S5 Ep1: Leading and Innovating in Student Athlete Wellbeing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmRZ_Z2Sxho

[00:06] welcome to the Kitman Labs Game Changer
[00:08] welcome to the Kitman Labs Game Changer podcast I'm Steven Smith CEO of Kitman
[00:11] podcast I'm Steven Smith CEO of Kitman labs and I'm thrilled to kick off season
[00:13] five with what I anticipate to be a
[00:15] five with what I anticipate to be a thought-provoking chat with my guest
[00:18] thought-provoking chat with my guest Kenny Boyd execu executive senior
[00:20] associate Athletics director of student
[00:22] associate Athletics director of student athlete services at Baylor University
[00:25] athlete services at Baylor University Welcome To The Game Changer Kenny thanks
[00:27] Stephen yeah that's a my title is a
[00:29] little bit of a mouthful huh yeah I just
[00:31] tell people I get to be in more
[00:34] meetings well it sounds great um so
[00:37] listen I really appreciate you being
[00:39] here today and I'm particularly excited
[00:41] about this because I think we are at uh
[00:44] an unprecedented time of change in
[00:46] Collegiate Athletics I think there's a
[00:48] number of different things happening
[00:49] right now the the compounding effects of
[00:51] nil on institutions and their players
[00:54] the competition that's been created by
[00:56] the transfer portal massive amount of
[00:58] the transfer portal massive amount of realignment across different conferences
[01:01] realignment across different conferences Rising number of mental health issues.
[01:03] Rising number of mental health issues and and then the new requirements from NCAA transformation committee for elevated and more holistic player care.
[01:07] NCAA transformation committee for elevated and more holistic player care.
[01:09] elevated and more holistic player care.
[01:11] I mean your head must be spinning after everything that's happened over the last kind of 12 18 months in your your area of the industry.
[01:14] yeah yeah that's just paid one.
[01:16] yeah we we've got uh there's certainly a lot of things uh happening um and some would say Monumental changes.
[01:24] I think every generation experiences some version of this but this seems more significant for whatever reason.
[01:34] um but you you have it's all about your mindset right and I think part of this is you know where's the opportunity.
[01:39] there's the the quote you know in the difficulty lies the opportunity and I think we have great opportunity.
[01:44] uh to further Advance how we provide care for our student athletes and really how we work as Professionals in this industry.
[01:51] yeah I I think um that's exactly how we've been thinking about some of these changes as well.
[01:58] I think it means that number one it's it's never been more critical to I think continue.
[02:02] been more critical to I think continue to transform and modernize student.
[02:03] to transform and modernize student athlete Health and Care but also I think.
[02:06] athlete Health and Care but also I think it this presents an enormous opportunity.
[02:08] it this presents an enormous opportunity with everything that's happening right.
[02:09] with everything that's happening right now to create a more integrated approach.
[02:11] now to create a more integrated approach to Performance and health than than.
[02:12] to Performance and health than than we've ever had before and I think.
[02:14] we've ever had before and I think there's a lot more driving factors and.
[02:16] there's a lot more driving factors and reasons to get everybody that you know.
[02:18] reasons to get everybody that you know moving in in that direction across like.
[02:20] moving in in that direction across like a high performance.
[02:22] a high performance environment yeah what's what's What's um.
[02:26] environment yeah what's what's What's um what's I think is exciting about this.
[02:28] what's I think is exciting about this time is um I feel like there's a there's.
[02:33] time is um I feel like there's a there's an opportunity at at every one of our.
[02:35] an opportunity at at every one of our institutions uh to find where we are.
[02:39] institutions uh to find where we are going to have a place in this in this.
[02:41] going to have a place in this in this change and how we can be a part of that.
[02:44] change and how we can be a part of that um what's going to happen at Baylor.
[02:45] um what's going to happen at Baylor University is going to be different that.
[02:47] University is going to be different that happens at Iowa State um and so and I.
