WaveCapital's Guest Speaker Series on Relationship Building in a Team Environment

WaveCapital's Guest Speaker Series on Relationship Building in a Team Environment

by Garrett Boorojian
CareersSports
Season 4

Garrett Boorojian and MSG Networks Gotham FC Analyst, ESPN Reporter / Analyst, 3x Division I All–American and Hall of Fame Soccer Player at La Salle University, Renee Washington

Garrett Boorojian and Renee Washington discuss relationship building in a team environment. As an undergraduate at LaSalle University, Renee competed in two NCAA Division I sports, soccer and track & field. While playing on the Women's Soccer Team, she was a 2x Capital One Co–Sida Academic All–American, NSCAA Academic All–American and NSCAA All–American. Renee was also a 4x All–Conference Player in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Also, at LaSalle, she was the University's Student Athlete of the Year in 2014. That same year, Renee was nominated as the NCAA Woman of the Year. To learn more about Renee's professional background and work, please visit her website at Tv Personality | Renee P Washington. Professional Career: Gotham FC Analyst – MSG Networks, Inc. Reporter – Atlantic 10 Conference Contributing Writer – BET Media Group Founder – Planted, Not Buried Student Success Manager – Mentor Collective Sports Reporter / Analyst – ESPN Sports Reporter – 6abc WPVI–TV Philadelphia Show Host – MLBbro Content Creator & Host – WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) Sports Reporter – FOX Sports Sports Reporter – Washington Football Team Game Day Broadcaster – Philadelphia Union Soccer Coach – FC DELCO Men’s Basketball In–Arena Host – La Salle University Head Coach – Council Rock United Soccer Association Team Reporter with Atlantic City Blackjacks – Arena Football League Senior Anchor / Producer – National Lacrosse League (NLL) News / Sports Multimedia Journalist and Anchor – SNJ Today Reporter / Anchor – GateHouse Media Freelance Writer – Double G Reports Sports and News Reporter – WBCB 1490 Anchor of The Sports Break – Radio Vision Network Graduate Assistant Coach for Women’s Soccer – Lehigh University Sports Media Assistant – Lehigh University Academic Career: Lehigh University Mastered: Master of Education (M.Ed.) – Educational Leadership Graduate Assistant for the Lehigh Women's Soccer Team Majored: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Double Minored: Spanish and Psychology African American Student League La Salle Women's Soccer La Salle Women's Track and Field Neighborhood Tutoring Lambda Pi Eta Honors Society Dean's List (2010 – 2014) Pennington Preparatory School Sustainability Club Spanish National Honors Society Varsity Women's Soccer (Four Years) Varsity Women's Basketball (Four Years) Junior Proctor Peer Program Dean's List (2006 – 2010)
S4 · E34
Jul 10, 2023
57:30

Garrett Boorojian and 2016 and 2018 National Champion at the NCAA Division I Clemson University Tigers, former Boston College Eagles Player, Richard Yeargin III

Garrett Boorojian and Richard Yeargin III discuss relationship building in a team environment. Richard is a 2x National Champion (2016 and 2018) as a former member of the Clemson University Tigers' NCAA Division I Football program. Richard was on his way to becoming a top NFL Draft pick but, while he was at Clemson, he sustained a serious neck injury in a terrible car accident that changed his life forever. Richard was able to turn his tragedy into a triumph. Richard started the two-year rehabilitation process and when he attempted a comeback to play collegiate football, Clemson's Atlantic Coast Conference rival, Boston College, reached out to Richard in the transfer portal and asked him to join its Division I program. After hearing that he could play again from his doctor, he took the necessary time to make an informed decision of what he wanted to do with respect to football. Engaged and with a son, Richard made the journey to Boston and never looked back. Richard played well at Boston College and proved that he could still be effective on the gridiron. At Boston College, Richard was awarded the Atlantic Coast Conference's Brian Piccolo Award in 2019. Richard talked about the positive influences in his life, including his older brother Richard Jr. and his former coach, future College Football Hall of Famer Dabo Swinney, throughout his football and professional career journey. Richard also spoke about his strong faith in God who helped him get through the most challenging and difficult times of his recovery period. Since his playing days, now at the age of 26, Richard is a husband and father, has been very active as a servant leader and professor at Clemson, and is a nationally recognized motivational speaker. After receiving his undergraduate (Sports Communication & Business Administration) and graduate degrees (Athletic Development & Organizational Leadership) at Clemson, he's now on pace to get his Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Leadership) from the University in 2027. Richard's story is the true definition of relationship building. Heart. Determination. Mental Strength. Faith. Resilience. Winner's Attitude. That's Richard Yeargin III.
S4 · E33
Jun 27, 2023
36:12

