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Don’t Sweat It – Manage the Heat Safely

By
Robert Herron
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Don’t Sweat It – Manage the Heat Safely
Photo: Creative Commons

By Manuel Munoz II and Dr. Robert L. Herron |

Temperatures have not been this high in decades. Extreme heat conditions can cause a multitude of negative health outcomes such as heat strokes, hospitalization, and death. Additionally, research has demonstrated that exposure to consistently high temperatures has been linked with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

Exposure to hot and humid ambient temperatures affects physiological function, especially during physical exertion or exercise. To maintain homeostasis and keep our body temperature in a desirable range, the body will start sweating and circulating more blood to the skin to reduce overall body temperature. Sweat is comprised of mostly water from your blood plasma and when the sweat reaches the skin, the water evaporates causing the cooling effect.

The increased blood flow to the skin is facilitated by a higher cardiac output driven by an increase in heart rate and stroke volume. While these adjustments are paramount to cooling, increases in heart rate and stroke volume require a higher workload on the heart.

Additionally, when someone is unable to replace their sweat loss with fluid intake, their body will slowly dehydrate. Once in a hypohydrated state, there is less blood volume to circulate due to the sweat loss and thus additional strain is put on the heart.

Combined with other issues such as prothrombotic conditions, inflammation, and other risk factors, heat stress during rest or physical activity can be dangerous.

Therefore, we want to encourage everyone to prioritize their safety in the heat. Please monitor local temperatures, be mindful of your fluid intake, and stay active. Some ways you can stay cool outdoors are to wear light clothing, spend time in the shade, and stay hydrated. Additionally, it takes a few weeks to let your body adapt to changes in the seasons.  Seek out professional guidance from an exercise professional or registered dietitian if you want to further evaluate your specific hydration needs during exercise or need help designing your training to facilitate heat adaptation for yourself of those you coach.

Manuel Munoz II is a Senior undergraduate student at the University of Montevallo studying Exercise and Nutrition Science from Samson, AL. Manuel is a McNair Scholar and member of the Exercise Science Club at the University of Montevallo and has been recognized for being on the President’s List every year during his time at Montevallo.

Robert L. Herron, Ed.D., NSCA-CSCS*D, ACSM-CEP is an Assistant Professor in the Exercise and Nutrition Science Program at the University of Montevallo. Dr. Herron is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® with distinction from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CSCS*D®) and a Clinical Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-CEP®). Dr. Herron is a graduate of the United States Sports Academy and serves as a Non-Resident Faculty Member.

Pro Leagues and Teams Should be Cautious with ‘Woke’ Movement

By
U.S. Sports Academy
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Pro Leagues and Teams Should be Cautious with ‘Woke’ Movement
AP PHOTO/ERIC GAY

By Dr. Matthew Williams |

Society has long used sports as a communication outlet to bring attention to politics and wars. But now a different type of movement appears in the United States known as the Woke movement. This movement is more of an aggressive movement that covers social inequality, racism, gender, sexual orientation, and inclusiveness. The Woke movement is being inserted into Professional Sport Leagues and some Professional Teams at an alarming rate.

The Woke movement started with the NFL and the NBA when they addressed the death of George Floyd in which both professional leagues brought awareness of Social Injustice and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Just recently there were some NHL, players that refused to participate in the pregame warm-up-skate, wearing Jerseys in support of the LGBTQ+ community Pride Night. Siting their religious beliefs.

Now the Los Angeles Dodgers plan to have pride night where they have invited a controversial LGBTQ anti-Catholic group known as the Sisters of the Perpetual Indulgence to attend pride night. This invite by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization has offended some of its fan base. It has also forced some players in the organization to speak out against the group being invited to pride night. The players believe that you should not make a mockery of any religion. 

Professional Sports leagues and professional teams should take an intense look at what has happened to Companies that have embraced the woke movement. A prime example is Bud Light a product of Anheuser-Busch-InBev that has recently been dealing with a woke backlash from its consumers because of the Dylan Mulvaney TikTok post celebrating her 365-day anniversary of being a transgender woman. Target has also faced a woke backlash from its consumers due to its selling LGBTQ kids’ clothing. Both of these companies have lost billions of Dollars from their decision to be involved in the woke movement.

Professional Sport Leagues and some professional teams need to be cautious with the woke movement. If not, they could witness a backlash from their sport fans who no longer want to support them because of their involvement with the woke movement. Resulting in lost revenue from ticket sales, souvenir sales, and television viewership.