[02:50] happens at Iowa State um and so and I use that as a as a school within our.
[02:52] use that as a as a school within our conference that even though we're in the.
[02:53] conference that even though we're in the same conference we're going to have a.
[02:55] same conference we're going to have a different approach to this you know.
[02:57] different approach to this you know whether the NCAA allows us to have more.
[03:00] whether the NCAA allows us to have more opportunities permissible uh more.
[03:02] opportunities permissible uh more financial opportunities permissible at the end of the day the good news is like you know let's turn to the back of the book uh the way the story ends we still need people to care for our student athletes and so everybody that work that I work with and my staff um we still need them to operate at a high level high efficiency and and continue to provide solutions to problems that we see yeah I'm I I couldn't agree more I think um the the approach that's taken the the collaboration that's needed amongst you know everybody that's involved within the high performance sphere right now is is uh it's phenomenally important and becoming more and more important because of some of the changes that we've talked about um so I know we're here today to talk about some of these micro TR Trends to also gain some insights on how Baylor is tracking these kind of modern challenges how you're integrating them into your overall program organizationally and you know from a a technology infrastructure Str perspective but let's take a step back a little bit and kind of start with
[04:03] back a little bit and kind of start with you and your role can you tell us a
[04:05] you and your role can you tell us a little bit more about what you came to Baylor to do how that's evolved into
[04:07] little bit more about what you came to Baylor to do how that's evolved into your your your new role that was
[04:09] your your your new role that was announced last year and how all of this
[04:11] announced last year and how all of this aligns to Baylor's vision for the
[04:13] aligns to Baylor's vision for the student athlete
[04:15] student athlete experience yeah it's uh it's a winding
[04:16] experience yeah it's uh it's a winding path um certainly for me to get to Waco
[04:20] path um certainly for me to get to Waco um I feel very blessed to be here um in
[04:23] um I feel very blessed to be here um in a way feel called to be here uh thankful
[04:26] a way feel called to be here uh thankful for ma roads and president livingstones
[04:28] for ma roads and president livingstones for for this opportunity um but yeah I
[04:30] for for this opportunity um but yeah I started the first 20 years of my career
[04:33] started the first 20 years of my career in um in the trenches in athletic
[04:35] in um in the trenches in athletic medicine uh 11 14 of those years as a
[04:37] medicine uh 11 14 of those years as a head football athletic trainer uh and so
[04:40] head football athletic trainer uh and so you know there was uh unique challenges
[04:43] you know there was uh unique challenges that I started to see early on in kind
[04:45] that I started to see early on in kind of more that that specific model of of
[04:48] of more that that specific model of of football management and what we were
[04:50] football management and what we were doing to provide this complex delivery
[04:52] doing to provide this complex delivery system uh but certainly learned from a
[04:55] system uh but certainly learned from a lot of people along the way you know I
[04:58] lot of people along the way you know I had stops at Northwestern at uh
[04:59] had stops at Northwestern at uh Mississippi State University of Colorado
[05:04] Mississippi State University of Colorado uh and and still have some great friends in those locations.
[05:07] you know started at the University of Florida uh it's kind of tough for me to see that Alabama Jersey behind your shoulder there but.
[05:13] you know we'll just move on um but you know I had like many people do in this industry uh people to pour into me.
[05:21] mentors um that I think it's that still that lesson is there to lean in on.
[05:26] people uh that have experience but like Chris Patrick Steve Willard Mary McLendon you know Allan Harden Tina bonsy um who's passed away but uh has certainly left the Legacy at the University of Texas.
[05:38] you know then working together with other people like Keith meister and Carrie Windler and Jeff Madden strength conditioning coach.
[05:44] I mean those are people that helped to shape who I am today and now get to this place where I'm at Baylor uh 2017 with the ability to now lead our our student athlete health and wellness services and what we're providing.
[06:00] you know Mac presented to me this challenge in charge uh to find a way to
[06:05] challenge in charge uh to find a way to bring us together you know find some synergy um in what we're doing to create a holistic model before this even became a thing yeah.
