they relate to different storylines. Lo is also an co-host for the WNBA’s official Twitter Spaces for the 2023 season alongside Ari Chambers, Monica McNutt, and Mark Schindler. During the 2023 Women's Final Four weekend, Lo participated in a Playa Society pop-up that also featured rising sports media creator, B. Terrell and Notre Dame's star point guard, Olivia Miles. You can find Lo on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Shop Lo’s merch here.
We kick off Season 5 speaking Tay Hawker! Born and raised in New Zealand, Tay is a talent agent, former NCAA international athlete, and friend. He has over ten years of front office experience in the United States, including a detailed background in sport business and law, talent ID and development, revenue generation, commercial partnerships and strategic development. His athlete experience, career decisions, and visionary leadership prepared him to be the founder and CEO of Hawker Family Sports and Entertainment. A couple years later, he transitioned to his current position at Halo Sport as a professional agent. During this podcast, we discuss women’s sports, differences in sport culture between U.S. and New Zealand, as well as how sport management curriculum can best prepare graduates for careers in global sport. Listen to the podcast now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube! Be sure to subscribe to the show and give us a 5-star rating and bomb review, but only if you mean it!
During this walk, Tim discusses life updates, information about the upcoming Internationalization and Athletics Summit, how you can support Walk With TFB moving forward. READ: "Walk With TFB" sponsored by Biden-Harris Administration! SIGN UP: 2023 Internationalization and Athletics Summit READ: Comprehensive Internationalization Framework READ: "Black Internationalization for a Post-COVID Era" by Future Dr. Tonija Hope READ: Blog about Tim being laid off Twitter/IG: @WalkWithTFB
During this walk, Tim recaps Season 4, shares his social justice philosophy, and shares next steps in his walk with God. Read: "God is My Bridge" blog Podcast IG and Twitter: @WalkWithTFB Podcast Website: Walk With TFB MOGL LinkTree MOGL Website: https://www.mogl.online MOGL IG: @get.mogl MOGL Twitter: @TheMOGLApp MOGL TikTok: @get.mogl
During this walk, Leslie explains why she chooses to live bold, live big, and live without regret.