Dr. Matthew Williams is an Associate Professor of Sport Management at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise and is an avid NASCAR fan.

Congratulations to USSA’s Latest Delta Mu Delta Honor Society Inductees

By
Dr. Brandon Spradley
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Congratulations to USSA’s Latest Delta Mu Delta Honor Society Inductees

By Dr. Brandon Spradley |

We would like to congratulate seven students who were recently inducted into the Pi Lambda chapter of Delta Mu Delta honor society at the United States Sports Academy.

Delta Mu Delta is an international society dedicated to the recognition of students who have distinguished themselves academically. The purpose of Delta Mu Delta is to promote higher scholarship in education and to recognize and reward scholastic attainment in the area of business and related areas such as sports management.  

In 2022, the United States Sports Academy established the Pi Lambda chapter and was officially installed as a chapter of the Delta Mu Delta honor society.

Seven students were recently inducted into the honor society:

  • Charles Freeman, doctoral student in sports management
  • Jared Bonvillain, doctoral student in sports management
  • James Hammond, doctoral in sports management
  • Portia Daniels-Murphy, master’s student in sports studies
  • Dominic McCoy, master’s student in sports management
  • Taylor Rogers, master’s student in sports management
  • Sook Pink Lim, master’s student with a dual major in sports management/exercise science

Each of these students demonstrated a high level of academic success in their respective programs and went above and beyond to achieving and maintaining the academic standards of the university.

Delta Mu Delta is one of three honor societies affiliated with the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The United States Sports Academy is the first and currently only institution to have each of its sports management programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels accredited by ACBSP.

Again, we congratulate these students on their academic achievements and wish them continued success in their program of study.

Below is a video of the induction ceremony:

Dr. Brandon Spradley is the Dean of the School of Sport Business at the United States Sports Academy.

Ask An Alum: Clayton Hamilton

By
Dr. Brandon Spradley
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Ask An Alum: Clayton Hamilton

By Dr. Brandon Spradley and Taylor Rogers |

Clayton Hamilton, an alumnus of the United States Sports Academy has worked within the University of Arkansas athletic department since 2010 and currently serves as the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer.

A native of Little Rock, Ark., Clayton earned his master’s degree in sports management from the United States Sports Academy in 1997. He said the university’s mentorship program and faculty support system played valuable roles in helping him climb the ranks in collegiate athletics and the sport profession.

At Arkansas, Clayton has oversight of the athletics department’s financial affairs, internal support units, business operations, contracts, human resources, payroll, and more. He previously served in financial roles for athletic programs at the University of Colorado and Florida State University, and in professional sports for the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Clayton was recently interview by Taylor Rogers, Director of Admissions and Assistant Athletic Director at the United States Sports Academy. The interview is part of USSA’s Ask an Alum career webinar series. Clayton talks about his journey in athletics and provides helpful advice to students on how to successfully navigate a career in sport.

If you are interested in working in collegiate athletics and the sport industry, take a listen to the interview below.

Summer Gets Hot – Hydrate to Stay Safe

By
Robert Herron
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0
Summer Gets Hot – Hydrate to Stay Safe
Open source

By Robert L. Herron, Ed.D. and Manuel Munoz II |

As the summer continues, it is particularly important to remember to stay hydrated. Evidence shows that over half of Americans do not consume enough fluid to maintain proper hydration (euhydrated state). Being hydrated is very important as hydration status can affect a variety of bodily functions such as temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and cardiovascular function.

For those being physically active in the heat, hydration is vital for sustaining cardiovascular function and safety. Plasma, is comprised of over 90% of water, makes up over half of total blood volume. If you are hypohydrated then there is less water in the blood which requires the heart to work harder to keep blood circulating. This causes heart rate and blood pressure to increase which. Furthermore, prolonged periods of dehydration can cause endothelial dysfunction and damage vital organs such as kidneys. Having adequate plasma volume will allow for the heart to pump blood more efficiently.   

For those in the Northern hemisphere, this summer brings about temperature increases and people are engaging in more outdoor activities. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of the importance of staying hydrated for safety. When you sweat you lose a lot of water and in turn, blood plasma. When exercising or performing physical activity, be sure to replenish the fluids you lose from sweating.

Additionally, water is a large component of synovial fluid within a joint capsule that aids in reducing the amount of friction between bones and allows movement. However, if someone is hypohydrated then joint movement could cause more friction and potentially increase discomfort or pain to occur with movement at various articulations.

