The Network - Fall 2025

THE NETWORK UNITED STATES SPORTS UNIVERSITY

FALL 2025

THE REBRAND OF THE DECADE & DECADES TO COME

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Board of Trustees Dr. Nick Niccolai Chair Mobile, AL Vincent Butta Lloyd Harbor, NY Dr. Steve Condon Daphne, AL Joan Cronan Knoxville, TN Joe Durant Pensacola Beach, FL Ann Meyers Drysdale Huntington Beach, CA Dr. China Jude Highlands Ranch, CO Karen Hong Fairhope, AL

Dr. Tim Letzring Orlando, FL Dr. Lee A. McElroy Troy, NY Dr. T. J. Rosandich Fairhope, AL Jack Scharr St. Louis, MO Randy Smith Orange Beach, AL Joseph Szlavik Washington D.C. Tina Xavie Beverly Hills, CA Walter Wukasch Austin, TX

USSU Mission The United States Sports University is an accredited university providing forwardthinking education, specialized research, and superior service in the global realm of sports. We prepare and empower future leaders for a multifaceted and successful career in global sports through excellence in teaching, advanced scholarship, professional practice, and transformational learning.

Editorial Staff Design & Direction: Sophie Brooks Managing Editor: Kimiko Lumsden Contributing Writer: Shealynn Miller Contributing Writer: Qshequilla Mitchell Photos by: Jon Hauge & Sophie Brooks

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From The Desk of the President

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Cover Story: USSU Rebrand

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Coach’s Corner - Neil Scott

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Doctoral Summer Institute

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After the Tassel - Thomas Sather

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New Sport Performance Leaders

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ADs in the Classroom

From The Desk of the President

In August, we welcomed 145 new students, bringing our total enrollment to 444. Among them, 149 student-athletes are competing in soccer, volleyball, track and field, cross country, softball, and baseball. Our building is buzzing with life, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when we host six face-to-face classes each day.

With growth comes challenges, such as parking, but we embrace these as opportunities to improve our facilities and the student experience. Who would have thought that in just two years USSU would grow by 300 students, including 160 traditional students taking classes in person?

We did—and we love it!

Our vision is to take USSU to the next level within two years: 600 students, nationally competitive teams, a top-tier curriculum, and recognition as an Olympic Studies and Research Centre (OSRC). On June 17, 2025, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee recommended us for this honor, and in November we will submit our application to the International Olympic Committee. Only the University of Oregon currently holds this recognition in the U.S. President Steve Condon, Ph.D.

Our new name has boosted regional recognition, and our innovation of using NCAA Hall of Fame Athletic Directors as guest lecturers sets us apart from over 200 other sports degree programs. We’ve also expanded academically with Dr. Mark Deaton and Dr. Stephanie Cameron joining us in sports performance and psychology.

Special thanks go to our senior staff — Dr. Brandon Spradley, Shealynn Miller, and Vicki Dunaway — whose leadership and energy make our success inevitable. Our Board Chair and Executive Committee have also devoted over 100 hours this past year to help us navigate rapid growth.

Thank you for your love and support.

Please visit your university soon. With a couple more projects ahead, we’re preparing for our next growth spurt in August 2026.

Yours, Steve Condon President

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THE REBRAND OF

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The United States Sports University has proudly announced the launch of its refreshed institutional brand identity, a strategic initiative designed to reflect the university’s enduring mission while positioning it for the future. As the first and only stand-alone sports university in the nation, USSU continues to dedicate itself to educating and empowering future leaders in sport. This rebranding effort captures the values, mindset, and spirit of the entire university community— students, faculty, alumni, and stakeholders alike.

At the heart of the initiative is the theme: “We’re All Athletes Here.” More than a tagline, this philosophy reflects the belief that the athlete mindset—discipline, resilience, collaboration, and focus—extends beyond competitive athletics into every field of study and career path. Whether a student is preparing to be a coach, an administrator, a trainer, or an executive, they embody the same determination and teamwork that define athletic success. USSU’s new identity reinforces this universal connection to sport, making it central to the university’s academic and cultural fabric.

President Dr. Steve Condon emphasized the importance of this rebrand: “As the first and only sports university in the United States, we are proud to be a global leader designed to make an impact in the sports world.

This rebranding effort is grounded in who we are and what we stand for as an institution. It speaks directly to our purpose as a university where sport is not only studied but lived.”

