Savannah State Student-Athletes Attend Black Student-Athlete Summit

EUGENE, Ore.- Several Savannah State University student-athletes journeyed to Eugene, Oregon to attend the 11th Annual Black Student Athlete Summit that was held May 20-23 at the University of Oregon.

The 2026 summit drew over 900 attendees which included Black student-athletes, administrators, coaches and industry leaders.

Representing SSU at the summit were Katelynn Welch (tennis), Julian Grier (baseball), Kajuan Davis (men’s track & field) and Hallii Thomas (women’s track & field) along with Tina Jolley-Smith, Savannah State’s Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance & Academics/Senior Woman Administrator.

For Grier, one of the biggest things that stood out to him was the opportunity to connect with student-athletes from all across the country.

“Even though we all came from different backgrounds and demographics, many of us shared similar perspectives and experiences. Throughout the week, it truly felt like a family environment. Everyone was supportive, respectful, and genuinely looked out for one another, which created a strong sense of community during our time there.”

Jolley-Smith said that the SSU student-athletes enjoyed themselves from the time they boarded the plane to the time they arrived back on Georgia soil. She added that they soaked in a lot of knowledge that they will bring back to SSU.

“The students have been blown away since the plane ride. The ability to see and take up space and be unapologetically Black is always worth the fear. I am truly blessed and glad to have been a part of this amazing event. I am taking back so many ideas and possible programming for the program through the connections made here.”

Welch said the trip was “simply amazing”.

The McDonough, Georgia native added that “it was an eye-opening experience, realizing that other student-athletes from across the country have the same experiences as you do.” She went on to say that once your collegiate playing days are over, there are many options to pull from. “There are employers looking to hire student-athletes because they have that drive and determination that non-athletes don’t have.”

Grier explained that he truly enjoyed the entire experience and he highly recommends the summit to any student-athlete who has the opportunity to attend.

“It gave me the opportunity to learn from people who were once in the same position I am currently in and are now thriving in high-level careers and leadership positions. Hearing about their journeys, the challenges they faced, and how they transitioned from being student-athletes into the business world was both motivating and inspiring. It encouraged me to continue preparing myself and learning new skills as I approach this next chapter of my life.”

The Atlanta, Georgia native attended the NCAA Leadership Academy last year and said that he saw many similarities between the Black Athlete Summit and the NCAA Leadership Academy. “Both experiences emphasized leadership, personal growth, networking, and using your platform as a student-athlete to make a positive impact. Each event pushed me to think beyond sports and focus on becoming a better leader, professional, and person overall.”

A May 2026 graduate of SSU with a degree in marketing, Grier said he plans to use what he learned from the summit as he moves into the next chapter of his life. “I will continue to build meaningful relationships, staying intentional about my personal and professional growth, and applying the leadership lessons I gained in both my career and everyday life. The summit reinforced the importance of preparation, consistency, and community, and I believe those lessons will help guide me as I pursue opportunities in business, marketing, and supply chain management.”

Davis, who hails from Jonesboro, Georgia said that his experience to the west coast was great. “There were student-athletes there from big schools and small schools and I had a chance to network and make connections with them. I also made some connections with employers from large companies and organizations.”

Thomas said that attending the summit was an incredibly empowering experience, both as a student and an athlete. She added that getting to travel and connect with peers from across the country who share the same drive and unique challenges was truly unforgettable.

“During the summit, I had the opportunity to attend several impactful sessions focused on career development, personal branding, and the power of student-athlete voices. One of the most profound moments for me was attending a panel dedicated to the unique experiences of Black women in sports. Hearing from women who have navigated elite spaces while staying true to themselves was incredibly validating. It highlighted the importance of resilience, owning our narratives, and using our platforms to lift each other up. That discussion deeply reinforced my drive to focus on athlete identity, self-expression, and empowerment.

The Port Wentworth, Georgia native who just wrapped up her freshman year at Savannah State said she gained invaluable insights into effective storytelling and modern communication skills that she is eager to apply to her own creative projects. “The energy and community at the summit were unmatched. I’m returning to campus feeling inspired, refocused, and deeply grateful to represent Savannah State University on a national stage. I can’t wait to use what I’ve learned to pour back into the athletic community.”

The summit schedule was designed to balance inspiration, education and connection across multiple days. Each day was centered around a distinct focus such as education and academics, mental health and wellness, professional development and financial literacy and entrepreneurship allowing attendees to engage deeply with topics that support both personal and professional growth.

Daily highlights typically included main stage conversations, interactive sessions, and experiential moments that encourage dialogue, reflection, and relationship-building. The overall flow of the Summit was structured to create a cohesive and impactful experience that meets attendees where they are and supports them throughout their journey.

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