By: Thomas Burkel Building connections and making an instant impact is the key to working in sports. If you don’t have these skills, you won’t …
How to Succeed in Sports Communications: An Interview With Jaeden Gordon
Author: Jaeden Gordon
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How to Succeed in Sports Communications: An Interview With Jaeden Gordon
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Brooke, From Bonney Lake to Breaking Records
In my later teenage years, I watched phenomenal teams play Oregon from home on TV. So when 2021 came, I tapped into the rivalry when I transferred to Oregon. Covid ended up shortening my first spring term, so I returned home for a few years. In Spetember 2023, I returned the year the Huskies came to Jane Sanders to face our Ducks.
I watched every game the Huskies played against our Ducks in this series. We were able to get a win, but for me that was not the main goal. It was attending new places and meeting new faces. So, I did a quick scouting report to see if there were any older players left from those dominant teams.
The only person I remembered from those 2019-2022 teams was Brooke Nelson, from Bonney Lake, Washington.
Source: National Signing Day | Brooke Nelson | Washington Huskies
I was a little older then from the three-year hiatus, but I felt it would be easier to meet because we are a year apart. It was good to know that there were people my age still playing collegiately, so I did not feel old attending sporting events as a 23-24 year old student.
So, I decided to introduce myself after the game. It has been a year since and I have done plenty of work with NALD. Since class has helped me sharpen my digital writing skills, it was time to call up some originals I met last year, given I did not have a digital platform.
This past weekend, I caught up with Brooke to take a deeper dive into her collegiate and professional career. I interviewed her over zoom, having a blast getting to know more about her life and her why behind the game of softball.
Source: Brooke Nelson | Notice EL
“I was able to get my Undergraduate Degree in Communications and then complete a Master’s Degree in Communication Digital Media. From there, I got the opportunity to play professionally in Puerto Rico for Cidra Bravas, where we won the National Championship,” Nelson said.
Brooke chose Washington because it was close to home. Her family went to Husky sporting events throughout her childhood. Her father playing for Don James and winning a national championship in football helped. Brooke eventually would create her own postseason success, by playing in the Women’s College World Series.
Source: Brooke Nelson | X | Washington Softball
“Playing at the World Series in Oklahoma City is always a dream come true because you grow up watching it on TV year after year. One of my favorite moments as a Husky was playing at home against McNeese State in 2023.”
Brooke had a very special role in that game. She was the closing pitcher, capping the “Seven in Seven Miracle on Montlake,” where Washington scored seven straight runs in the seventh inning to beat McNeese State 7-6, advancing to Super Regionals. She held McNeese off to no runs in the bottom of the seventh.
Source: Brooke Nelson | Washington Athletics
“I was not in the batting rotation this game. So, I remember going, if Baylee Klingler scores, then we have to go back to the bullpen. I remember saying if you can score seven runs, I can get you three outs.” Brooke said.
With hard work and faith, Brooke and the Huskies accomplished a comeback for the ages. Her faith is now huge in her sports and everyday life. But, it was not always like that. It became so great throughout her playing career, that she got baptized by a teammate and graduate assistant her fifth year.
Source: Washington Softball | UW Dawg Pound
“Being baptized was the most freeing thing outside of playing and the stats. I went four years feeling like I had to do things alone. Now, because I know I can put my trust in God and faith in him, I do not have to do it alone.” Brooke mentioned.
I understand the pressures of being a student athlete. It can feel like there is a ton of weight on your shoulders. This can lead to some struggles with mental health, which Brooke is advocating for.
Source: Brooke Nelson | The Daily UW
“My world was a little rocked. I always tell girls coming in that I took under my wing that it feels like you know how to play the game but all over again with different styles, languages, and calls.”
“I remember playing with Kaija Gibson, who coaches at Utah now. I remember her taking me under her wing and telling me, the game is going to feel overwhelming, I have been in your shoes and it’s okay not to be okay.”
Source: Brooke Nelson | Daily UW
“There is this stigma that everyone is okay. In reality, life is hard, sports are hard, managing all of this is hard. But you are going to go through seasons that are harder than others, but know that you are not alone.” Brooke said.