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The new visual identity reflects both modernity and legacy. The updated logo maintains USSU’s traditional navy and white color palette while introducing gold and cerlulean to create a vibrant, versatile expression. Sharp design elements inspired by campus architecture and dynamic textures that evoke athletic movement further emphasize the university’s deep connection to sport. A sophisticated typography system adds clarity and academic distinction across digital, print, and environmental platforms, ensuring a cohesive presentation of the brand.

USSU partnered with Push10, a Philadelphiabased branding agency, to bring this vision to life.

Sophie Brooks, Marketing Coordinator, highlighted the agency’s role: “Their strategic insight, creative vision, and understanding of our mission made them the ideal collaborator. From initial discovery to final design, Push10 helped shape a brand that authentically represents who we are and where we are headed.”

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The rebrand also strengthens the university’s longstanding mission: to deliver highquality, sport-centered education that prepares students for impactful careers in the global sports industry. Every program, from undergraduate to doctoral, blends rigorous academics with real-world relevance, ensuring graduates are well prepared to influence the future of sport. The refreshed identity communicates this commitment with renewed clarity and energy.

Implementation of the new brand identity is rolling out during the 2025–2026 academic year. Updates will be seen first in institutional publications, admissions materials, and marketing campaigns, followed by new campus signage and a redesigned university website.

With this transformation, USSU signals both continuity and progress: honoring its proud legacy while embracing innovation.

The rebrand unites its community under a shared philosophy and reaffirms its position as a global leader in sport education.

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THE USSU COACH’S CORNER Neil Scott - USSU Head Women’s Soccer Coach Education: I graduated from Pascagoula High School and went on to play college soccer at Holmes Community College, Meridian Community College, and Belhaven University. I graduated from Belhaven in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration. Years later, I looked for a college to begin my master’s degree. This is when I found USSU. I slowly worked on this degree over a few years, and in 2016, I completed my Master’s in Sports Coaching with honors.

Coaching Profile: After finishing my playing career at Belhaven University, I was hired as an assistant coach at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. In five seasons there we had a lot of success, including three state and region championships. Afterwards, I transitioned to coaching high school. Initially, coaching the girls’ program at Pascagoula High School for two years, then moving on to Long Beach High School for two years, which included a runnersup finish in the MHSAA 5A state championship. Next, I spent five years at Ocean Springs High School where I was fortunate enough to coach many talented girls and win a MHSAA 6A state championship. Afterwards, I moved on to coach at D’Iberville High School until the opportunity came to get back into college coaching.

Why do you love coaching? I love to compete, and I enjoy leading other competitors. Having common goals each season and working together as a team to reach those goals can be extremely satisfying and sometimes disappointing. But both the successes and disappointments add fuel to the fire for the next season. In addition, I love coaching players that want to learn and grow. Seeing players dedicate themselves, realize their potential, and see positive results is an awesome experience.

Why the United States Sports University? USSU drew my attention quickly. The plan for continued growth as a university and within athletic programs is something I wanted to be a part of. I love the idea of building a women’s soccer program from scratch and continuing to add to it year after year. The people here are great to work with, and the administration are so welcoming, positive, and helpful. I’m looking forward to all we can do as a soccer program and as a university.

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A DVA NC I NG SCHOLARSH IP AND LEADERSHIP IN SPORT In June, the United States Sports University proudly hosted its annual Doctoral Residency Institute, welcoming nearly 30 graduate students for an immersive threeday residency. A series of dissertation workshops, faculty-led seminars, and professional development activities were held to support doctoral candidates in their journey toward completing their dissertations and achieving professional success.

Dr. Steve Condon provided the welcome and opening remarks, where he described Pat Summitt’s “Definite Dozen” rules for success. Participants then attended various workshop sessions intended to sharpen research skills, clarify dissertation goals, and provide structured support for academic writing and scholarly productivity.

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Led by USSU faculty and esteemed researchers, the workshops covered essential topics, including Navigating the Dissertation Process, Research Methods and Literature Review Strategies, Theoretical Frameworks, and Navigating the IRB for your Dissertation Project. A highlight of the residency was a conversation with Chris Plonsky, Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director and Chief of Staff at the University of Texas. Plonsky drew from decades of leadership in collegiate athletics where she built support systems that focused on academic success, personal development, and career readiness for student-athletes.

Additionally, Dr. China Jude, a USSU alumna and President of Business Operations for the Motor City Cruise, presented a framework for organizations to navigate complex challenges and drive sustainable transformation. Dr. Jude described practical strategies and offered advice on what skills and mindsets are needed to prepare for today’s sports leadership environment.

