CKA SAVE Project Report on the Allen Sack National Symposium: "The Pivot Point: College Athletics at a Crossroads" Hosted by The Drake Group Educational Fund
Posted on May 28th, 2025
Event Overview
On April 10, 2025, the CKA SAVE Project proudly supported over 25 program participants to attend the Allen Sack National Symposium at Howard University. This important national gathering focused on the evolving landscape of college athletics, including:
● New academic models for athletes
● Mental and physical health concerns
● The financial impact on diversity in hiring
● The shifting role of Title IX
● The implications of the landmark House v. NCAA settlement
The symposium brought together national leaders in sports journalism, law, education, and athletics administration to discuss challenges and solutions for the future of college sports.
Session Summaries and CKA SAVE Project Connections
1. Charting the New Landscape of College Sports: Education, Equity, and Commerce
● Key Focus: The House v. NCAA settlement has fundamentally changed the student-athlete model, introducing direct athlete compensation.
● Discussion: How to balance athlete pay with educational priorities and support smaller institutions.
● CKA SAVE Project Link: Our mission aligns with advocating for student-athletes' educational advancement even as commercial opportunities expand
2. New Era, New Rules: Changing the Academic Playbook for College Athletes
● Key Focus: Rising demands on athletes call for new academic pathways beyond the traditional four-year degree, including vocational training and trades.
● Discussion: The need for alternative educational models to keep athletes on track academically.
● CKA SAVE Project Link: Reinforces the purpose of the developing CKA Post Graduate Academy (PGA), offering holistic, flexible options for student-athletes
3. Beyond the Game: Prioritizing College Athlete Mental and Physical Health
● Key Focus: Increased travel, competition schedules, and pressures linked to money-making have added strain to athlete mental health.
● Discussion: Institutions must prioritize athlete wellness over revenue generation.
● CKA SAVE Project Link: The Stay CONNECTED Framework is a proactive tool designed specifically to address these daily stressors among athletes.
4. The Price of Progress: How Changing Economics Will Impact Diversity
● Key Focus: Shifts in economics could further widen disparities in hiring practices, especially for women and people of color in athletics leadership.
● Discussion: Conscious efforts are needed to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletic hiring.
● CKA SAVE Project Link: We must continue to advocate for leadership development and equity for underrepresented groups in sports administration.
Participant Reflections
Cedrick Dickens, Parent
"Every student interested in college athletics should be connected with the CKA SAVE Project. They are leading the way in preparing families for these monumental changes."
Keith Adams Jr., Football, DeMatha (MD) High School
"The symposium deepened my understanding of Title IX and the disparity between sports. It inspired me to do more personal research and broaden my knowledge of college athletics."
Isaiah Lee, Basketball, Paint Branch (MD) High School
"Learning about NIL, transfer portal rules, and future NCAA policies was eye-opening. Networking with college athletic leaders made the event priceless. Thank you to the CKA SAVE Project for the opportunity—and the food was delicious!"
Trinity Dickens, Track, Elizabeth Seton (MD) High School:
"The symposium taught me about the realities of funding inequalities and the critical importance of building a strong academic and athletic plan early. I now better understand the pressures athletes face and how important it is to advocate for ourselves."
Key Takeaways
● Education remains the cornerstone of long-term success for athletes, even in a new commercialized era.
● Mental health supports are vital as financial pressures and competition demands escalate.
● Alternative academic paths must be normalized for athletes post-eligibility.
● Equity must remain a top priority, especially regarding gender and racial representation in leadership.
The Odd Coaches Podcast: Special State of College Sports Episode
● Hosted by Dr. Keith Adams and his "Cavalcade of Stars," The Odd Coaches Podcast delivers fresh, dynamic perspectives on every aspect of sports.
● In a special episode focused on the State of College Sports, Dr. Adams welcomes distinguished guest panelists: Kassandra Ramsey, President of The Drake Group, and François Zebaze of France, a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches Mentor Circle.
● Together, they dive into critical conversations sparked by the NCAA Men’s Final Four and the Sack Symposium, offering expert insights on the current and future landscape of college athletics.
About the CKA SAVE Project
The CKA SAVE Project is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering student-athletes and the educators, coaches, and leaders who support them. Through a wide range of educational and professional development initiatives, we are shaping the future of academic and athletic success.
Our programs include Academic and Athletic Consulting, support for CKA Secondary and Postsecondary Chapters, organizational research on college athletics, The Odd Coaches Podcast, the Finding the Balance book, and the distribution of grants and scholarships.
Through our Stay CONNECTED Framework and the upcoming launch of the Post Graduate Academy (PGA), the CKA SAVE Project is leading the way with innovative solutions for a rapidly evolving educational and athletic landscape.
Prepared by:
Dr. Keith Adams
President, CKA SAVE Project
President-Elect, The Drake Group
www.ckasaveproject.org
www.thedrakegroup.org
Social Media: @ckasaveproject, @oddcoaches
We're Here to Support Your Journey
We are committed to providing comprehensive support to student-athletes across the nation, so whether you have questions about our programs, need personalized guidance, or want to learn more about how you can contribute to our mission, we are here to help.