#blackwomenknowsports by Jaydn James

Welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports Podcast! I am your host Jaydn James and today you will be hearing my conversation with Candace Cooper. Candace is the strategy lead for Nike women in Portland, a former athlete at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill  where she was the first African American woman to ever swim at UNC on the varsity level. In this episode, Candace breaks down what it’s like to navigate the waters, how her love for swimming started, and the future plans she has for black women in swim. Without further ado, here is today’s episode!

Hello, and thank you for tuning in to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! I am your host Jaydn James, and today you will hear my conversation with Dr. Kelli Uitenham! Dr. Kelli is a graduate of the illustrious North Carolina A&T State University, a Medical Speech Language Pathologist, and the owner of Brain Talk Foundation. Dr. Kelli focuses on athletes and brain injuries that can occur within their sport. In this episode, Dr. Kelli and I discuss head trauma within the NFL, the level of awareness athletes should have regarding these traumas, and the different precautions being taken to ensure safety in all sports. Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! I am your host Jaydn James, and on today’s episode, I am joined by Olivia Madkins! Olivia is an outfielder for the Columbia Lions and became the first black softball player in the history of Columbia University’s softball program. In this episode, Olivia discusses the transition from California to New York, her role models who have led the way to where she is today, and just how much softball means to her on a personal level. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Hello, and thank you for joining the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! I am your host Jaydn James, and today you will be hearing my conversation with Ericia R. Turner. Ms. Turner became the first black woman to be named executive director of Athletics for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in August of 2021. And not only is she an alum of the illustrious North Carolina A&T State University, but she also played for the Lady Aggies basketball team! In this episode, we discuss the role of an executive director of athletics, her North Carolina roots & coaching history, family, faith, and much more! Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and thank you for joining Season 5 of the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, you will be hearing from Meghan Francis who is an attorney, a Clemson alumna, and a lover of sports! In this episode, Meghan and I discuss college football, the legal side of sports, and what she does pregame in order for her team to win! Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today’s episode, Jaydn James is joined by Candi Waller, who is the founder and CEO of CWall Sports & Entertainment, the President of Bowie TV, and the managing publisher for Inside the Wizards with Sports Illustrated Fan Nation! In this episode, Waller reveals the inspiration behind CWall Sports & Entertainment, what life is like being the President of Bowie TV, and what her pregame is like while covering the Washington Wizards and Commanders! Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Angel Rich-Jones who was named 'Next Steve Jobs' by Forbes, the CEO of CreditRich, and the founder of 4tee Acres, which is a partnership with the PGA REACH to expand diversity among golf programs within HBCUs! In this episode, Mrs. Rich talks to the audience about entrepreneurship, being a businesswoman, and she also provides a tease on what to expect from her next! Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Gazmine 'GG' Mason who is a professional bowler, the founder of Black Girls Can Bowl 2, and a 4x Olympic Gold Medalist! In this episode, GG takes the audience through her early years of bowling, what it felt like to win her first Olympic Gold medal, and what the Gazmine Mason Foundation means to her! Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share or leave a review!