Another standout moment was the panel discussion featuring Dr. China Jude, Dr. Monica Singhania, Chris Plonsky, Dr. Stephanie Cameron, and Dr. Viktor Bielik. Moderated by Simone Eli, the discussion provided students with insights into current trends, challenges, and issues shaping the future of sport.

USSU is preparing for next year’s institute, to be held in late June, and looks forward to the opportunity to allow students to learn directly from industry-leading sports professionals.

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AF T ER TH E TA S S E L When I received my degree at the United States Sports University (then the Academy) in 1996 with a Master of Sports Science in Sports Fitness Management and Sports Medicine, I never imagined my career would take me from cardiac rehabilitation to the skies with naval aviators, and ultimately to directing the Navy’s Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Program. Looking back, I can see how my time at USSU laid the foundation for everything that followed.

My passion led me to study psychology at Elon College, then pursue graduate work in sports medicine and fitness management at USSU. My first role after graduation was as an exercise physiologist in cardiac rehabilitation at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was fulfilling, but I felt called to serve in a larger way.

That call came from the U.S. Navy. Commissioned as an Aerospace and Operational Physiologist, I began a career that combined my love of sports science with service to those who serve our nation. Over 26 years, I’ve trained pilots, aircrew, and special forces— what I often call “tactical athletes”—and worked to ensure that sailors and Marines have the medical training, survival skills and support they need in the most challenging of operational environments.

Almost two decades into my Navy career, I returned to USSU, this time to pursue my Doctor of Education in Sports Management (2015). My dissertation on the effects of over-the-counter supplements on pilot performance became more than an academic exercise—it influenced Navy and Marine Corps aviation policy, protecting aviators from risks associated with non-FDA-regulated substances.

Today, I serve as the Director of the Navy’s Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Program, responsible for training more than 36,000 Navy and Marine Corps medical personnel in lifesaving trauma skills. These are the skills that reduce preventable deaths on the battlefield—the difference between life and loss in combat.

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My path here included roles as Deputy Director of Maritime Operations, where I advised on global Navy medical force employment, and as Chief of Medical Treatment Facility Operations at the Defense Health Agency, where I oversaw the rollout of new life support programs across 692 military treatment facilities.

Along the way, I’ve taught survival skills to midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy, worked with Navy Test Pilots at the United States Naval Test Pilot School, and even developed the Navy’s first Flight Medic program.

I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition, including the American Red Cross Chairpersons’ Award (2025), Fred A. Hitchcock Award (2025), and Ashton Graybriel Memorial Award (2016), as well as multiple military decorations. But more than the medals and awards, I’m proudest of the students and sailors I’ve trained—those who carried their skills into missions, deployments, and humanitarian efforts.

Athletics prepared me for the rigors of military service. The mentorship I received at USSU shaped my research and my teaching. The Navy taught me adaptability—Semper Gumby, “Always Flexible.” Today, I continue to mentor, teach, and publish—authoring more than 20 peer-reviewed papers. I also serve on the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, where I help shape national training standards that save lives far beyond the military.

Even when I had the opportunity to pursue my doctoral work elsewhere, I returned to the Academy because of its quality faculty, personal mentorship, and commitment to excellence. The Academy’s values of education, research, and service align perfectly with the Navy’s values of honor, courage, and commitment. Everything I’ve accomplished ties back to the foundation I built at USSU. - Dr. Thomas Sather, Class of 1996 & 2015

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WELCOMING NEW LEADERS IN SPORTS PERFORMANCE DR. STEPHANIE CAMER ON DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR SPORT PSYCHOLOGY With nearly two decades of teaching and professional experience, Dr. Stephanie Cameron brings an extraordinary depth of expertise in both the mental and physical dimensions of athletic performance.

At USSU, Dr. Cameron is spearheading the development of a new Master’s program in Sport Psychology, set to launch in Fall 2026, as well as a bachelor’s minor in Sports Psychology that is already attracting students to classes like Team Psychology, Psychology of Injuries, and Exercise Psychology. Her vision for these programs will help prepare future professionals to thrive in private consulting roles inside and outside of competitive sport environments.

Dr. Cameron holds graduate degrees in health and sport psychology and is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. She also serves as a registered mentor, guiding future professionals through the rigorous applied experience required to earn the CMPC credential.

Her academic career includes teaching and mentoring across multiple institutions, specializing in sport psychology, exercise psychology, and performance enhancement.