[06:12] I I think um it's amazing to think about how much everything has probably changed from you know you're you're very beginning in terms of you know being a working in athletic medicine working with teams um you know being in the the training room taping ankles you know treat treating injuries rehabilitating athletes all the way through to the position that you're in now and I I'm sure that both the the changes in terms of the core area and focus and responsibilities has shifted hugely from being a a practitioner to being a leader but I'm also sure that over that span of time from you know 15 20 years within the industry the the needs and demands on both leaders within this industry and practitioners within this industry has shifted hugely and then when we think about the focus on nil and and the shift that that's creating in the market essentially what
[07:07] creating in the market essentially what what what's we're seeing start to happen.
[07:09] what what's we're seeing start to happen is that you know the concept of whatever.
[07:12] is that you know the concept of whatever we want to call it but it it primarily.
[07:13] we want to call it but it it primarily is pay for play is actually starting to.
[07:15] is pay for play is actually starting to emerge within the industry that means.
[07:17] emerge within the industry that means that you know the the I I think the.
[07:20] that you know the the I I think the demands on I think practitioners because.
[07:23] demands on I think practitioners because if athletes are not available if.
[07:25] if athletes are not available if athletes are not developing if they're.
[07:26] athletes are not developing if they're not improving we're we're essentially.
[07:28] not improving we're we're essentially costing them money in their poets today.
[07:29] costing them money in their poets today it's not money in their pockets in the.
[07:31] it's not money in their pockets in the future like it used to be where maybe.
[07:33] future like it used to be where maybe they get the pro leagues it's actually.
[07:35] they get the pro leagues it's actually money that could be taken out of their.
[07:36] money that could be taken out of their pockets today because they're not.
[07:38] pockets today because they're not available that's got to create a huge.
[07:40] available that's got to create a huge shift in terms of the demands on Sports.
[07:42] shift in terms of the demands on Sports Medicine on athletic medicine on.
[07:43] Medicine on athletic medicine on athletic performance but similarly I.
[07:46] athletic performance but similarly I think um the the focus on mental health.
[07:49] think um the the focus on mental health and and the growth that we're seeing in.
[07:51] and and the growth that we're seeing in that area of that becoming a real.
[07:52] that area of that becoming a real challenge within uh within the.
[07:54] challenge within uh within the Collegiate space means that that's got.
[07:56] Collegiate space means that that's got to that's got to create a hugely complex.
[07:58] to that's got to create a hugely complex different set of demands how are you.
[08:01] different set of demands how are you guys thinking about like that holistic.
[08:03] guys thinking about like that holistic student athlete care and what that means.
[08:05] student athlete care and what that means at Baylor and and the programs that.
[08:06] at Baylor and and the programs that you're
[08:08] implementing wow yeah that's a lot to implement.
[08:13] Wow yeah that's a lot to think about.
[08:13] I mean you know when you think about I mean you know when you when you when you think of all the stressors that our student athletes are dealing with.
[08:16] Um the challenges you know in in all the directions that it come from.
[08:21] Um you know I think nil is is just another another component of that.
[08:27] You know where I see great concern and how manage um our processes and resources for our our our athletes is you know this idea that that student athletes have never been more transient than before.
[08:38] Uh the transfer portal and the way that that's opened up uh Mobility for our student athletes to move from school to school um is really um challenging some some departments to think differently in how we provide that care.
[08:52] You know the the way that we define our health and wellness area at Baylor is our athletic medicine Athletics performance uh applied performance or that Sport Science piece uh Mental Health Services and performance nutrition so there's there's five.
[09:10] nutrition so there's there's five buckets that lean into the health and well-being of our student athletes but it really doesn't stop there.
[09:17] you know there's this spiritual component that we certainly lean heavily into that's there regardless of whether you're at a private Christian institution like Baylor or at a public school.