We wish to encourage everyone to consistently be mindful of their fluid intake – particularly in the summer when you are active outside. Some best practices include monitoring urine coloration, sensation of thirst, and how much you sweat throughout the day. Reach out to an exercise professional, dietitian, physical therapist, athletic trainer, or physician to help you better understand your individualized hydration needs in the heat.

Manuel Munoz II is a Senior undergraduate student at the University of Montevallo studying Exercise and Nutrition Science from Samson, AL. Manuel is a McNair Scholar and member of the Exercise Science Club at the University of Montevallo and has been recognized for being on the President’s List every year during his time at Montevallo.

Robert L. Herron, Ed.D., NSCA-CSCS*D, ACSM-CEP is an Assistant Professor in the Exercise and Nutrition Science Program at the University of Montevallo. Dr. Herron is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® with distinction from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CSCS*D®) and a Clinical Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-CEP®). Dr. Herron is a graduate of the United States Sports Academy and serves as a Non-Resident Faculty Member.

Advisory Board Appointed for USSA’s School of Sport Business

By
Dr. Brandon Spradley
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Advisory Board Appointed for USSA’s School of Sport Business

By Dr. Brandon Spradley |

The United States Sports Academy is strengthening its institutional and academic support with the development of the newly appointed advisory board for the School of Sport Business. The United States Sports Academy, also known as America’s Sports University, has been the gold standard for sport education for over 50 years.

The university has new and exciting initiatives coming this year, such as launching its first intercollegiate sports programs. Along with the launch of the university’s sports teams, the school will begin expanding its academic program offerings in areas such as marketing, business administration, and much more.

“These are exciting times for the United States Sports Academy” says Dr. Brandon Spradley, the Dean of the School of Sport Business. “As we continue to build and expand our academic program offerings, we want to ensure the university has the appropriate team to support these new initiatives. This starts with developing a strong advisory board for the School of Sport Business. We have an experienced group of sport, business, and higher education professionals who are willing to support the university and its programs.”

The United States Sports Academy offers sports management programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels. The university is the first and currently only institution to have its sports management degree programs at each level accredited by ACBSP, which is the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs.

We are excited to announce the following professionals on the advisory board for the School of Sport Business.

Dr. China Jude

Dr. China Jude currently serves as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Denver Broncos. She has an extensive background in collegiate athletic administration, previously serving as the Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Wyoming. Dr. Jude has over 20 years of experience working in collegiate athletics coaching and administration at NCAA Division I and II universities, including 10 years as an athletic director. Dr. Jude was named the 2011 Alumna of the Year for the United States Sports Academy.

Clayton Hamilton

Clayton Hamilton has worked within the University of Arkansas athletic department since 2010 and currently serves as the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer. He provides oversight of the athletic department’s financial affairs, business operations, and contracts, and serves as a member of the department’s executive cabinet. Clayton earned his master’s degree from the United States Sports Academy majoring in sports management.

Dr. Karla Gavin

Dr. Karla Gavin has a wealth of knowledge and experience in sports administration and higher education. She has over 30 years of work experience in athletics and academia, most recently serving as the Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies at Upper Iowa University. Dr. Gavin completed her Doctor of Education in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy. 

Marlene Hendricks

Marlene Hendricks is the Vice President of Guest Experience at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. She was named to Sports Illustrated 100 Influential Black Women in Sports and is an award-winning executive leader. Marlene has worked for the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat focusing on talent acquisition, staffing, and guest services.

Brandon Bowling

Brandon Bowling is in his 7th year at Jessup University, an NAIA institution that is making its move to NCAA Division II.  Brandon is the Deputy Athletic Director – overseeing all external operations for Jessup Athletics which includes all forms of revenue generation and sport administration oversight.  Bowling is the President of the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce and is very active with BOSCA (The Business of Small College Athletics).

Chris Goode

Chris Goode is the Founder and President of Goode Elite Prep, a nonprofit organization that provides an opportunity to unsigned student-athletes to pursue their dreams of furthering their education while playing sports on the collegiate level. Chris played seven years in the National Football League (NFL) for the Indianapolis Colts as a defensive cornerback. He is a member of the NFLPA Birmingham Chapter, previously serving as the President, in which they won the “Chapter of the Year” in 2016. Chris also serves as a Player Advisor with The Football Players Health Study at Harvard University. 