In 2024, Brooke finished her career as an All-Pac-12 first team in her final year of eligibilty. She was also a top hitter with a .350 batting average. She ranked in as the No. 5 two-way player in the country. She was also named NFCA First Team All-American.
Source: Brooke Nelson | NFCA | Huskies Wire
Since then, Brooke has started a private coaching business called “BN Performance” that allows her to travel throughout the Greater Seattle area. Her business focuses on relation building with the youth and enhancing their pitching skills and techniques. She also focuses on mental performance and body health.
She continues to have a strong relationship with her former collegiate and professional teammates, while looking forward to playing this year with new ones. She feels Heather Tarr, Washington’s Head Coach has prepared her very well going forward.
It was an honor to meet the Husky Legend and I can not wait to see what the future holds.
Source: iPhone via Camera Roll
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Gold Helmets Breed Golden Opportunities
Growing up in the City of Bridges, it is sad to say I have not attended that many Pitt Panther football games. I can count how many times I have been to them on one hand. But the game that I remember the most was the game versus Notre Dame in 2015.
The Pittsburgh Panthers play in the Atlantic Coast Conference of the NCAA Division One FBS Level. Notre Dame is independent. But in this year, they both wore gold helmets. Both teams had a really good game when passing the ball, but the formula has proven that running the ball most of their games has given them victories.
Source: Qadree Ollison | Pitt vs. Syracuse
In 2015, The Pitt Panthers had a mediocre season like always, but nonetheless an 8-5 winning record with some of their matchups being rather difficult. They played a highly ranked #5 Notre Dame mid season where they lost 42-30.
Qadree Ollison, was their rushing leader with 1121 yards in the season. He carried the football 204 times the entire season.
In the game versus Notre Dame, Pitt had given opportunities to a few different stars like Jordan Whitehead and Tyler Boyd. Both had handoffs and tosses for big yardage and touchdowns. Ultimately it was not enough to stop Notre Dame’s momentum.
More often times than not, Pitt has shown dominance on the ground, with James Conner returning a year later. In 2016, Pitt beat the #2 ranked Clemson Tigers, 43-42. The tigers went on to win the National Championship that year.
Pittsburgh had three All-American Running backs with Ollison, Conner and Darrin HallJames Conner had 53 total touchdowns, with 50 of them being handed off. That’s a lot of running!
Source: #RTDB | Notre Dame
Notre Dame has a history of running the football. So much, that they have a hashtag called “#RTDB also known as “Run The Damn Ball.” The old fashioned way of the game is to run the football, and the numbers don’t lie.
Statistics have shown that the Fighting Irish wins more games when they keep the ball on the ground. Passing the ball all game can lead to turnovers if your schemes are not effective.
When they run the ball more than 30 times, they won 76 games out of 100. When they run for more than 200 yards, they win their games by a landslide. They passed the ball a lot in the game versus Pitt. But at the end, when Pitt needed a stop, Notre Dame ran the ball and won the game by two scores.
Source: Jeremiyah Love | On3 Sports
This season, Notre Dame did just that by using Jeremiyah Love to run the football, which helped them make another National Championship run in their program. Love was named the “Top Returning Running back in College Football for next season.”
Notre Dame and Pitt caught my eye with the creativity installed in their infographics. Both programs want players who are hungry and want to get involved early on the field.
The statistics not only show what the schemes can do, but highlights what the players can do as well. Players like Ollison, Conner, and Love all fit the bill for their teams offensive schemes.
Source: Pitt vs. Notre Dame | WTAE News
The two programs both used their similar school colors to show the pride they had in their teams. They also used bar charts to show their success against their opponents. I love the graphics of them showing action shots in the game as well.
If I am a high school running back recruit, I may not be as worried about playing for the best school in the country, when I can go somewhere and be developed young and early into a great superstar.