Garrett Boorojian and Super Bowl 50 Champion and Offensive Tackle at NFL's Denver Broncos, Motivational Speaker, Westwood One Radio Analyst, Ryan Harris

Garrett Boorojian and Ryan Harris discuss relationship building in a team environment. Ryan Harris' Professional Career Accolades: The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2003–2007). Played in 114 NFL games. Started in 70 NFL games. Despite a total of 10 surgeries, Ryan proved that he could still play at an elite level in the NFL and won Super Bowl 50 as the starting offensive tackle at the NFL's Denver Broncos. Denver Broncos (2007–2010, 2012, 2015).Super Bowl 50 Champion.Started all 16 regular season games and all three (3) playoff games (including the Super Bowl vs. the Carolina Panthers). Protected Hall of Famer and two-time (2x) Super Bowl Champion and Quarterback, Peyton Manning, on the offensive line. NFL's Philadelphia Eagles (2011). NFL's Houston Texans (2012–2013). NFL's Kansas City Chiefs (2014). NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers (2016). Ryan is also a motivational speaker, book author (Mindset for Mastery), sports television analyst and mentor.
S4 · E32
Jun 8, 2023
33:49

Garrett Boorojian and former Assistant Coach of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, former NBA Head Coach (Memphis Grizzlies), 1977 NBA Champion (Portland Trail Blazers), 2020 NBA Champion (Los Angeles Lakers), 1975 NBA First Round Draft Pick, Lionel Hollins

Garrett Boorojian and Lionel Hollins discuss relationship building in a team environment. This interview took place when Lionel was an Assistant Coach of the NBA's Houston Rockets. Lionel talked to Garrett about the key elements of relationship building and how they have applied in the NBA from his experiences as a former NBA player, head coach and assistant coach. Lionel discussed the similarities and differences from a basketball perspective of several players, teams and coaches, the style and manner in which the game is played today, the emphasis on less structure and more of a fast-paced game today, and the effects of social media pertaining to the media and analysis of every move a player and team makes resulting in mental health issues amongst players today. Lionel stated that in this era of basketball, the fundamentals have not developed as quickly with younger players as they rely more on athleticism. However, no matter the era of basketball, players still have to score, rebound, assist, defend, cause turnovers, win the time of possession, and overall execute and play team basketball in any coaching system that's implemented. NBA is modernized with all the resources for players to train, heal, and perform to the best of their abilities. As per Lionel, not every coaching system works for a team but the right system for the right players is what makes NBA Championship teams effective, dominant and hard to beat. Specifically, Lionel talked about the similarities and differences from a basketball standpoint in the 1993 Chicago Bulls’ and Phoenix Suns’ NBA Finals matchup, highlighting Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. Lionel played against both of them earlier in his playing career. Garrett, as a great NBA fan, has met both Michael and Charles. Whether it's Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Wilt Chamberlain, or Bill Russell, etc., Lionel explained that players today would have challenges to guard these elite players from their respective generations. Tune into Episode 31 for more of the conversation between Garrett and Lionel about relationship building in a team environment. Lionel played in three NBA Finals, winning one championship: 1977: (NBA Champions): Portland Trail Blazers (4-2 vs. Philadelphia 76ers) 1980: (Eastern Conference Champions): Philadelphia 76ers (4-2 vs. Los Angeles Lakers) 1982: (Eastern Conference Champions): Philadelphia 76ers (4-2 vs. Los Angeles Lakers) Lionel coached in two NBA Finals as an Assistant Coach, winning one championship: 1993: (Western Conference Champions): Phoenix Suns (4-2 vs. Chicago Bulls) 2020: (NBA Champions): Los Angeles Lakers (4-2 vs. Miami Heat) Lionel just missed playing in four NBA Finals. After his final year in Philadelphia, he played for the San Diego Clippers. After their 1980 and 1982 losses, the 1983 76ers swept the Lakers 4-0 in the NBA Finals. Lionel's Professional Career Accolades: NBA First Round Draft Pick (1975, 6th Pick Overall) NBA Career Averages: 11.6 Points Per Game, 4.5 Assists Per Game, 1.6 Steals Per Game) 2x NBA Champion (1977, 2020) 3x Western Conference Champion (1977, 1993, 2020) 2x Eastern Conference Champion (1980, 1982) NBA All-Star (1978) NBA All-Defensive First Team (1978) NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1979) NBA All-Rookie First Team (1976) 262 wins as an NBA head coach and won three NBA playoff series Jersey Retirements: #14 Portland Trail Blazers and #33 Arizona State Sun Devils Third Team All-American (Associated Press and National Association of Basketball Coaches, 1975) 2x First Team All-Western Athletic Conference (1974, 1975)
S4 · E31
May 28, 2023
38:09
Season 3