Pass Interference:  An Equitable Proposal

By
U.S. Sports Academy
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0
Pass Interference:  An Equitable Proposal
This early hit by Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman on Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis in the NFC championship game last season helped lead to a rule change for replays on pass interference.(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

By Tom Tallach, Ed. D. |

There’s been a lot of talk about equity lately.  Yes, I understand the difference between equity and equality.  However, for the purpose of this verbal pun, it really doesn’t matter so please work with me.  I’d call myself more than a casual fan of professional football, though I’ve not yet warmed up to some of the new leagues…it takes time, ya’ know.  It’s tough to watch an NFL game without seeing some messaging about equity.  Whether it’s more direct or more inferred, the concept of equity is there.  It’s on helmets, shoes, and socks…it’s written in end zones.  It’s a big deal.  It’s also ironic that a league consumed with the idea of equity harbors one of the most inequitable game rules of all time.  Really, it’s a pair of rules that results in defensive backs playing the part of second-class citizens.

Prior to 1917, the penalty for defensive pass interference was ten yards from the previous spot and an automatic first down.  Then, in an effort to promote the forward pass (somewhat new to pro football at the time) and discourage defenders from trading a long reception for ten yards and a first down, the rules were changed to award the offense the ball at the spot of the foul along with a first down.  To this day, the penalty for offensive pass interference remains at ten yards from the previous spot and does NOT result in a loss of down.

My aim is not to debate the wisdom of disincentivizing the defender from making a rational decision nor, for that matter, promoting the forward pass in an effort to make the game safer and more entertaining for fans.  It does not consider the incidence rate of each violation (defensive pass interference occurs three times more frequently) or points of emphasis regarding how officials apply or interpret the rules.  My position is one rooted in equity.  One often hears that defensive backs must have a “short memory” but self-imposed Dementia is superficial and ignores the systemic inequity.  While it is seldom discussed, an underlying assumption is surely that, if not for the interference of the defender, the receiver would have most likely made the catch.  If we apply that assumption equitably, then interference committed by the offense most likely prevents an interception by the defense.

There is controversy among fans regarding the spot foul rule for defensive pass interference.  Many believe that the penalty is too severe with the complexion of games changing too dramatically based on a judgement call.  But what if the concept of equity were applied?  What if the penalty for offensive pass interference was a change of possession at the spot of the foul?  Would that create a disincentive for the offense?  Maybe.  Offenses would absolutely think twice before attempting a pick play in hope that interference would not be called.  Would it deny fans the guilty pleasure of the occasional “Hail Mary” attempt?  I think not.  The likelihood of an interception, typically resulting in a valueless possession, is already considered in those decisions.  I don’t know exactly how the game would be impacted.  However, it would be more equitable.

Dr. Tom Tallach serves as the head of the Department of Sport Science in the School of Kinesiology at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.  A lifelong fan of the NFL, he occasionally dabbles in satirical prose.

Take in Local Sports When on Vacation

By
U.S. Sports Academy
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0
Take in Local Sports When on Vacation
Photo: Brett Myers/Youth Radio

By Dr. Cliff McCain |

If you are on our site, more than likely you enjoy sports of some type. We all have our favorites – local high school, college alma mater, or closest professional team. But branching out into the world of sports can enhance your enjoyment and appreciation even more. One of the best ways I have found is taking in sports while I am on vacation. It has given me a deeper understanding of sports or programs that are not in my normal wheelhouse of viewing.

I have a couple of personal examples I can share. First, on a trip to Seattle, we saw that the University of Washington gymnastics was hosting a match. It was a cold and wet day (yeah in Seattle, rain!) so we decided to drive over and give it a try. We did not know the ins and outs since the schools we work for do not compete in gymnastics. We learned quickly and got into the atmosphere. Now, we still watch gymnastics on television and feel like we know more about what is going on behind the scene. Another example occurred recently when we spent some time in New Mexico. A friend got us some tickets to see the University of New Mexico play basketball in “The Pit.” I had always wanted to go since the infamous North Carolina State victory in the 1983 Final Four. It was a great experience seeing the different traditions and being involved with the local team.