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FSU’s Webster, Former Webfoot, Forever Winning
The one thing I love the most about college is having class with our student-athletes. Not because they are athletes, but because you get to see the student side of them as well. At least that’s what I get with the people I know. I’ll tell you why:
Being a former student-athlete is a tough title to wear when you forcefully had to hang it up. For me, it hurts today because I believe I can still do the darn thing. But, being a former student-athlete is also fun when you get to support your peers who are doing it.
At least that’s how I feel about current Track and Field star, Alexandra Webster. Alexandra graduated from Florida State University, where she finished her Track and Field career as a first team All-ACC in the indoor 60-meter hurdles and a 3x NCAA Qualifier!
In her first season with the Seminoles, she was an NCAA DI Outdoor Championships qualifier in the 100m hurdles, finishing in 11th place. She also finished 23rd in the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:01.19. She became an ACC Champion in the 100m hurdles with a time of 13.14 seconds.
Source: Alexandra Webster | Instagram
In her final season, she capped off a personal best hurdling record for FSU with a time of 12.70 seconds. She became a two-time ACC Champion in the 100m hurdles, sending her straight to the NCAA Outdoor Championships again.
Want to know something very cool?
Alexandra is a former Oregon Duck! Before FSU, she began her career in Tracktown USA as a Sprinter and Hurdler before transferring in 2022. And I got to watch, and hear all about it.
In 2021, the two of us became friends when we were both students here in the SOJC. We got to know each other from working on multiple group projects. Unfortunately, I returned back home due to Covid and financial issues where I would remain for the next two and a half years.
Shortly after, I learned that Alexandra was transferring out of Oregon in the process. She was my first friend from Track and Field, and convinced me to attend a few meets my first Spring term in Eugene. When I returned to school, I reached out online to if she remembered me and she did!
When I came back to finish my education, many of my friends from sports had either graduated, went professional, or transferred. I was excited to reconnect that I promised to attend the NCAA Championships if she made it. If we were gambling, I would not be a “lucky duck.” Because she made it. But, in a way, it made me blessed.
Apparently, she was very good at this whole “making it to the big stage” thing. I should have known she would do it again because she qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships when she ran for Oregon!
Source: Oregon TF | X (Formerly Twitter)
Alexandra is currently fulfilling multiple roles in her life, and continues to give God the glory amidst it all. As an alumna, she is the current record holder in the 100-meter hurdles at Florida State. Alexandra has recently signed a deal with “Drink 4D,” a clean energy drink that helps professional athletes maintain great health.
She has recently competed in her first Worlds Event in Kazakhstan and looks to continue furthering her career in track as a professional athlete. Aside from sport, Alexandra has written a book akin to her vision and success called “How to Become A Division 1 Athlete.” This book focuses on her story and the necessary steps it takes to be successful and reach the next level in athletics.
For more information on the book and clothing, please visit: Alexandra Webster | Approach Athletics.
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T-VO, Three Rivers, Tri-Cities
Around the time Caitlin Clark stepped foot into Carver-Hawkeye Arena, there have been some great players hooping around the NCAA as well. Some were balling then and some are balling now. Hailey Van Lith, Paige Bueckers, Kiki Rice, Juju Watkins, and Hannah Hidalgo just to name a few.
My favorite of the bunch is Talia Von Oelhoffen, also known as “TVO” or “T-VO.” Yeah, the triple cross three shooter from Tri Cities. Yes, the 5 foot 11 five-star who was one of top high school prospects in the country at the time. Yeah yeah yeah, all that and a bag of chips right? I know. Let me tell you how I met her and how amazing it has been ever since.
Talia is from Pasco to be exact. Kennewick and Richland are the other two that make up Southeastern Washington’s three cities. They form at the confluence of three rivers; Snake, Columbia and Yakima. You know what other city in America was built at the confluence of three rivers? Come on now. Say it with me! One, two, three.
Pittsburgh.
Yes, the Allegheny River merges with the Monongahela River to form the Ohio River, which is where my drinking water comes from. You see why I love bringing home with me? The history makes it hard not to and T-VO was born there, like me.
For the record if you were wondering, we are two years apart. No big deal or anything but knowing this feels good. But if there is anything better than that, It was catching these past two seasons of basketball and figuring out exactly who she was in the process.