Garrett Boorojian and Agent at WME Sports, former Director of Football Affairs at NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, Super Bowl 56 Champion, former NFL Player, Jacques McClendon

Garrett Boorojian and Jacques McClendon discuss relationship building in a team environment. At the time of the interview, Jacques was the Director of Football Affairs at the NFL's Los Angeles Rams. After this episode aired, Jacques became an Agent at WME Sports in Nashville, Tennessee. Jacques McClendon's Professional Career History: - Agent at WME Sports - Director of Football Affairs and Super Bowl LVI Champion at the NFL's Los Angeles Rams - Director of Player Engagement at NFL's Los Angeles Rams - Management Council Player Benefits Steering Committee at the NFL - Board of Advisors at Black Sports Business Symposium - Co–Vice Chair Racial Equity Task Force; College Athlete Issues and Educational Mission Committee at Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics - Chairman's Forum at UNIFY Financial Credit Union - Offensive Lineman at the NFL (Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Miami Dolphins) Jacques McClendon's Education History: - Brown University (Executive MBA, Business Administration and Management, General) - University of Tennessee at Knoxville (Master of Science, M.S., Sport Management); Activity: Partners in Sports - University of Tennessee at Knoxville (Bachelor's Degree, Economics); Activities: Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economics Honor Society), FCAIA, Habitat for Humanity, SEC Academic Honor Roll - The Wharton School (Athlete Development Professional Certificate, Executive Education) - IE Business School (Executive MBA, Business Administration and Management, General – IE Brown Executive MBA Program)
S3 · E30
May 19, 2023
37:26

Garrett Boorojian and Basketball Hall of Famer, Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer, Rucker Park Hall of Famer, former NBA Assistant Coach of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, 1979 FIBA World Championship for Women (Gold Medalist), Nancy Lieberman

Garrett Boorojian and Nancy Lieberman discuss relationship building in a team environment. "The Greatest Religion of All is Love and Kindness... that's what Muhammad Ali taught me." – Nancy Lieberman “Great show. She is without doubt one of a kind. The best.” – Del Harris Nancy talked about her love for basketball and the conversations she had with her former players when she was the Assistant Coach at the NBA's Sacramento Kings, and as the current head coach at Power in the BIG3. Nancy talked about how she grew up, as a woman playing youth basketball and baseball. She learned quickly that she was discriminated against because as a woman she couldn't be insured playing youth sports. She loved her time at the YMCA because the organization allowed her to play on youth sports' teams with boys. Nancy learned how to develop a thick skin playing in her neighborhood and at Rucker Park. The people she played with during her high school days named her "Fire" because of her "attitude." Nancy played with a lot of passion and wasn't afraid of any type of competition. She was inducted into the Rucker Park Hall of Fame and felt it was an amazing honor. Nancy talked to Garrett about her very tough childhood. A bright spot early on was at Rucker Park, because decades later she loves that people still fondly remember and know her well as "Fire" and "Lady Magic." With a full scholarship, Nancy played on the Old Dominion University Women's Basketball team. She competed in the Olympics and FIBA World Championship games. Nancy had no father-figure in her life and sports were her positive outlets. She looked up to the legendary Muhammad Ali. Nancy wanted to become the Greatest Basketball Player of All time. Nancy worked hard to overcome all obstacles of people saying Nancy couldn't achieve what she set her mind to achieve. She succeeded valiantly. December of 1979 – Ali talked to Nancy at The Plaza Hotel and taught her vital life's lessons. "God made you special." – Ali said to Nancy Nancy felt that she was "broken," but Ali changed the course of her life. Nancy would have access to Ali for 20 years in the latter stages of his life as his health declined from Parkinson's disease. "I'm a reflection of Muhammad Ali... that's who I am." – Nancy In addition to the late Ali, Nancy talked humbly about her friendships with Cuttino Mobley, Carmelo Anthony, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Walt "Clyde" Frazier, Ice Cube, Del Harris, and the late Kobe Bryant. She, George Raveling and John Calipari are a few of Del's closest friends. Nancy talked about how women are celebrated and appreciated for their roles in basketball and the continued growth and development of the global game. Nancy discussed her awareness that women, and women of color, still need to be focused and prioritized so they're able to advance to the next levels with the same career opportunities. Nancy made a very hard decision to leave the Sacramento Kings in 2017 to take care of her mom who had been in poor health in recent years. Nancy shared with Garrett that she lost her mom four months prior to their interview. At the time of her conversation with Garrett, Nancy Lieberman Charities have awarded over $8 million in scholarships. Nancy's Dream Courts created at-risk youth venues to play on in their communities. Ninety high school seniors are attending HBCU schools. Over 5 million children get to enjoy 115 Dream Courts. Pfizer and Pepsi are global companies that support Nancy's exceptional charity work. Nancy talked to her good friend, Kobe, via text messaging two nights before he passed away and spoke with Kobe on the phone the night before he passed. She almost flew with Kobe on his helicopter the day it crashed in Calabasas, California. Nancy talked about motherhood and her son TJ.
S3 · E29
May 10, 2023
55:22