If you enjoy sports, that may be enough for you to try vacation-time sports. But there are some other benefits to trying these events on vacation:

  1. You may pick up new ideas to bring back to your school or team. People in sports are always borrowing from each other. But we usually are borrowing from people we see all the time. Trying these new sports can give us a new pool of ideas to choose from.
  2. You can enjoy a sporting event without the pressure of a win or loss. Sports are competition and losing is a fact of life. But getting into this type of sporting situation alleviates the pressure and lets you just enjoy the game. We usually pull for the local team on a visit, but if they lose, we are still going to enjoy our vacation!
  3. It is a way to build your network.  The coaching or administrating sports relies heavily on others in the profession. Whether it scouting reports from other coaches or getting plans on how to run an event, the ability to reach out to others is crucial to success. If you go to one of these events, try to make a connection with someone. I always take my card and try to meet a couple of people. If possible, I will follow up with them later by email. In sports, you can never have too many friends.  Use this opportunity to find someone to join your circle!
  4. The main reason to take in a local sporting event is the simplest – It is fun! You are involved in sports so watching live sports is your thing. You are just doing it at a new location.

I am not saying to drag your family to every sporting event around the world and give up family time. You need to take a break from it at times. Especially if you work in it year round as do I. Just look for opportunities when they present themselves. We are heading to Ireland in May and I am already eyeing the series of rugby championships in Dublin that week. Let the games begin!

Cliff McCain works as Assistant Director of Academic Enrichment in the athletic department at the University of Mississippi. He spent two decades working as a coach and administrator at the secondary education level. McCain holds a doctor of education degree in higher education and master’s degrees in history and educational administration

Bowling is More than a Hobby for Lillian Singleton

By
U.S. Sports Academy
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Bowling is More than a Hobby for Lillian Singleton
Lillian Singleton

By Dr. Katrina Wahlstrom |

Women’s stories in sport are often overlooked and undervalued. Although there have been some strides made for women in sport, women still face many barriers such as lack of resources, lower pay, limited media coverage, and discrimination in coaching and leadership positions. When we as women see another woman tearing down these barriers, we shouldn’t hesitate to lift those women up and encourage them to inspire others by sharing their journey. The journey of women in sport provides a resource that cannot be acquired from a classroom because they are as unique as the person that tells them. So, in celebration of Women’s History month, I wanted to provide a platform for a woman to share her story in sport, health, and fitness in hopes that it will inspire others to share their journeys too.

In January, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Spain Park High School volunteer bowling coach, Lillian Singleton. While many people think of bowling as just a hobby, some high schools around the country have embraced it as their varsity sport. The Alabama High School Athletic Association recognized bowling as an official high school sport in 2015, and Spain Park has been turning heads ever since. In the high school bowling world, Spain Park holds 3 state championships (2016, 2017, & 2022) in boys bowling, which makes it currently the winningest team for high school boys bowling in Alabama. While Coach Singleton has several wins under her belt, what also makes her stand out is that she is the first, black female high school bowling coach in the Birmingham area. So, not only is she able to provide her experience from a female perspective, but she brings her perspective as a black minority to the forefront.

On why Singleton became a bowling coach

“I learned about bowling from my late husband, Mr. Theodore Singleton. He was my guinea pig, when it came to bowling, really. I could observe him and help him improve his game by indicating the arrows he needed to roll the ball on. I felt like I could really help other people improve too. When I want to do something, I make it happen. So, we researched bowling coaching schools, and I started coaching classes in North Jersey at 10 Pin University. After completing the certification, I began coaching at Carolier Lanes in North Brunswick, NJ.”

On being a female coach in a male dominated field

“I started coaching in bowling leagues and league coaching wasn’t bad in that regard. When I started coaching at the high school level, there was a vast difference. The male coaches seemed to show more resentment and I felt that I wasn’t liked. When I attended meetings and my male counterpart wasn’t with me, I could feel people staring. It was like they were thinking, “what are you doing here?” I have even been heckled and badgered during tournaments. The boys I coach don’t tolerate the other coaches showing that type of behavior towards me. They have always stood up for me.”

On where she draws her inspiration and fortitude

“My drive and inspiration come from my father. When you know you are good at something, you know there will be people that are haters or that will try to stop you. Because I’m a black woman, I know I have to be strong. I’m going to make sure you really don’t like me because I’m going to strive to be the best. I take pride in strategy and competition. Even when my team is losing, I don’t lose hope. I calculate how much we are down in points and whether that win is in or out of reach. We just keep pushing. Even in losing, there is a lesson to be learned. If we lose, we know what we need to focus on when we are practicing and I reflect on anything I could have done from a strategy perspective that could have impacted the game.”