On February 4, 2024, I attended the Women’s Basketball game versus the Beavers at Matthew Knight. I sat just above Pit Crew when I noticed a name I recognized from my childhood, on the back of a Beaver jersey. I am telling you, she was cold game like the flu. She picked a few pockets, and had the most assists against us for her team that day. Maybe not the most points, but it kind of felt like watching a female version of Rajon Rondo out there.
Source: Maggie Atkins: The Daily Barometer
I have not heard this name since I was about eight years old to be exact. So, I texted my good friend/mentor Willie Parker, former Steeler, and asked him a few questions about it. It ended up being my favorite Steeler football player’s daughter. I used to watch the Steelers play on TiVo, that VCR playback thing that made it’s debut in 1999. What I thought was a cousin or distant relative, turned out to be even closer.
The Beavers barely escaped Eugene with a 64-60 win over us. From that moment on, I dedicated the rest of my college time to supporting Talia any way I could, whether a connection was formed or not. But I was going to try at least, because why not? So, when our Ducks Men’s team traveled to Corvallis, I went up to watch, hoping she would be there.
Surprise! She was there. It was cool because I watched her do an interview on the sideline, talking about her game winner against UCLA and being a leader on a squad that could go far in March Madness, and did! This is where I met her for the first time, capturing the first moment. But it was quick because it was a school night.
Don’t worry, I traveled to Corvallis again to watch her play Stanford later in the month, where she had 27 points in their 67-63 loss to them. She ended up signing autographs. So, I went down to meet her a second time and tell the whole story. She recognized me and all was well. When I told her I was from Pittsburgh too, she said ” Foreal? Bring it in! We’re Pittsburgh Fam!” while dapping me up.
T-VO ended up graduating early at Oregon State just like she did in high school. When she could have been balling with high schoolers, she chose to enroll early and make an immediate impact in college.
One year later from our first time meeting, she is now hooping at USC with Juju Watkins and Kiki Iriafen, former Power Forward at Stanford. Von Oelhoffen is a graduate student and known for her fierce work ethic, exciting personality and team leadership, She helped the Trojans get it done last night against number one UCLA for Rivalry Week.
Most of all, I look forward to watching her develop into an amazing professional WNBA star. Hopefully, we can be great friends going forward in the future! USC is ranked Top Ten in the Country and you have number 55 to thank for it.
P.S. Yes I created a custom jersey to show my support! I’m probably the only current student in any school to do it. I”m honoring my words and commitment and could not be any more happier to.
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Steel City Stasia
As a “Yinzer” living in the Pacific Northwest, I tend to miss home a little. What is that Jaeden? Can you say that word again?
Yinzer.
Yinz is Pittsburgh’s way of saying “You All” or “You Guys.” But, I got a little bit of the hometown feel in Eugene when Maryland’s Middle Blocker, Anastasia Russ, came to town and took on our Oregon Ducks.
When I arrived at Matthew Knight, I could not help but notice the tallest player on the court. I’m sure everyone else did too. I mean, she is 6’5. The more she played, the more I began asking myself, “Is this the same number 88 that wore 23 for Hampton?” Indeed it was! This was the same individual that had to face my alma mater, Central Valley.
Source: Anastasia Russ via Instagram
Hampton struggled with us a bit, as we were ranked just like them. My football coach used to make us attend the volleyball games to support other athletics. So, we honored the commitment. I remember watching Russ play in our gym my senior year, which was her junior year.
The Ducks defeated the Terrapins this day. For me, that meant very little. Russ now has another person from Pittsburgh to add to her network of support, and I wanted her to know that. So, you know what I had do right? I had to make the connection. So, I introduced myself after the game and the rest is history.
Before Maryland, she began her college career as a Pitt Panther. She spent three seasons with the team, one as a redshirt and two playing. She helped Pitt make their first ever Final Four Appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2021. Pitt has made four straight appearances since then, including this season when they beat Oregon.
Anastasia went to Maryland looking for a fresh start, and fit right in with the program. In her first season, she became the number one blocker in the country.