[09:26] you know you have athletes that still are look are trying to find out where they are in their faith journey um and how that impacts their physical performance as well as their mental mindset um from day to day.
[09:38] and then and then you throw in the academic piece right like oh yeah by the way how are you going to establish progress towards a degree.
[09:49] so in the higher education world there's a lot of push back between uh campus academics um side of you know what are we doing for our athletes.
[09:58] um how are we promoting them getting a degree uh higher education degree um you know with their movement so much so I think there's a lot of questions a lot of challenges there.
[10:08] uh but I think in general the way
[10:11] there uh but I think in general the way the way that we approach this at Baylor.
[10:14] the way that we approach this at Baylor is is really trying to Define you know.
[10:16] is is really trying to Define you know what are those Services what are those resources and it's no longer about whether it's a freshman sophomore junior senior program.
[10:21] it's no longer about whether it's a freshman sophomore junior senior program it's like hey you're going to be here for one or two years.
[10:23] it's like hey you're going to be here for one or two years what resources are we provided for you.
[10:26] what resources are we provided for you there you know you're a a graduate uh uh transfer that comes into our program for a year.
[10:29] there you know you're a a graduate uh uh transfer that comes into our program for a year like we've got to accelerate this development process.
[10:33] like we've got to accelerate this development process um Chris rof one of our athletic performance coaches uses a quote that says you know it's a it's a Native American quote.
[10:37] um Chris rof one of our athletic performance coaches uses a quote that says you know it's a it's a Native American quote.
[10:40] we did not inherit the land from our ancestors uh we borrow it from our children and so it's this idea that you know when we get an athlete what are we doing to prepare them for that next school that they transfer to.
[10:43] we did not inherit the land from our ancestors uh we borrow it from our children and so it's this idea that you know when we get an athlete what are we doing to prepare them for that next school that they transfer to.
[10:45] and so it's this idea that you know when we get an athlete what are we doing to prepare them for that next school that they transfer to.
[10:47] um and when you think about some of the challenges from a performance standpoint they may have a completely different philosophical approach to student athlete development physical development from school to school like.
[10:49] um and when you think about some of the challenges from a performance standpoint they may have a completely different philosophical approach to student athlete development physical development from school to school like.
[10:51] challenges from a performance standpoint they may have a completely different philosophical approach to student athlete development physical development from school to school like.
[10:54] standpoint they may have a completely different philosophical approach to student athlete development physical development from school to school like.
[10:56] they may have a completely different philosophical approach to student athlete development physical development from school to school like.
[10:58] different philosophical approach to student athlete development physical development from school to school like.
[10:59] student athlete development physical development from school to school like.
[11:01] physical development from school to school like.
[11:03] from school to school like.
[11:06] school to school like.
[11:08] to school like.
[11:10] school like.
[11:13] development from school to school like how do you prepare an athlete for that?
[11:15] How do you prepare an athlete for that?
[11:15] So what foundationally are we challenged with to be able to make sure that whenever they go to their next institution when they transfer that we're setting them up for success, right?
[11:26] It's it's a student athlete we're we're trying to really target and how we're providing that resource.
[11:29] No, I love that philosophy.
[11:32] It's almost like you have a duty of care to provide them with the elements and foundations that are needed that they can be plug and play wherever they go.
[11:42] That it's not just about this is what it means for you to be here for Baylor, but you're you're taking a broader a broader view of that to say, what are the tools we're giving this human to be to be to be able to excel in whatever environment they walk into?
[11:53] I I personally love the like having spent so long working in professional sport as well and as a practitioner like you, the the focus on the psychological aspect and that support.
[12:03] And I think the fact something that you mentioned, I think maybe not everybody will like focus in on straight away was the fact that you mentioned, okay, that could be a freshman, that could be a junior, that could be a senior, that could be a sophomore.
