From strength and conditioning to sports psychology, many careers in the sports industry operate behind the scenes, playing a crucial role in athlete success. However, many students may not realize these career paths are an option.

On Feb. 11, Ohio State’s Sports and Society Initiative is partnering with Ohio State LiFEsports and Coach Beyond to host a public panel highlighting careers in sports that extend beyond the business realm.

The event will occur from 4-5:15 p.m. in Fontana Lab 1000.

“If you love sport, you can find a career working in it depending on what your talents and strengths are,” said Dawn Anderson-Butcher, director of teaching and research for LiFEsports. “Sometimes, we only think of the business end of it, but there’s so much more.”

The panel will feature four experts from diverse disciplines, offering insights on how to break into careers that involve working directly with athletes and youth sport participants. They include:

• sport psychology professional Dr. Dan Gould (pictured)
• sport social worker and LiFEsports Assistant Director of Programming Catelen Ramsey
• sport coach and pedagogy expert Dr. Obidiah Atkinson
• Ohio State men’s basketball strength and conditioning coach Dr. Quadrian Banks

In addition to the discussion, Anderson-Butcher said students will engage in hands-on activities to experience aspects of these professions.

“It won’t be just a ‘stand and deliver’ type of thing,” she said. “Maybe students can learn a mental skill from Dr. Gould or see how sport can address risk factors with Catelen.”

Anderson-Butcher hopes students leave with a broadened understanding of the many career opportunities in the ever-growing sports industry.

“We hope they leave with awareness of additional career opportunities that may be available to them,” she said. “And some excitement to apply what they’re learning at Ohio State in real-life settings.”

“Every career in the world is a part of sport,” she added. “Sport reflects society.”

Ohio State’s LiFEsports Initiative focuses on preparing local youth—particularly those from underserved communities—for life and leadership through sports. The program recently partnered with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) to develop Coach Beyond, a statewide initiative aimed at transforming coach training. Learn more about the partnership here.