Growing up as a basketball player, I was surrounded by athletes that I could relate to. I understood the culture, wore the same clothes, listened to same music, and had many other things in common with the girls, boys, men and women who played the sport. Basketball was my safe space.
But what about athletes of color, or athletes who identify as something different than the majority? Athletes like Coco Guaff, Misty Copeland, Tiger Woods, Venus and Serena Williams are just a few recent examples of athletes who continue to break barriers in their sport.
So how do you navigate social and emotional challenges that come with being an athlete of color on a predominately white sport? If you play hockey, lacrosse, golf, crew or others, what do you do if you find yourself struggling to mesh with the culture?
I love being an athlete because playing a sport is like having access to universal language. When things click, sports can bring people together from so many backgrounds, and shouldn’t discriminate based off of religion, race, economic status or other factors. Yet and still, sometimes it might feel different, not seeing peers, coaches or administrators that look like you. Here are a few tips to help you excel and grow as an athlete, no matter what.
How Athletes of Color Can Thrive in Historically White Sports
Find a support system. Find your people. These supporters might include family, friends, coaches, or a therapist. They can help in providing you with the emotional support and guidance needed to navigate conflicts you may have internally or externally.
Be aware of the history. If you’re having trouble navigating your current situation, take a moment to understand the history of your sport and the challenges faced by other athletes of color. Understanding the past can better help you understand what has and hasn’t been done yet.
Stay focused. Remember, you are an athlete that has worked and continues so hard to work at your craft. It’s important to stay focused on your goals and not let external factors distract you from reaching them.
Advocate for yourself. If you need extra support, don’t be afraid to speak up if you need help or accommodations. Talking to a trusted coach, advisor, school therapist or other resource will help you much more than going at it alone.
Take care of yourself. When you’re navigating unfamiliar territory, it is even more important to take care of your physical and mental health. If you’re not eating well, getting enough sleep, skipping on treatment, missing PT and more, you may struggle more dealing with these dynamics.
Celebrate your successes. Don’t forget to take a moment to pause each day and celebrate your accomplishments. As the only person like you on your team, l you are an inspiration to so many people. Tap yourself on back and get excited about what you’ve been able to do. It takes so much to represent a team, especially at the collegiate level- so be proud and be confident… you rock!