Garrett Boorojian and Executive Director of Tom Brady's TB12 Foundation, former Executive Director of Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Lisa Borges

Garrett Boorojian and Lisa Borges discuss relationship building in a team environment. Lisa graduated from Westfield State University in Westfield, Massachusetts, with a B.A. in Political Science, received a Certificate in Nonprofit Management (Nonprofit / Public / Organizational Management) from Clark University in Worchester, Massachusetts, and her J.D. from New England Law in Boston, Massachusetts. Although Lisa never practiced law professionally, she explained to Garrett that her law school background has been very helpful in her professional career. After her first two career roles outside of the nonprofit space, she became the Executive Director of the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism in Framingham, Massachusetts. The Foundation is named after former college and NFL quarterback, Doug Flutie, who was the 1984 Heisman Trophy Winner and unanimous All–American at Boston College. Under Lisa's leadership, guidance and direction as its Executive Director, she would hold that title at the Foundation for 18 years from 1999 to 2017. Lisa oversaw all aspects of the Foundation, which included administration, operations and budget, program development, fundraising, donor relations, marketing, community outreach, policy decisions and organizational goals. She also worked with the Foundation's Board of Directors, stakeholders and strategic partners, Lisa was responsible for making sure all areas of the Foundation were running smoothly and effectively together. After her 18–year tenure, Lisa became the Interim Executive Director of the Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care. Cam Neely is a former NHL right wing for the Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins. Following her brief time there, since 2018, she has been a part–time Faculty Member on behalf of an online training "Sports and Entertainment Impact Certificate" program. Her full–time roles are two–fold: Lisa is the CEO and Founder of her consulting company, Anchor Foundation Consulting, that supports other Foundations to reach their goals and carry out their missions. In September of 2020, during the first year of the COVID–19 pandemic, Lisa was named the Executive Director of Tom Brady's TB12 Foundation. At the TB12 Foundation, it's focused on the holistic growth and development of the athlete, inside and outside of sports. The Foundation makes a variety of resources available for at–risk children and military personnel, active or veterans, that are education, nutrition, rehabilitation and athletic based. Pliability is what the TB12 methodology explains as the reasoning behind Tom's longevity for two–plus decades as a professional NFL quarterback. Pliability complements Tom's discipline to follow a very regimented and healthy lifestyle as per the TB12 methodology. The TB12 Body Coaches develop and build lifelong relationships with the people they help serve, becoming mentors and friends to them. Tom and the body coaches take great interest in the health and wellness path of today's youth, the military and other groups of people interested in a healthier lifestyle that requires hydration, nutrition, rest, exercise and recovery. At the time of their conversation, Lisa talked to Garrett about the successful implementation of the TB12 methodology in one of the top 30 largest school systems in the United States, which is Pinellas County Schools in Florida.
S3 · E28
May 10, 2023
39:13

