Hello everyone. I’m Kelli and I’m so thankful that you took the time to join my small space on the web. I’m a mom of one very smart and beautiful teenage daughter, who might show up here time from time.

The majority of my time is spent working with student-athletes. I assist with NCAA Initial Eligibility education and helping students with the college planning process. After spending ten years working in Division I college athletics, I got a taste of burnout. But I still loved what I was doing; I was able to put two loves into one – sports and higher education. So I found another way to remain involved with big time athletics and still encourage continuous learning.

Like many others, this isn’t the only topic that interests me. I have a creative side that I tap in occasionally. During grad school, it was a way to help with some financial needs but also mentally soothing. Drawing, painting, and just basic crafts is something I did growing up with my mom. It’s a hidden talent of mine that I get to use. And as I mentioned, grad school was a tough time. I mean I was a full time student while being a full time mom to a toddler, doing it all by myself. And let me tell you, it was a hard road, but I had the goal to finish in a year and I did just that. I actually missed my 10 year class reunion because I had accepted my first real job out of grad school and needed to relocate for the first day of what would become the start of my 10 years in Division I college athletics.

I also like to travel. I am truly blessed to have worked at some amazing institutions and athletic departments over the years. Working as a woman with male sports in Power 5 Conferences can be a struggle. Let’s also add I’m a Black woman which can add another level to fight through, but there are a group of us that do it. To increase my career status as well as my financial status, I had to move. Over my career, we have lived in a total of five states. My daughter says that can be a great option for the topic of her college essay in a few years. So with the relocations, came new adventures. Our homes since starting my career in college athletics have been, IN to OH to WV to TX to FL. I’m truly blessed to have a daughter that can adapt to new surroundings and open to so many possibilities. But I’ve always made the promise, once she started high school she could do all years in one school. So that is why we’re still in Florida.

The perks of living in Florida for us are the beautiful weather year round and Disney. We’re not that everything has to be Disney family, but we enjoy being so close to the parks. Walt Disney World and other parks in that area are about a two hour drive for us. Most days off from school and work, you can find us there. Especially just visiting Disney Springs. Shopping and eating is a great mother/daughter outing we like to partake in. Our favorite restaurant at Disney Springs is Homecomin. If you’re ever in the area, stop by and try their mac & cheese. You will not regret it.

Well, that’s just a little bit about me. I hope you visit again for more of our adventures.

Kelli