Eight Student-Athletes Attend Black Student-Athlete Summit
5/28/2025 3:50:00 PM | General
The goal is to holistically develop Black student-athletes across the country
FORT WORTH – Eight TCU Student-Athletes attended the Black Student-Athlete Summit, May 21-24 in Chicago, Ill. The event is hosted annually with the goal to holistically develop Black student-athletes across the country.
Representing the Horned Frogs were Alex Arnold (track & field), Sasha Crawford (track & field), Allison Hodges (spirit), Lafayette Kaiuway (football), Becca Kelley (volleyball), Jace Posey (men's basketball), Jalyn Gibson (volleyball), Micah Robinson (men's basketball).
Following the Summit, the student-athletes provided the following reflection on their experience.
Alex Arnold - "I learned valuable skills on how to network and build meaningful connections. The summit gave a supportive environment where I could be with other student athletes and industry professionals, sharing experiences and advice. I got insights into effectively presenting myself, starting conversations, and maintaining relationships that can support both my athletic and professional aspirations. This experience emphasized the importance of community and mentorship in personal and career growth."
Sasha Crawford - "The summit has taught me so much about embracing who I am. In the past I've struggled a lot with self confidence, so coming to this summit not only helped me stand taller as a black woman, but also helped me know that there are so many people who are willing to help me with the career I want to pursue. This trip was also a great preview of how life will be without sports, and being educated on things that aren't taught in classrooms is super valuable. I've also met and grew closer to some great people here."
Jalyn Gibson - "Attending the BSA Summit was very powerful and eye-opening experience that left a lasting impact on me. Being in a space filled with fellow Black student-athletes, mentors, and leaders from all over the country for the first time, gave me a deep sense of connection and pride. The event reinforced the value of seeing ourselves as more than just athletes, and pushed us to fully embrace our individual identities and ambitions. Through sessions focused on self-improvement, mental well-being, and professional growth, I was moved by the stories of perseverance and reminded of the strength that comes from a united community."
Allison Hodges - "Attending the Black Student-Athlete Summit was a transformative experience that inspired with me. Surrounded by Black student athletes, professionals, and leaders from across the country, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and unity. The summit emphasized the importance of recognizing our worth beyond the sport, encouraging us to embrace our identities and goals. Engaging in sessions that highlighted personal growth, mental health, and career development, I was inspired by stories of resilience and the power of community."
Lafayette Kaiuway - "I enjoyed returning to the Summit and being able to network and interact with different athletes, mentors, and people who have been in my shoes before. Being here gave me the understanding that there's more to come even after my athletic career is done, and I can make a living off the things I love with or without a degree. I learned a lot about how to move with every aspect of my life and what I should be prioritizing to benefit my future. "Remember why you did what you're doing now understand life happens and things end but betting on yourself, staying consistent, and actually knowing you want to do something and not thinking will set you apart from others no matter what you decide to pursue" this quote resonated with me in ways I didn't know were possible. I enjoyed my time at the Summit experiencing a new city and the opportunity it brought!"
Becca Kelley - "The BSA Summit has been one of the most influential organizations that I got to be apart of in my entire life. As a women of color who is very light, I've never been included or accepted within a group, a circle of people who look like me or act as I do. Being there and getting to know other excellent Black people has been so amazing and eye opening. I feel like I've been graced with a community that I've been searching so long for. The BSA Summit has inspired me to reach for more, to strive for greatness, and to never settle. I'm forever grateful to have gotten this opportunity to grow and make new friends."
Jace Posey - "I really enjoyed my time at the BSA Summit. I didn't network a whole lot, but I still connected with some really cool student-athletes and had meaningful conversations. Hearing different perspectives helped me reflect on my own experience and opened my eyes to new ideas around NIL, personal growth, and life beyond sports. I learned more than I expected just by listening and being in the room. Overall, I'm grateful for the opportunity and would do it again."
Micah Robinson - "I feel attending the BSA Summit was an eye opening and empowering experience. Being surrounded by other Black student-athletes made me feel supported and understood, and I learned a lot about the importance of networking, especially how building real relationships can open doors in the future. The conversations around mental health stood out to me the most as I realized how important it is to take care of myself mentally and not just push through everything alone. I also gained some valuable tips on saving money, budgeting, and thinking long term about my finances. Overall, the summit helped me grow personally and gave me tools I can carry with me beyond sports."
