Dr. Derek Greenfield Delivers Powerful Message on Inclusivity and Positive Change

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Internationally recognized visionary speaker Dr. Derek Greenfield facilitated a powerful and innovative workshop with student-athletes on Monday evening.

The event was coordinated by the Beyond the Buzzer program staff and Associate Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Derek Cowherd. Dr. Greenfield delivered a workshop centered on inclusive excellence, positivity, empathy, and the value of sharing personal stories.

"I just love this family. It's clear how much people here care about each other, how dedicated they are to one another" said Dr. Greenfield. "With the energy, the positivity, there's something special going on here at Louisville."

More than 600 student-athletes attended two sessions, and each group actively engaged in discussions centered on how inclusive environments promote personal and group-centered growth and how they can inspire positive change. Student-athletes worked with one another in an interactive setting and hands-on learning environment unlike anything they had ever experienced.

"I think it was really cool that we're talking about topics that we usually don't talk about or that are outside of our comfort zones," said senior soccer athlete Ravin Alexander. "I think that's important for us to be able to do."

As part of the session, Dr. Greenfield split student-athletes into small group discussions. These discussions encouraged group members to be open and vulnerable with other student-athletes. Everyone was encouraged to share their past experiences, their struggles, and their triumphs. After breakouts, volunteers were given the chance to share their stories with the group.

"I was able to open up and be vulnerable with new people, which is something I wouldn't normally do," said senior volleyball athlete Amaya Tillman. "I'm a senior, and there were freshmen that were being more open than I was; I think that was super cool to see how the Louisville student-athlete community is growing."

The workshop gave students a space to connect with each other on a personal level, regardless of their class status, team, or gender identity.

"This was an important opportunity for our student-athletes to pour into each other. Over the last couple of years because of COVID, we have not had as many intentional moments to bring all of the student-athletes together in person. Spending time, face-to-face, and sharing personal stories and experiences, creates a culture of inclusivity, support, and care, which are critical to strong and successful teams," said Alyssa Murphy, Assistant Athletic Director for Student Athlete Leadership and Development. "I am grateful to Dr. Greenfield for leading the conversations and activities, and for our department leadership and coaches, who made this a priority for their teams. I know UofL student-athletes will be talking about this for a long time."

Throughout the workshop, student-athletes exchanged laughs, hugs, tears, and multiple high-fives. At the conclusion of the program, many student-athletes exchanged contact information to expand their support network and to increase positive change among student-athletes. Dr. Greenfield's session had a profound impact on the student-athletes in attendance, and they will continue to work toward a holistic mindset.

"Dr. Derek Greenfield has a special gift of bringing people from all walks of life together for an experience that will last a lifetime," said Derek Cowherd, Associate Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. "He challenged us all to realize diversity is our greatest strength and that caring for one another on a higher plane can establish an unmatched winning culture."

In addition to working with student-athletes, Dr. Greenfield conducted modified sessions for athletic department staff and coaches. These workshops presented the same core theme as the student-athlete sessions with tailored content about inclusive and vulnerable leadership.

"Dr. Greenfield's message is simple, but applying it to our life can prove difficult," said University of Louisville Director of Athletics Josh Heird. "We all must take time to practice patience, show empathy and truly listen to one another. It is a commitment to treat people with dignity and respect that makes our department truly special."

University of Louisville Athletics

Dr. Derek Greenfield Delivers Powerful Message on Inclusivity and Positive Change

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