On how bowling has contributed to her health and sense of well-being

“Bowling keeps me busy and constantly thinking. When I’m coaching it really keeps my brain active. I’m not sitting the majority of the time; I’m up walking around and watching all my boys in action. Sometimes, I must physically show them what I mean with my own bowling ball, so it keeps me in shape and always moving.

On what other things she incorporates in her life to keep her healthy, active senior.

“I eat a lot of vegetables and that contributes to keeping me healthy and my system moving. I can feel a difference when I’m not eating enough vegetables. You have to know your body and give it what it is asking for. I go walking and riding my bike. I work in the yard when the weather is nice. Sometimes I challenge my grandkids and we run relays. I believe I surprise them with how quick I am in my old age. I let them win though. If I get beat, then I can say what do they expect from a 75-year-old.”

On what advice she has for other women that may be thinking of becoming a coach or those already in the field

“Okay, if they are in the field of coaching bowling and they haven’t gotten a certification, they should go get it. Because you are out there and supposed to be helping someone and telling them what to do, how do you know you are doing it correctly without that education? It teaches you that each person bowls their way and not your way. You can tell coaches that have never been to coaching school because they will try to teach them how they want them to bowl rather than enhancing the bowling style that the kid already has. Every person is unique, and a cookie cutter approach doesn’t bring the best out of an athlete.”

Dr. Katrina Wahlstrom is the chair of exercise science at the United States Sports Academy.

Dolly Brumfield White – A League of Her Own

By
Robert Herron
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0
Dolly Brumfield White – A League of Her Own
Delores "Dolly" Brumfield White, seen here during her playing days in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, played in the women's league from 1947-53. But before she was winning pennants with the Fort Wayne Daisies, White played baseball in the parks of Mobile. (Special to the Press-Register)

By Laura Jones and Dr. Robert L. Herron |

March is Women’s History Month, and March 8th was International Women’s Day.

Accordingly, we wanted to share a brief story of sport and baseball hero that adds the accolades of baseball players from Mobile County (Alabama), including 5 MLB Hall of Famers.

Delores “Dolly” Brumfield White was born May 26, 1932, in Prichard, AL. She developed her elite athletic skills competing with young people who worked in the shipyards in Mobile. Interestingly, Dolly had a whole professional baseball career prior to enrolling in college. After signing her first professional baseball contract at 14 years old with the South Bend Blue Sox, she was part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League for seven years – retiring from her professional baseball career at the age of 21.

Her professional baseball career took her many places, including spring training in Havana, Cuba in 1947. However, a stent with the Fort Wayne Daisies and manager Jimmie Foxx is noteworthy and most recognizable by many because the Daisies and Foxx were team and manager that served as the inspiration of the 1992 film, “A League of Their Own” – which had a recent TV series remake in 2022.

Her baseball career financed her path to higher education, but her athletic career did not end there. Dolly graduated in 1954 from Alabama College for Women (now the University of Montevallo) with a degree in Physical Education and was a standout on the varsity volleyball team as well as in many other roles on campus. Sports provided Dolly a medium through which she could change her life but also provided a pathway to help change the lives of many others.

After working as a coach and physical educator, Dolly went back to school and completed a master’s degree and doctoral degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Her career then moved to higher education where she worked at Copiah-Lincoln Community College – in Wesson, MS – and later served as a faculty member for 31 years in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department at Henderson State University in Arkansas. Amazingly, Dolly was also the head swimming coach from 1963-1982 for Henderson State University.

After retirement, Dolly continued to actively work in her community until her passing in 2020. Her impact on sport and physical education is still felt today as her legacy is passed on through those she taught and she paved the way for many other women and girls in sports.   

We would like to take a moment and celebrate Delores “Dolly” Brumfield White, and so many other amazing women during Women’s History Month.

Laura Jones is a Senior undergraduate student at the University of Montevallo studying Exercise and Nutrition Science. Laura is the current Social Media Chair of the Exercise Science Club at the University of Montevallo and will begin pursuing a master’s degree in fall 2023.

Robert L. Herron, Ed.D., NSCA-CSCS*D, ACSM-CEP is an Assistant Professor in the Exercise and Nutrition Science Program at the University of Montevallo. Dr. Herron is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® with distinction from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CSCS*D®) and a Clinical Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-CEP®). Dr. Herron is a graduate of the United States Sports Academy and serves as a Non-Resident Faculty Member.

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