In 2023, she ranked third in the Big Ten & fourth in the country with 123 total blocks during conference play and 1.5 blocks per set. She also had the highest hitting percentage in the NCAA at .516%. This past season, the 6’5 star climbed to number 8 on Maryland’s all-time leaderboard list with 404 blocks in her career.
Anastasia believes her creativity on and off the court are linked together. “I really like to make art. I like painting, drawing and making ceramics, because it ties into my creativity. I like to do trick shots sometimes and keep the other team on their toes.”
All the accolades she gained were enough to convince me and everyone else who supports her, her game, and the Terps volleyball squad. Anastasia is currently exploring her options post grad as she wants to be an industrial and organizational psychologist.
“I want to help businesses function better, training women for leadership roles in companies. I support mental health being an advocate for women in powerful positions thanks to being on a team full of strong and powerful women.”
A random fact about her is that she has one cat and a dog. She also loves horses and has found time to ride them often when she is not playing or studying. She has made honor society every year of high school and has scored Big 10 Academic Honors as well for Maryland. You can tell that her education is very important to her.
Whether it’s two degrees in hand, or 88 degrees on the court, Anastasia will fit the title of both and wear them with pride. I am truly glad to know her and watch her cap off an amazing career as a Terrapin.
Source: Maryland vs. Oregon via IG
P.S. look above the ball girl. That is me in the yellow hoodie!
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Nick Juran: Adobe’s Athletic Young Protege
Source: Adobe
Adobe, founded in Mountain View, California, is one of the biggest innovators in our world today. A billion dollar industry in our country just so happens to be responsible for producing some of the highest level of digital tools for the creative market that companies, corporations, and others use today.
Adobe communicates with their key publics via social media. Their strongest channels with the most followers and engagement are LinkedIn (5M) Instagram (1.9m), and X (972k). The effectiveness of their engagement on social platforms continues to help them earn billions of dollars.
Source: Adobe CSR Report 2023 (Page 6)
Adobe produced a total revenue of 19.4b dollars in 2024. 14.22 billion came from Digital Media while the other 4.89 billion came from Digital Experience.
However, their company does has a low percentage in their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion data with 29% of the leadership roles being held by women. 35% of all global employees are women, which is not many.
Source: Adobe CSR Report 2023 (Page 14)
Adobe’s core value belief is “Adobe for All.” Their core belief is that when people feel respected and included, they are more creative, innovative and successful. This belief is the foundation of our Adobe for All commitment, which encapsulates our work to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across our business and in our communities (Adobe, 14)
Their mission is “to empower everyone, everywhere to imagine, create, and bring any digital experience to life. From creators and students to small businesses, global enterprises, and nonprofit organizations — customers choose Adobe products to ideate, collaborate, be more productive, drive business growth, and build remarkable experiences.”
Adobe exercises their mission statement, by providing college students internship opportunities all around the world to grow and develop their networking and creative abilities.
One of Adobe’s major strengths is document management, which allows users to engage in documents with software such as “Adobe Cloud.” Another strength is creative software, which is what students and professionals use to creative digital content.
Adobe’s biggest competitors are companies such as “Google, IBM, Canva, Oracle and more.” These companies are also billion dollar companies that offer similar services. Universities and Corporations invests tons of money into them just like they do with Adobe.
Examples of this are Photoshop, AI, Illustrator and Final Cut Pro. But despite all the inventions and creativity Adobe has brought into this world, there has been some controversy surrounding the company due to subscription fees, AI, and their use of user content.
Despite the controversy in 2024, Adobe has done some work to show the value of their employers, company, and hometown communities. According to their Corporate Social Responsibility report (CSR), over half of their Board of Directors (58%) are from diverse backgrounds.
Source: Adobe Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2023
40 million students from grades K to 12 have access to Adobe Express, which provides digital learning and student safety.
Adobe is also responsible for reaching 33 million dollars in employee donations and grants. They established the “Hometown Commitment,” a holistic to support 11 hometown communities surrounding the main headquarters.(Adobe, 6)
Source:Nick Juran | LinkedIn
Nick Juran, former graduate from The University of Washington, is in the Senior Business Development sector of Digital Media at Adobe. In 2023, Juran graduated from The Michael G. Foster School of Business.