She has contributed as an internship coordinator, thesis committee member, and faculty advisor—roles that highlight her dedication to student success.

Today, she also operates her own sport psychology consulting business, providing mental performance services to athletes, teams, and business leaders.

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D R . M A R K DEAT ON – A SSO CIATE PR OFESSOR OF EXER CISE SCIENC E Joining USSU as Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Dr. Mark Deaton brings over 20 years of teaching experience and an applied background that bridges clinical and performance settings.

Dr. Deaton is an active member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), holding the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential. His professional service includes leadership roles on the NSCA Membership Committee and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. He has also contributed to advancing the discipline through his work with the Carolina’s Research Symposium, reviewing abstracts, and supporting the alignment of academic programs with national standards.

Before entering academia, Dr. Deaton worked as the lead exercise physiologist in a cardiac rehabilitation unit, where he applied evidence-based practices to improve patient health and recovery. His expertise continues to extend across the spectrum of human performance—from clinical populations to competitive athletes. In the future, Dr. Deaton plans to modernize USSU’s Human Performance Lab with state-of-the-art equipment and to expand collaborative research opportunities for students & faculty alike.

With the arrival of Dr. Cameron and Dr. Deaton, USSU strengthens its commitment to innovation, excellence, and leadership in sports performance education. Their combined expertise in mental performance, exercise science, clinical practice, and research will empower students to pursue careers at the forefront of sport and health.

As the university continues to expand its academic offerings and research opportunities, these new faculty members represent a leap forward in shaping the future of sports performance.

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WHERE SPORTS ARE ST At the United States Sports University, we don’t just teach sports, we live them. That spirit of living out sport is alive every semester in Contemporary Issues in Sports, a course that refuses to stay inside the textbook.

If you were to step into the classroom of this core course, you’d find students researching and debating the headlines shaping athletics right now. The topics come from a wide-range and vary in each course. We discuss NIL deals and the shifting economics of college sports. We chat about conference shake-ups and the transfer portal’s ripple effect on teams. Students can begin understanding issues surrounding gender equity, athlete mental health, and the ethical tightropes administrators walk every day.

Discussions are often urgent and sometimes uncomfortable. But they are always centered around the idea that future leaders must wrestle with industry realities before they can confidently enter into the industry.

What sets this course apart isn’t just the topics discussed but the the sitting and former athletic directors who are guest lecturing our classes, providing their lived experiences with our students. And this semester, our roster reads like a who’s who of modern sport.

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TEPPING OFF THE PAGE O U R FA L L 2025 WHO ’S WHO R OSTER : • Greg Byrne, Alabama’s forward-thinking Director of Athletics since 2017. Byrne has managed record-setting fundraising campaigns and major facility upgrades while maintaining his commitment to student-athletes.

• John Cohen, Auburn’s AD since 2022 and former championship baseball coach.

Cohen has rebuilt programs and guided universities through cultural and competitive change, so far accumulating five SEC championships during his time.

• Ross Bjork, now at Ohio State after leading Texas A&M and Ole Miss, whose experience with conference realignment and revenue growth offers a candid look behind the curtain.

• Dr. Kevin White, Duke’s legendary former AD, whose decades of leadership shaped one of the nation’s most admired athletic departments & mentored a generation of professionals.

TH E N TH E RE A RE T H E VO IC ES WHO EMB ODY USSU’S L EGACY: • Dr. Melody Webb, Vice President/Director of Athletics at Norfolk State and proud doctoral alumna, navigating the challenges and opportunities of leading a Division I HBCU program.

• Dennis Lindsey, President of Basketball Operations for the Detroit Pistons and a USSU master’s graduate, translating years of NBA front-office experience into practical wisdom.

• Dr. Lee McElroy, USSU Board Member and NACDA Hall of Fame inductee, whose steady leadership has influenced policy and culture across collegiate athletics.

Students don’t just listen in these classes. They engage. They press these leaders with tough questions and gather advice that won’t be found in a syllabus. These students ultimately can walk away with contacts who may one day open professional doors. The classroom is alive with possibility: a future athletic director weighing an NIL dilemma, a future coach rethinking player support systems, a future league executive reconciling a more ethical business model.

By the end of the semester, Contemporary Issues in Sports has done more than teach. It has connected generations of athletes and leaders in a shared pursuit: to keep sports worthy of the passion they inspire. And at USSU, that’s not just coursework; it’s who we are.

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