TOWSON, Md. – Though no athletic events have occurred since March, Towson University athletics personnel are getting ready for the day that sports return. In the meantime, on Fridays, athletics personnel have been attending roundtables on Webex to learn about various topics.
The roundtables, under the supervision of Towson deputy director of athletics Tricia Turley Brandenburg, have occurred most Friday afternoons since April to help educate athletics personnel on various topics across athletics, including recruiting, travel planning, social media, remote workouts, sport psychology and many others.
In recent weeks, Towson has been hosting a diversity series, holding conversations on systemic racism and hiring practices for the department.
"While we've been working through the various challenges the COVID-19 pandemic poses, I wanted to find a way for the coaches and staff within our department to continue to grow and build community while working from home," said Tricia Turley Brandenburg. "The Tigers Talk roundtables have given us the opportunity to learn from each other over the last few months. We have a lot of talent within our department and on campus that we have been able to utilize. It's also allowed us to engage in some very important conversations. It's been a great opportunity for coaches and staff to learn from each other and stay connected, and I hope this is something we can continue in some form even after we return to campus."
These seminars have been hosted by members of the athletic coaches and staff as well as personnel who do work for the department, ranging from doctors in sports medicine, Towson HR representatives and Van Wagner staff among others.
Each Friday afternoon, all members of the Towson athletics department are invited via Webex to listen to and take part in the roundtable each week, with open discussion strongly encouraged.
"I think that the Diversity Series has been productive in creating a positive space for building community within Athletics while also serving as a vehicle to engage some challenging topics," said Towson senior assistant athletic director Antwaine Smith. "If we plan to be better as a department and continue to grow, the Diversity conversations and actions will and can serve as a meaningful vehicle in achieving those goals."
"I am excited and look forward to our weekly roundtable sessions," said Towson women's basketball head coach Diane Richardson. "Lots of meaningful dialogue and expressions of togetherness as an athletics department."
The roundtables have been a way for athletics personnel to meet as well as improve and learn skills and information during a time of uncertainty.
They will continue through August with the diversity series going on its fourth week this Friday.