Hello, and thank you so much for joining the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Morgan Alston who is a production assistant at ESPN! In this episode, Morgan takes the audience through the steps she took to become a production assistant, what her college life was like at Monmouth University, and how working at NFL Films became a turning point in her career. Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Tatiyana Smallwood, who is an associate producer for ESPN! In this episode, Tatiyana talks about how NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) helped her get to the position she's in now, the ins and outs of First Take, and what her favorite part about producing for the show is! Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Autumn Johnson who is a sports broadcaster based in Atlanta, Georgia! In this episode, Autumn talks about how losing her love for playing basketball allowed her to find her love in the career she has now. Autumn also takes the audience through her sports journalism career, some of the favorite stories that she has told, and what advice she wishes to give other black women who aspire to be in sports journalism! Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Mariah Pearson who is a graduating senior at North Carolina A&T State University, an intern strength and conditioning coach for Aggie Football, and a popular content creator! In this episode, Mariah talks about her previous experience with coaching gymnastics, her nutrition research endeavors, and why she started posting creative content on social media! Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Janaé Bradford who is a Howard alum, a recent graduate of Arizona State University, and a News Producer at WATN in Memphis, Tennessee! In this episode, Janaé talks about how her love for producing began, what life was like as a graduate student in Phoenix, Arizona, and what it felt like to be a part of Howard University's bowling team! Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Laila Edwards who is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin and recently made headlines for becoming the first African American Hockey player to make the U.S. Women’s National Team. In this episode, Laila discusses how she fell in love with hockey, what it was like being the only black girl in the sport at times, and how it feels to play alongside her sister. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Kamryn Jackson who is the managing editor for the A&T Register, an ESPN Rhoden Fellow, and the president of the Associated Press Sports Editors for N.C. A&T! In this episode, Kamryn talks about how her love for sports began, her favorite experiences so far in the sports world, and what we can expect next from her in the future! Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Starr Andrews who is a team USA figure skater, a 2022 Skate Canada International silver medalist, and the first black woman to earn a medal at the U.S. Nationals in 35 years! In this episode Starr talks about her introduction to figure skating, her favorite country to compete in, and what we can expect next from her in her early career! Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Sydney Lawson who is a North Carolina A&T alum, a native of South Jersey, and the project manager for the Chris Paul family foundation! In this episode, Sydney talks about what it's like to work for Chris Paul, how the opportunity of being a project manager came about, and what to expect next for the foundation during this upcoming NBA season! Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Ameer Robertson who is a 2x N.C. A&T alum, a former D1 tennis player, and is currently working for the NBA in their international content partnership department! In this episode, Ameer talks about her love for tennis, how she developed a personal love for business, and what it was like to interact with NBA rookies on draft day! Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Leila Haynesworth who is a North Carolina A&T alum, a former volleyball player for the Lady Aggies, and a current membership services manager for the Washington Wizards! In this episode, Leila talks about her time at North Carolina A&T, her love for volleyball, and what a typical day in the life is like working for the Washington Wizards! Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Najah Owens, a North Carolina A&T State University and Savannah College of Art and Design Alum, filmmaker, and the 2023 Professional Women's Bowling Association Regional Champion! In this episode, Owens discusses her love for filmmaking, why she chose to pursue bowling, and the relationship that she has developed with Gazmine "GG" Mason! Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Nescotia Harrison who is a native of Aiken, South Carolina, an Allen University alum, and a current grad student at Wingate University! In this episode, Nescotia speaks on growing up in Aiken, her experience with the LA Rams through the Black Sports Business Academy, and what it's like to be a graduate assistant of football operations at Wingate University! Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Alexis Beckett, who is a Temple University alum, a Philly native, and a sports anchor and reporter at Northern News Now in Duluth, Minnesota! In this episode, Alexis talks about falling in love with sports journalism, getting out of her comfort zone by moving to Duluth, and what her favorite thing is about living in Minnesota! Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Callena Williams who is a team photographer for the Dallas Cowboys, a North Carolina A&T alum, and the first black female team photographer in the NFL! In this episode, Callena talks about her introduction to photography, the steps that she takes to prepare herself for game day, and her favorite players to capture! Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Paula Salmon who is a North Carolina A&T State University alum and grad student, a native of Brooklyn, New York, and 2023 CAA Outdoor Women's Track Athlete of the Year! In this episode, Salmon talks about her hilarious introduction to track and field, the differences and similarities between going from a Haitian school to an HBCU, and the biggest inspiration behind her successes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Taylor Rooks who is an Atlanta native, a University of Illinois alum, and a world-renowned sports journalist! In this episode, Taylor recalls her first interview, speaks on her college days at UOFI, and breaks down how it feels to be a black woman in sports media! Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by... me! As a senior at North Carolina A&T State University, I have had many great experiences working for the Athletic Department, contributing to the A&T Register, and hosting my show for my school's radio station, WNAA 90.1 FM! To kick off season 2, I will give you all a glimpse of myself by discussing the inspiration behind this podcast, my journey to falling in love with sports, and my hilarious first encounter with Eli Manning! Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On this episode, Jaydn James is joined by Cayla Sweazie who works social media for ESPN's Andscape, a Morgan State alum, and a MEAC Champion for the Morgan State Bears Softball team! In this episode, Sweazie talks about being a guest at the ESPY's, what it felt like to win the first MEAC Championship in school history for the Bears' Softball team, and what the work environment is like at Andscape as a digital creator! Sit back, relax and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Charlee Major who is a native of Atlanta, GA, a North Carolina A&T State University alum, and a broadcast associate for MLB Network! In this episode, Major talks about her decorated 2-year experience as a journalism student at A&T, how it feels to have New Jersey be her new home, and what the work-life balance is like while being a B.A. for MLB Network! Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, I am joined by Alexiss Griggs, who is an Indiana University of Pennsylvania alum, former assistant basketball coach for the IUP Hawks, and current Director of Basketball Operations for N.C. A&T Lady Aggies! In this episode, Coach Lex talks about her non-traditional introduction to basketball, what it was like to play and coach at her alma mater, and why being named D.O.B.O. at A&T specifically holds deep sentimental value. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Justice Montgomery who briefly swam for N.C.A&T Aggies in the 2015-16 season. In this episode, Justice discusses what it was like to swim for an all-black and all-female team, how she felt when the swim team abruptly ended, and how important it is for her to continue to educate black women on the benefits and importance of swimming! Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, Jaydn James is joined by Maleia Bracone who is a Senior Communications major, a native of Anderson, South Carolina, and the leading scorer for North Carolina A&T State University's Lady Aggies Basketball! In this episode, Bracone talks about her family ties to basketball, why she transferred to an HBCU, and how fans can better support women's basketball! Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! In this episode, I am joined by Maria Hickman who is the Executive Associate Athletics Director, Senior Woman Administrator, and Chief Diversity Officer for the University of South Carolina Athletics Department. In this episode, Hickman takes you through her journey to get to where she is now, some of the highlights of her position, and how it feels to oversee the Lady Gamecocks in the midst of their successes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to share or leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, I am joined by Christyn Smith who is a pro golfer, a registered nurse, and a North Carolina A&T State University alum! In this episode, Smith discusses what it felt like to be the first woman to break 70 at The Alotian Club in 2021, how an unfortunate injury inspired her love for nursing, and how an unlikely encounter led her to such a great golfing career at North Carolina A&T! Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to comment or leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! On today's episode, I am joined by Alexis Davis who is an N.C. A&T alum, a former ESPN Rhoden Fellow, and a social media intern for the Phoenix Mercury! In this episode, Alexis talks about her time in Arizona being a grad student and covering social media for both the Mercury and Suns, the feeling of having to prove her knowledge of sports in certain rooms she's in, and the close-knit relationship she has developed with WNBA Analyst LaChina Robinson! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! In today's episode, I am joined by Nicole Watson. Watson wears many hats, but is widely known for her sports show the "Sports Report," which was later copied by ESPN and called, "The Sports Reporters." Watson takes me through her journey of being a black woman in spaces operated by white men, her immediate love for business, and how it helped shaped her career in sports, and what it is like to be a professor at an HBCU (Historically Black College and University.) Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! In today's episode, I am joined by United States Bowling Congress Hall of Famer, PWBA '89 Rookie of the year, and 4x MEAC Bowling Champion, Coach Kim Terrell-Kearney! In this episode, coach Kim talks about her uncertainty with the sport at first, what it's like to have her husband as her assistant coach, and the biggest lessons that she has learned from being a coach and player! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! Feel free to share and leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports Podcast! Today, I am joined by Jayla Rogers, who is a North Carolina A&T golfer, Aggie Alum, and a lover of Kinesiology! In this podcast, Jayla talks about how her grandfather influenced her love for golf, what it's like being able to practice with 2x NBA Champion J.R. Smith, and how it feels to be a black woman in a sport that is dominated by white males. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to comment or leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! Today, I am joined by Pamela Warr, NCAT alumni, and 2x MEAC Bowling Champion for the Lady Aggies at North Carolina A&T State University. Warr tells me how playing the Wii changed her life, how she developed her love for mechanical engineering, and if she believes that black women are properly represented in the sport of bowling. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Feel free to comment or leave a review!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports podcast! Today, I am joined by Rev. Dr. Arica Johnson. Dr. Johnson is a minister, a mother of 4, the wife to Calvin Johnson Sr., and the mother of Calvin 'Megatron' Johnson Jr. In this episode, Dr. Johnson takes the audience through what it is like to be the mother of an NFL player, a Professional Football Players Mothers Association member, and an author and artist. Dr. Johnson wears many hats, so please sit back, relax, and enjoy everything she says!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSportsPodcast! Today, I am joined with East Laureen, who is an NCAT Alumna, 2022 Oscar Pope LEV Fellow, and host of her own podcast entitled "On-Screen W/ East Laureen." Sit back and enjoy the podcast! Feel free to leave a like and a follow!

Hello, and welcome back to the #BlackWomenKnowSports Podcast! In this episode, Jaydn James sits down with Lisa Salters as Salters discusses her journey into broadcast journalism, her challenges, and advice that she would give young black women who are aspiring to become sports journalists. Salters talks about her time covering both an NBA and NFL game on the same day, what it felt like covering the OJ Simpson trial in 1995, and the lessons she has learned throughout her journey as a journalist. Sit back, and enjoy!

Hello, thank you so much for tuning into the intro episode of the #BlackWomenKnowSports Podcast! I hope you stay awhile, and enjoy all of the guests that will be featured on this show. Thank you so much for your support, and please let me know of any comments and questions you may have!