[12:12] I think you know a lot of
[12:15] sophomore I think you know a lot of people think that you know maybe we just people think that you know maybe we just need to focus and give those tools and
[12:18] need to focus and give those tools and abilities to that freshman as they walk abilities to that freshman as they walk in the door but I think the different
[12:22] in the door but I think the different challenges that athletes are faced with challenges that athletes are faced with whether it is from a a physical
[12:27] whether it is from a a physical perspective whether it is from a perspective whether it is from a technical or tactical perspective
[12:29] technical or tactical perspective whether it is from an academic whether it is from an academic perspective whether it is from a social
[12:33] perspective whether it is from a social and family perspective we don't know and family perspective we don't know when those challenges face somebody we
[12:37] when those challenges face somebody we don't know how they're going to react don't know how they're going to react and respond to it and I think being able
[12:40] and respond to it and I think being able to provide a comprehensive uh and to provide a comprehensive uh and holistic set of services around an
[12:44] holistic set of services around an athlete no matter where they are and athlete no matter where they are and also that put them in that position to
[12:47] also that put them in that position to be able to Excel on their next phase of be able to Excel on their next phase of the journey I think it's a really mature
[12:51] the journey I think it's a really mature Outlook and I think it's one of the Outlook and I think it's one of the reasons why we're so proud to be
[12:54] reasons why we're so proud to be involved um on the journey that you guys involved um on the journey that you guys are trying to facilitate a Bor as well I
[12:58] are trying to facilitate a Bor as well I think it's just uh it's there there's a think it's just uh it's there there's a lot to be respected about what you guys
[13:01] lot to be respected about what you guys are trying to do so um thank you for uh are trying to do so um thank you for uh for allowing us to be a part a very very
[13:07] for allowing us to be a part a very very very small part of that and to be with very small part of that and to be with you guys on that Journey there's one
[13:10] you guys on that Journey there's one other thing I wanted to come back to you other thing I wanted to come back to you mentioned it in in the very beginning of
[13:14] mentioned it in in the very beginning of of of uh your last Point um you talk
[13:17] of of uh your last Point um you talk about the transfer portal and I know about the transfer portal and I know that that's something that that has created a huge shift in the dynamic of this industry and I know it's an area that lots of people are trying to react and respond to the changes that made in that right now but you guys are uh have been innovators in that and thinking about that for years because you know nearly two years ago in our performance Summit um you and Natalie Honan had a conversation about the transfer portal and the role of elevated student athlete care as a competitive advantage in Recruitment and Retention of student athletes since that time I think we've seen the portal evolve and you guys definitely knew I think you saw what was coming or maybe you had Insider information but um you know it would be great to talk about that like how how do you think about those a lot of people were concerned about the dynamic of the transfer portal you guys seem to be leaning into it and saying this is huge this is an opportunity this is an area for us to create competitive Advantage can you can you talk more about that.
