UofL Welcomes Motivational Speaker Inky Johnson to Campus

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville students, student-athletes and staff had the opportunity to meet with motivational speaker Inky Johnson at the school's Student Activities Center on Monday evening.

Johnson, a former football player for the University of Tennessee suffered a life-threatening injury that paralyzed his right arm and ended his career in 2006. He went on to earn his master's degree in sports psychology and has since become a motivational speaker, working with colleges and professional sport teams as well as multiple business industries with emphasis on overcoming obstacles and the value of teamwork.

A highly coveted national speaker, Johnson spoke to the UofL community about taking advantage of their opportunities and not taking for granted the privileges students and athletes earn on a day-to-day basis. Johnson reiterated to the packed auditorium that it is more important to be a solid human being than anything else that's accomplished in life.

"Bringing Inky Johnson to UofL is part of our ongoing mission to empower student-athletes and staff through messages of resilience, purpose, and inclusion," said UofL Associate Athletics Director for Community and Culture Derek Cowherd. "Whether through the Athlete Ally Activism Summit, the ACC Unity Tour, or impactful voices like Dr. Derek Greenfield and Dr. Eric Thomas, we've seen how sport can be a powerful force for connection and change. Inky's story will hopefully challenge and inspire all of us, reminding us that while individual growth is important, we can go farther—and stronger—if we are resilient, fight through adversity - and do so together."

For more information on Inky Johnson visit here.

UofL REFLECTIONS ON INKY JOHNSON
"Inky Johnson's story was truly inspirational and reminded me that even in life's toughest moments, there are hidden blessings and opportunities for growth. His resilience and optimism have pushed me to shift my perspective by seeing challenges as a setup for something great instead of a setback!"
Autumn Bell – Track & Field

"It's obvious right away to listen to Inky that you know he is who he is and one of the greatest for a reason. I think a lot of us saw that reason today, he just has so much passion and he's been through a lot of different things. Circumstances that no other person should go through and that's what made him who he is today. I know a lot of us (not to the extent he's been through) but a lot of us can relate by the way we grew up. It is just inspiring for a lot of people that maybe have had a lot of struggles when they were younger like myself and I'm just hearing that his message through a lot of different lenses is something beneficial, especially to an athlete in today's age."
J'Vonne Hadley –Men's Basketball

"It was an honor to be able to hear from Inky Johnson. I am motivated to finish the semester strong and leave UofL better for the generations coming after me."
Allie Rose, President, Student Government Association

"The biggest takeaways that I got last night were two things: appreciate every facet of the process; and many are called, few are chosen."
Alex Svetanoff – Men's Soccer

"Yesterday the University of Louisville had the honor and privilege to have Inky Johnson on our campus. To be honest I did not know what to expect from his message, even though I knew he was known far and wide as a phenomenal speaker. Several of our current and former students and staff alike follow him on social media and have been wanting to have him on campus for years. I now understand why. Inky gracefully shared intimate aspects of his life's journey that noticeably struck a chord with many of us. He spoke about ambition, determination, finances, fear, faith, love, accountability and respect. At one point he said, 'save some space to allow yourself some grace.' I was ready to pass the collection plate, because he was speaking to several somebodies in the room. I am more than sure that all who witnessed Inky Johnson are better prepared to face whatever setbacks or set ups the future holds."
Marvin Mitchell, Deputy Athletic Director

University of Louisville Athletics

UofL Welcomes Motivational Speaker Inky Johnson to Campus

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