Garrett Boorojian and FOX Sports Play–by–Play Broadcaster, son of Marv Albert, Kenny Albert

Garrett Boorojian and Kenny Albert discuss relationship building in a team environment. "Well Garrett, it's great to be with you. I know you've had a pretty illustrious list of guests so it's an honor to join you..." – Kenny Albert Kenny Albert - Fox Sports Press Pass "Bio Versatile five-sport broadcaster Kenny Albert marks his 31st season with FOX Sports in 2024, the longest-tenured FOX NFL play-by-play announcer. He has been calling NFL games for FOX Sports since its 1994 inception and currently is the only broadcaster handling play-by-play for all four major U.S. sports (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). For FOX’s 2024 NFL coverage, Albert teams with analyst Jonathan Vilma for the fifth consecutive season. Albert marked his 494th network NFL broadcast in Week 18 of the 2023 NFL season and has called games involving every NFL team at least three times during his career, totaling more than 60 matches with some. Entering the 2024 NFL season, Albert’s 494 NFL games called rank him seventh-highest all-time among play-by-play broadcasters (trailing only Al Michaels, Dick Stockton, Don Criqui, Pat Summerall, Kevin Harlan and Charlie Jones) and 12th-highest among NFL broadcasters across any role. On the NHL side, Albert has called the fourth-most network TV games of any play-by-play announcer at 473 and sits eighth among play-by-play announcers with 411 MLB games called on network television. Across the four primary U.S. sports, Albert holds the fourth spot among total games called at 1,378 and counting. He was named the 2023 New York Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association (NSMA), and in 2022, he was inducted into the New Jersey Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Albert has called two of the last four Stanley Cup Final series on national television (2021 on NBC, 2023 on TNT). In early 2021, NBC Sports named Albert the lead play-by-play announcer for its NHL coverage, with Albert replacing Mike “Doc” Emrick and calling the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. Additionally, Albert was named the lead hockey play-by-play broadcaster by Turner Sports, beginning with the 2021-22 season. In 2018, FOX Sports named Albert the blow-by-blow announcer for its coverage of Premier Boxing Champions, charging him with calling some of the most high-profile championship fights in the world on FOX and FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View shows. The three-time play-by-play category Sports Emmy Award nominee (2015, 2019 and 2022) previously partnered with analyst Rondé Barber from 2017-2019 and Daryl “Moose” Johnston from 2007-2016, calling five NFC Divisional postseason games, as well as the 2008 Pro Bowl with Johnston and sideline analyst Tony Siragusa. Albert has called Major League Baseball on various FOX networks since 1997 (on FOX Sports since 2001). He contributed as a field reporter for the 2003 and 2004 American League Championship Series (ALCS) on FOX and hosted the ALCS trophy presentations in 2003, 2004 and 2009. The list of sports Albert has called for FOX is long and distinguished, highlighted by: five seasons of NHL coverage (1995-1999); BCS college football, including the Allstate Sugar Bowl (2007 & 2009), FedEx Orange Bowl (2008) and AT&T Cotton Bowl (2011) broadcasts; and two years as host of the NTRA Champions on FOX series (1999-2000). Albert called the 2009 BCS Championship Game and 2010 MLB All-Star Game in 3-D for FOX/DirectTV. He handled play-by-play for FS1’s Big East men’s basketball coverage in 2014 and 2015 and Big3 basketball on FS1 during the summers of 2017 and 2018. Albert was behind the mic for FS1’s presentation of the 2019 American League Division Series (ALDS) (Houston vs. Tampa Bay), 2018 National League Division Series..."
S3 · E27
May 3, 2023
33:49

Garrett Boorojian and Emmy Award winner, SiriusXM Host, former ESPN Anchor, Jade McCarthy

