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Acknowledgments

This book project has come about because of the efforts of the village that has wrapped its arms around me since my first breaths of air. I know that I was never alone as I sat down to write this book. After the long days of work and after the family went to bed, I know that it was you—my village—that gave me the strength to go back to the office and write into the late hours of the night and early morning. My village has nurtured me, taught me, inspired me, reminded me, carried me, listened to me, challenged me, lifted me, protected me, laughed with me, debated with me, has been patient with me, praised me, prayed for me, and humbled me. My village has done all this and more out of an unconditional love. Behind each of the words in this book is my village. My heart overflows with thankfulness for everyone in it. I am forever proud to be a son of the village.

Thank you to all the student athletes that I have had the pleasure to serve. It is truly an honor and privilege to be a part of your unique journeys. I want to acknowledge all of my former teammates. I’m constantly thinking of each of you as I work with the next generation of student athletes also trying to find their way as they find themselves. I want to especially recognize Delroy, Terrance, Adam, Courtney, Daniel, Joey, and Brandon for your endless support.

Thank you to my colleagues at Colorado State University for your support in my own journey, both professionally and personally. I truly believe CSU to be a special place. It has and will only continue to be so because the of the many people that show up to campus each year and even each day motivated to leave this place better than they found it. It is because of the passions and commitment that I see in those around me, even when we might disagree, that I unapologetically say I’m proud to be.

Thank you to the student athletes and administrators who participated in this research and book project. I was honored to have the opportunity to listen to your stories and engage in deep conversations that required a certain level of trust in one another. Each of you displayed a sense of bravery and vulnerability that is not lost upon me. You are beacons of light at the top of the hill. Your contributions to this project were not for fame or recognition, but simply to include your truths in our collective struggle for justice. I am appreciative of the time shared with each of you.

I want to extend a sincere thank you to all of the scholars whose work I have cited in this book. Your daring and critical contributions stand as the bedrock to my own work. The struggle for justice comes in many forms. I am grateful for the opportunity to join your voices in this struggle that speaks volumes from mute pages.

I want to especially acknowledge Louis Harrison for his counsel and encouragement. I will never have enough words to thank you for all that you have done for me.

Thank you to my editor and to the entire team at Lexington Press for believing in this project and helping to bring this book project to fruition.

My children, Tripp, Caydence, and Austin, are the light of my life. Your mom and I thank God every day for the blessings that each of you are in our lives. I am proud to be your father and nothing will ever change that. I love you, Tripp. I love you, Caydence. I love you, Austin.

Last, but most certainly not least, I want to say thank you to my wife, Nsisong. You were selfless in your support of my endeavor to transform an idea into a published book. This book exists because of your sacrifice in the name of love. It is a symbol of our journey traveled together. I thank you because I grow into a better man each day because of you.