His current title allows individuals to focus on identifying and creating new opportunities, engaging with high-valued prospects, and collaborating with account executives to progress opportunities through the sales cycle.
Source: Nick Juran | Sports Illustrated | Washington Huskies
At UW, he organized a micro-internship opportunity for student-athletes called “Sales Academy,” an elite program to help emerging sales professionals practice the core values that Adobe’s company lives on. Juran, was a Student-Athlete for the Washington Huskies Football Team where he shared the playing field with some incredible talent, helping him thrive as a student-athlete.
“Sales is a great position for Athletes to get into because you get to compete and earn your pay.”
Nick learned of the opportunity that had been created at Clemson University and decided he wanted to set up shop in Seattle. After all, he is a bay area native. He attended Saint Francis in Mountain View, which is where Adobe was founded. If anyone would be able to do this, it would have to be him.
Source: Nick Juran | NIL Opendorse
In 2019, Nick came to Washington to play as a defensive back, where he earned Special Teams scout squad MVP. Two seasons later, he switched to receiver and saw action in five games his final two years. In 2022, he earned Scout team MVP for a second time.
Source: Nick Juran
Day-to-day tasks for Nick consists of finding and closing deals with Adobe’s biggest partners such as Nike, Amazon, and more.
His gift of being a natural-born leader and great public speaker has prepared him for the challenges of this world.
Source: Nick Juran
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Mo’ Mikey, Mo’ Memories
Source: Michael Rataj – Sports Illustrated
On February 17, 2024, I was sitting in my room when Oregon announced that men’s basketball was heading north to take on our in state rivals. From a student perspective, I wanted to feel a part of the rivalry. I really wanted to go, but do not drive being that I am an out-of-state student. I was busy with classes and money was tight as well, so it had been a while since I had attended a sporting event. But then again, I really wanted go. At the last second, I convinced a friend of mine to take me.
On my way to Corvallis, I had an agenda for how I wanted my night to go. It was to go into enemy territory, create as much chaos as possible, and cheer for a win against the Beavers. I was quickly met with hostility just like every other duck fan, but it was great. I for sure was “not a lucky duck” that day.
My attention span shifted towards the 6’9 220 lb power forward, Michael Rataj, the sophomore from Augsburg, Germany. He was coming off of shin surgery, which did not help with the game speed of college basketball. Being a former athlete, I know all about being inexperienced and dealing with gruesome injuries, so he had a lot to get used to.
Source: 2023-24 | Oregon vs. Oregon State | The Register Guard
As the game progressed, my agenda was replaced with humility. The more I cheered for Oregon, the more Oregon State mounted a comeback. The Beavers struggled all season, but showed up on rivalry day. Mikey hit a crucial three-point shot that brought the game within six. He also had three late rebounds that allowed Oregon State to tie the game in the final minute.
Despite his near double-double performance, Oregon won. But, the rivalry for me did not matter anymore at this point. The love of the game and the athletes who play it surpassed that. Going home, I made it a point to tell him that his work ethic inspired me to follow his game from that day forward. When they came to Eugene two weeks later, I wanted to meet him. So, I did, and told him exactly what I was going to. Despite the seasons of struggle, he was named a part of a sophomore trio with Jordan Pope (Texas), and Tyler Bilodeau (UCLA).
Source: via iPhone Camera (Oregon vs. Oregon State) February 28, 2024
After talking to Mikey about his performance, I asked if we can be friends going forward. Without hesitation he said, “Yes, and thank you for believing in me and supporting me!” This fall, I witnessed him one of the biggest games of his career against #16 ranked Gonzaga where he scored a career high 29 points.
He continues to dominate the game this year earning a few double-doubles prior to this game. Against Santa Clara, Rataj reached another milestone with 30 points. He has shown true dominance this year with double digit scoring this year.
Maybe, not being a “lucky duck” is a good thing. Mikey prefers a tight-knit community with a family feel. Aside from the accolades and attention from playing the game, Mikey is not attention-seeking at all. He is very humble and dedicated to his academics.