Representing the Horned Frogs were Alex Arnold (track & field), Sasha Crawford (track & field), Allison Hodges (spirit), Lafayette Kaiuway (football), Becca Kelley (volleyball), Jace Posey (men's basketball), Jalyn Gibson (volleyball), Micah Robinson (men's basketball).
Following the Summit, the student-athletes provided the following reflection on their experience.
Alex Arnold - "I learned valuable skills on how to network and build meaningful connections. The summit gave a supportive environment where I could be with other student athletes and industry professionals, sharing experiences and advice. I got insights into effectively presenting myself, starting conversations, and maintaining relationships that can support both my athletic and professional aspirations. This experience emphasized the importance of community and mentorship in personal and career growth."
Sasha Crawford - "The summit has taught me so much about embracing who I am. In the past I've struggled a lot with self confidence, so coming to this summit not only helped me stand taller as a black woman, but also helped me know that there are so many people who are willing to help me with the career I want to pursue. This trip was also a great preview of how life will be without sports, and being educated on things that aren't taught in classrooms is super valuable. I've also met and grew closer to some great people here."
Jalyn Gibson - "Attending the BSA Summit was very powerful and eye-opening experience that left a lasting impact on me. Being in a space filled with fellow Black student-athletes, mentors, and leaders from all over the country for the first time, gave me a deep sense of connection and pride. The event reinforced the value of seeing ourselves as more than just athletes, and pushed us to fully embrace our individual identities and ambitions. Through sessions focused on self-improvement, mental well-being, and professional growth, I was moved by the stories of perseverance and reminded of the strength that comes from a united community."
Allison Hodges - "Attending the Black Student-Athlete Summit was a transformative experience that inspired with me. Surrounded by Black student athletes, professionals, and leaders from across the country, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and unity. The summit emphasized the importance of recognizing our worth beyond the sport, encouraging us to embrace our identities and goals. Engaging in sessions that highlighted personal growth, mental health, and career development, I was inspired by stories of resilience and the power of community."
Lafayette Kaiuway - "I enjoyed returning to the Summit and being able to network and interact with different athletes, mentors, and people who have been in my shoes before. Being here gave me the understanding that there's more to come even after my athletic career is done, and I can make a living off the things I love with or without a degree. I learned a lot about how to move with every aspect of my life and what I should be prioritizing to benefit my future. "Remember why you did what you're doing now understand life happens and things end but betting on yourself, staying consistent, and actually knowing you want to do something and not thinking will set you apart from others no matter what you decide to pursue" this quote resonated with me in ways I didn't know were possible. I enjoyed my time at the Summit experiencing a new city and the opportunity it brought!"
Becca Kelley - "The BSA Summit has been one of the most influential organizations that I got to be apart of in my entire life. As a women of color who is very light, I've never been included or accepted within a group, a circle of people who look like me or act as I do. Being there and getting to know other excellent Black people has been so amazing and eye opening. I feel like I've been graced with a community that I've been searching so long for. The BSA Summit has inspired me to reach for more, to strive for greatness, and to never settle. I'm forever grateful to have gotten this opportunity to grow and make new friends."
Jace Posey - "I really enjoyed my time at the BSA Summit. I didn't network a whole lot, but I still connected with some really cool student-athletes and had meaningful conversations. Hearing different perspectives helped me reflect on my own experience and opened my eyes to new ideas around NIL, personal growth, and life beyond sports. I learned more than I expected just by listening and being in the room. Overall, I'm grateful for the opportunity and would do it again."
Micah Robinson - "I feel attending the BSA Summit was an eye opening and empowering experience. Being surrounded by other Black student-athletes made me feel supported and understood, and I learned a lot about the importance of networking, especially how building real relationships can open doors in the future. The conversations around mental health stood out to me the most as I realized how important it is to take care of myself mentally and not just push through everything alone. I also gained some valuable tips on saving money, budgeting, and thinking long term about my finances. Overall, the summit helped me grow personally and gave me tools I can carry with me beyond sports."
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