Garrett Boorojian and Jade McCarthy discuss relationship building in a team environment. About — Jade McCarthy "Jade McCarthy is an ESPN alum who hosted the network’s flagship show, SportsCenter. She reported feature stories for NFL Sunday Countdown and hosted a variety of shows for the World Wide Leader in Sports. Jade is an Emmy award-winning 20-year veteran of the sports broadcast industry who you may hear on Sirius XM NFL Radio. Jade has covered New England Patriots Super Bowl championships, the 2011 Boston Bruins Stanley Cup championship and welcomed viewers to SportsCenter after the Boston Red Sox won the 2013 World Series. Quite a thrill for a girl born and bred in Boston. In 2008, she ran onto the field at Citizens Bank Park moments after the Philadelphia Phillies clinched a World Series title. She has interviewed the likes of Billie Jean King, Michael Phelps, and Rafael Nadal. During her time at NBC Philadelphia, Jade created an Emmy-award winning series, “GameChangers” which profiled people who changed the way we look at sport. Their stories of remarkable resilience, grit, and willpower have never left her. Jade told similar stories while at ESPN – profiling Super Bowl champion coach Bruce Arians and Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman. Jade is passionate about leadership and strives to share these same messages in her own home. Jade and her husband, Gordy, reside in the Northeast with their children Mac, Finn, Brinley and Emerson." Host | Consultant at SiriusXM NFL and Fantasy Radio for The 33rd Team (NFL Think Tank) Host at NBC Sports Boston Host / Anchor / Feature Reporter at ESPNSportsCenter NFL Live / Insiders NFL Sunday Countdown Outside the Lines Covered NCAA football bowl games Host / Reporter at New England Sports NetworkBoston Red Sox sideline reporter Anchor / Reporter Anchor / Reporter at WCAU NBC10 (NBC–owned–and–operated)Emmy–Award winner Anchor / Reporter at WAFF 48News (NBC-affiliated) Reporter / Assignment Editor at WGGB–TV (ABC, Fox, and MyNetworkTV–affiliated)
S3 · E26
May 1, 2023
59:51

Garrett Boorojian and Emmy Award winner, ESPN Reporter, formerly of the SEC Network and CNBC, Lauren Sisler

Garrett Boorojian and Lauren Sisler discuss relationship building in a team environment. "I truly think that my experiences have given me such a deep level of gratitude." – Lauren Sisler Lauren is an ESPN Reporter based in Birmingham, Alabama, which is a role that she has served since 2016. Lauren has reported on college football and gymnastics for the Network. When she joined ESPN, Lauren was also hired as the SEC Network's SEC Nation Reporter. She also works for AL.com as a Sports Reporter and Host. Before ESPN and the SEC Network, Lauren worked as a Sports Anchor and Reporter for WIAT 42 (CBS–affiliated) in Birmingham. Prior to WIAT 42, she served in the same roles at WTAP–TV (NBC–affiliated) in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Before her move to West Virginia, Lauren was a Sports Reporter, Video Photographer and Editor at WDBJ7–TV (CBS–affiliated) in Roanoke, Virginia. Her professional career started in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, at CNBC as a News Associate for Fast Money and then as a Technical Associate. Tragically, Lauren's parents lost their lives from prescription drug overdoses when Lauren was 18 years old. After suffering the very painful and heartbreaking tragedies and losses in her family, Lauren's resilience and fortitude brought her to the pivotal moment of raising awareness and becoming an advocate for people fighting and avoiding their drug addiction. Lauren's uncle and aunt, and her Rutgers' teammates and coaches, were all there for her during the very difficult times she experienced after her parents passed away. Lauren is a motivational speaker. As of 2022, she serves as the Chief Communications Officer for The12thStep.org, The organization's mission is centered on connecting and caring with all those who are recovering from their drug additions. The Addiction Prevention Coalition in Birmingham, the Speakers Bureau for the Shelby County Drug Free Coalition, Bradford Health Services and The Foundry are groups Lauren has been a part of to inspire and help people who have been affected by their additions. Lauren talks about covering a University of Kentucky and University of South Carolina football game. After learning of a unique characteristic of Kentucky's J.J. Weaver, it brought to light that while challenges vary amongst people who face them, the empathy shown to all is universal. "Gratitude" within relationship building is the final message Lauren shares with the viewers and listeners. She graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, with a B.A. in Communication. She was a Division I student athlete and honored as the Team Captain for Rutgers' Gymnastics team. Professional Accolades: - Lauren won a Regional Emmy Award (2017); Interview between Charles Barkley and Nick Saban (11 million + views online including via social media) - At WIAT 42, Lauren was a four–time award winner; one of the awards Lauren received was the National Sports Media Association's Alabama Sportscaster of the Year (2016) - Lauren was named Alabama Associated Press' Best Sports Anchor (2014 and 2015) - Lauren won the Alabama’s Best in Broadcasting (ABBY) as Sports Anchor of the Year (2013)
S3 · E25
Apr 28, 2023
37:25
9 of 12