His dream to play in the States came true when coaches showed up in Germany asking him to visit Corvallis. Oregon State took a chance on him which is why he stayed when most of his teammates transferred.
Source: via iPhone Camera (Oregon vs. UCLA) December 8, 2024
In the end, I am glad he stayed because I get to watch a team build their program around a guy who grew up on hard work and true basketball skill. I believed he was going to be a star since I first watched him play last year. It was only a matter of time.
Most importantly, I am glad that I get to watch my friend grow into a tremendous person during my final year of college.
Source: via iPhone: Camera (Oregon State vs. Gonzaga) January 16, 2025
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A Day with Aaron Donald
If you recognize the man above, then you know he’s probably a first ballot NFL Hall of Fame inductee in the very near future. Aaron Donald played defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams starting in 2014 and retiring in 2023. He is a one-time Super Bowl champion, and a ten-time NFL Pro Bowl nominee. He is one of only two defensive players to make the NFL Pro Bowl every season of his career with ten appearances!
Before the Rams, he was a “one man wrecking crew” for the University of Pittsburgh. As a Pitt Panther, he won multiple awards for being a “one man wrecking crew.”He was named the most decorated defensive player of the 2013 college season and as one of the most decorated players in Pitt history.
Source: Aaron Donald Player Profile
In 2022, I was ready to start coaching a high school 7v7 football team. Instead, I received a phone call from my trainer to assist and mentor a youth skills and development camp for Aaron Donald, a former NFL Defensive Tackle for the Los Angeles Rams. That is how I connected with him beyond our normal workouts.
I volunteered as a player’s coach for “AD99 Solutions,” a nonprofit in Pittsburgh founded by AD. Their mission is to change the trajectory of under-resourced youth by providing education and resources in supportive and safe environments. This is how they empower the youth.
Source: AD99 Solutions
Pittsburgh is known as the “City of Bridges.” Playing to the city’s nickname, AD99 Solutions aims to be the bridge, connecting underserved youth and communities to the resources and opportunities they lack. They display their mission above by doing one of the many things they do annually, hosting the “Living in the Pocket Skills Camp.”
The one day camp has a $75 fee that includes workouts and football fundamentals throughout the camp. Post camp, the public is welcomed to pictures and chatting with the future Hall of Famer himself Many other current and former college and pro players were also in attendance.
I coached the first half of the camp by properly instructing how to condition for the game of football. Leading the youth through ladder, cone, and basic coverage drills taught them how much more preparation the game requires than simply just going out there and playing games. The second half were friendly fun games amongst the different age groups.
Overall, the camp was a success with over 100 campers in attendance. But Aaron’s nonprofit is much more than sports. It helps the youth focus in other ways to be dominant off the field.
Prep Forward is a year round program responsible for training black athletes ages 13-18. It provides them resources to reach Post-secondary success through educationally valuable opportunities. Shawn Solomon Jr., current running back for the Duquesne Dukes, graduated from the Prep Forward Program.
“My experience as a prep forward student has been nothing but amazing.” Solomon, attended Brashear High School, a member of the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Brashear, being a part of the “City League” school system, lacked financial support provide athletes top notch recruitment by Power Four colleges for sports, because of the lack of resources they have compared to WPIAL schools.
Aaron, like me, was also born in Pittsburgh. He is currently back and forth in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles, connecting with friends, family and serving the communities affected by the wildfires.
In Pittsburgh, AD99 Solutions hosts year round programs like “Prep Forward” and “Community Engagement” to help our youth grow and thrive. Their non-profit really emphasizes three major ways to support by volunteering, mentoring and donating. I had the privilege of doing two of the three in the camp alone, and would love the opportunity to serving the community with him again.
Source: Living In The Pocket Skills Camp Recap
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Why Pursuit, Willie Parker?
If you were old enough in 2006 to understand football and how it is played, then you probably know your local college team. If you knew that much, then you have likely watched a professional team and knew how they got their name. For me, it was the National Football League’s “Pittsburgh Steelers.”