[14:11] yeah you know I'll be careful to get this too far down the road and chase another rabbit but I think one thing
[14:18] another rabbit but I think one thing that we didn't fully appreciate around that we didn't fully appreciate around retention and recruitment was that it retention and recruitment was that it also would impact our staff and you know also would impact our staff and you know I think as as uh as somebody that that helps to oversee this area um and I feel helps to oversee this area um and I feel like I'm the resource to the resource like I'm the resource to the resource right um we see our resource coming and going uh more than we than we have in the past uh a lot of movement within our industry with our staff and so not only are we looking at trying to recruit and retain our student athletes but we're trying to do that with our staff and so um so I think that's a that's a side that I don't know that Natalie and I really got into that now two years later part of our challenge of delivering care is having consistent faces in the building to to be able to support that philosophy and if and if you don't it's like embracing the idea that people are going to come and go is your system are your programs um set up in such a way
[15:19] your programs um set up in such a way that it's easy to onboard them and if that it's easy to onboard them and if not do you have people you know like like our friends at kitten and labs to be able to come in and walk alongside that employee to to teach them how to use a system how to take advantage of all those components so that um that that learning curve is a lot is a lot shorter you know I think from the student athlete side though Stephen the the the challenges are what we just talked about is you know what are you getting um what are you getting in the transfer uh what do you have to um retach what where are you from a de development standpoint and then you throw on this whole idea of time demands right the NCAA has put put rightfully so emphasis on how we use our student athletes times how we schedule their time and so uh different from the pro model um well and I think we've seen that some in the pro model as far as managing their time but you know you they don't have just their sport to worry about they also have you
[16:21] sport to worry about they also have you know organic chemistry and you know a know organic chemistry and you know a business class or something else business class or something else happening within their acad mic um day happening within their acad mic um day uh on top of performance development and uh on top of performance development and so we have this narrow window of time to so we have this narrow window of time to assess and Implement and overall develop assess and Implement and overall develop their physical foundation so that we can their physical foundation so that we can prepare them for their sport um and that prepare them for their sport um and that that window seems like it's it's it's that window seems like it's it's it's shrinking every day so that's that's a shrinking every day so that's that's a challenge yeah it's a it's a topic of challenge yeah it's a it's a topic of conversation I think that we've had with conversation I think that we've had with a lot of our clients um partners all a lot of our clients um partners all over the globe and it's not even not over the globe and it's not even not even just just within the Collegiate even just just within the Collegiate space I think there is heavier focus on space I think there is heavier focus on like the amount of time and the like the amount of time and the governance of the amount of time and governance of the amount of time and exposure athletes have exposure athletes have to practice to games to development like to practice to games to development like holistically within late environments holistically within late environments today and I think there's there's been a today and I think there's there's been a a shift in mindset and a recognition of a shift in mindset and a recognition of the fact that like you know more is not
[17:22] the fact that like you know more is not better and I think that that's resulted better.
[17:24] and I think that that's resulted in a lot of people really coming back and questioning their programs to and questioning their programs to understand like what's actually making a difference.
[17:30] understand like what's actually making a difference what is actually having an impact if we have if we have a finite amount of time with an athlete every week.
[17:35] amount of time with an athlete every week what are the most important components that we fit into that and how do we like how do we unselect the pieces that don't matter.
[17:40] do we like how do we unselect the pieces that don't matter and I think that that that's a really important question for elite organizations to ask themselves today.
[17:46] that's a really important question for elite organizations to ask themselves today to figure out what actually matters what elements of our program is actually working.
[17:51] actually working and I think that again it's one of the reasons why I think being involved with you guys that kind of mental model and thought process of coming back and questioning what matters and like where should we be focusing is a really really important step.
[17:58] of mental model and thought process of coming back and questioning what matters and like where should we be focusing is a really really important step um you mentioned there as well the the NCAA and the fact that they're really starting to tighten up on that and regulate that.
[18:05] um you mentioned there as well the the NCAA and the fact that they're really starting to tighten up on that and regulate that the NCAA are actually doing a lot of different things and I think we've seen like that the new requirements come from the NCAA transformation committee.