In 2006, I was turning six, playing full-pad tackle football in the Rust Belt and narrating football games in front of the TV like I worked for ESPN. I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where we pride ourselves on steel and of course, football.
Steelers Willie Parker runs for a touchdown during Super Bowl XL between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on February 5, 2006. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/NFLPhotoLibrary) Source:SuperBowl Images In February, I joined my family in the living room for a Super Bowl party. There, was where I witnessed history. I watched number 39 take a handoff and run 75 yards to a score against the Seahawks. This happens to also be the longest run in Super Bowl history. I asked myself! Who is this guy? I play the same position? Who is he?
That’s Willie Parker, also known as Fast Willie! Yes, the two-time SuperBowl Champion. Yes, the two-time Pro Bowler. Yes, the current record holder for the longest run in Super Bowl history. Before the NFL, there was Willie, a man from Clinton, NC who ended up playing running back for the North Carolina Tar Heels. After his career with the Tar Heels from 2000 to 2003, he went undrafted as a free agent.
Source: Jim Hawkins / Inside Carolina
The Steelers have been very good at identifying talent regardless of where prospects rank on the draft boards. They showed just that by signing Willie in 2004. From then, he went on to play six seasons and having an amazing career before officially retiring in 2012.
In 2021, I returned home to my alma mater, Central Valley to give back to the community that raised me. I coached The Homeboys Football Camp, a free camp that aims to impact the youth positively, by not only teaching football and athletic skill, but also mentorship and development. I have attended this camp since 2006 and have not missed.
Source: Homeboys Football Camp
This is where I met the man I watched on TV at five years old. It was amazing to see a role model who played my position at the highest level. But it was a blessing to to coach his son Jace in the camp. Coaching was the hard part, meeting him was easy because of my personality and drive to befriend people.
There’s no catch, I simply wanted a friendship. What other way can that happen other than getting to know who you are? Willie was no different from anyone else. He is a very special individual to me, but no different from the purpose or principle. An extremely humble and hard working man.
Four years later, we are still in contact. Willie has founded a non-profit that aims to help underprivileged kids in their communities. I give him a hard time about Oregon’s recent matchup with the Tar Heels, where we claimed the victory. But overall, I am proud to know Willie beyond who he was as an athlete.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A6eGgvHkr/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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Why NALD?
As the creator, I am very passionate about networking with student athletes from all over the country. There was an adrenaline feeling that I would get when trying to prepare throughout my week when competing. I would ask myself “What are my opponents doing?” or “How good are my opponents really?” Seeing all of the cool highlights that other teams post on social media leading up to the time we played was nostalgic.
Not A Lucky Duck focuses on highlighting current/former student athletes, professionals, staff that competed against the University of Oregon. There is no catch, just a creative name that turns its attention towards the accomplishments of other individuals. These athletes continue to work just as hard as our own at the University of Oregon.
I am a former two-sport collegiate athlete that did not have many opportunities. Because of this, I feel that voicing my support of the athlete and the work they put in will influence my targeted audiences.
During my academic career, I currently work for the Oregon Accelerator, a student run collaboration that helps our student athletes leverage their resources to help them secure NIL opportunities. The collaboration is between the Journalism and Communication school and the Business School. I am gaining the full experience of networking by being a member of Operations. Operations is in charge of hiring, servicing other departments and providing opportunities for feedback on ways the Accelerator can be better, allowing me to enhance being an effective communicator.
As an accelerator, I spend a chunk of time planning events and working with other departments to voice our support for athletes. I see how much we do to support athletes, I am taking it another step by reaching athletes beyond my environment. As a team, we have written blog posts, attended sporting events and hosted photoshoots for our Accelerator Merchandise Drop.
Readers can expect this blog to focus on current and former college athletes and the work they do. I have created a network of meeting a ton of wonderful individuals and use this page to highlight where they are in the world. Not every individual goes professional and that is okay.
It also allows me to enhance my gift of creating mutually beneficial relationships, connecting with the public and establishing authentic credibility upon myself as a future Public Relations professional.
Jaeden Gordon 