[18:10] tighten up on that and regulate that the NCAA are actually doing a lot of different things and I think we've seen like that the new requirements come from the NCAA transformation committee it seems like you guys have been generally ahead of the curve there but how are those kind of requirements shaping the
[18:23] those kind of requirements shaping the evolution of your models of care and and evolution of your models of care and and what you're actually the the the what you're actually the the the experience that you're delivering like experience that you're delivering like what what what what's the impact to you what what what what's the impact to you guys you know I think I think what we're seeing at least for the power four right um the institutions that are kind of at the at the top when it comes to um resources available uh to to spend you know I feel like as a whole a lot of the things that are coming out with the inst transformation are there they're in place some way shape or form uh maybe maybe little tweaks here and there about how we deliver Mental Health Services maybe some tweaks about what we do within nutritional Services um you know uh how we communicate the the Medical Care post separation or graduation from the uh the institution so I think those things are there I think I think what it's challenging us to do today is to um be more efficient in how we're not just
[19:24] be more efficient in how we're not just communicating but how we're delivering those services in a way that makes the most sense for the football student athlete the soccer student athlete uh acrobatics and tumbling equestrian across the board they're coming in with different demands they're leaving at different times and so how do we maintain that consistency of care um because you know let's face it you know we we talk a lot about um the the challenges that are occurring right now with our with our athletes and and mental health and it's a real thing and and we have to we have to really do our part to make sure that there's a network of services that are provided um and not just really focusing on the who but the when right when are you starting to introduce those Concepts to your athletes um you may want to start introducing that as they're as they come in in their recruiting trip um prospective student athlete engagement so they see what tools they need to
[20:25] so they see what tools they need to build resilience and coping skills and
[20:28] build resilience and coping skills and and and overall mindfulness um not just
[20:30] and and overall mindfulness um not just when they're here on campus but also
[20:32] when they're here on campus but also when they leave and they go not only to
[20:35] when they leave and they go not only to another campus but they enter the
[20:36] another campus but they enter the workforce you know some of the bigger
[20:38] workforce you know some of the bigger challenges that we see um with our
[20:40] challenges that we see um with our student athletes is that transition of
[20:43] student athletes is that transition of life right when they go from being an
[20:45] life right when they go from being an athlete to you know working in the in
[20:48] athlete to you know working in the in the workforce um there's a lot of mental
[20:51] the workforce um there's a lot of mental health concerns that are happening for
[20:54] health concerns that are happening for them how can we provide that after care
[20:57] them how can we provide that after care almost that that when they leave Baylor
[21:00] almost that that when they leave Baylor do they have the the the tools necessary
[21:04] do they have the the the tools necessary um to to be able to be
[21:06] um to to be able to be successful yeah I think um I I used to
[21:09] successful yeah I think um I I used to work with a coach in in freshman rugby
[21:12] work with a coach in in freshman rugby he used to always say new new was the
[21:14] he used to always say new new was the new was the big risky aspect and he
[21:16] new was the big risky aspect and he didn't mean that in a way that he was
[21:17] didn't mean that in a way that he was being traditional and kind of wanted to
[21:19] being traditional and kind of wanted to stay stay in his kind of you know
[21:22] stay stay in his kind of you know traditional means he loved new he wanted
[21:24] traditional means he loved new he wanted us to progress but his his message to us
[21:26] us to progress but his his message to us was new was always risky you know
[21:28] was new was always risky you know whether it's a new training program that
[21:29] whether it's a new training program that we want to introduce there's going to be
[21:31] we want to introduce there's going to be a period of adaptation to that and the
[21:32] a period of adaptation to that and the athletes are going to have to like we're
[21:34] athletes are going to have to like we're going to have to adjust and we're going
[21:35] going to have to adjust and we're going to have to do that carefully you know he
[21:36] to have to do that carefully you know he we used to always say this as well like
[21:38] we used to always say this as well like somebody would have a new baby or they'd
[21:40] somebody would have a new baby or they'd have a new partner and the dynamic and
[21:42] have a new partner and the dynamic and lifestyle like their lifestyle changes
[21:44] lifestyle like their lifestyle changes would would adjust that means that we
[21:45] would would adjust that means that we need to accommodate for that in terms of
[21:46] need to accommodate for that in terms of what we do when they have a new baby
[21:48] what we do when they have a new baby their sleep patterns are going to change
[21:49] their sleep patterns are going to change and he was like we always need to be
[21:51] and he was like we always need to be cognizant of new and we always want new
[21:53] cognizant of new and we always want new and we want to progress and evolve we
[21:55] and we want to progress and evolve we want we want to understand how do we
[21:56] want we want to understand how do we surround that and I think like like that
[21:59] surround that and I think like like that big changes like that are new right and
[22:01] big changes like that are new right and I think the way that we prepare people
[22:02] I think the way that we prepare people for that and and how we also teach the
[22:04] for that and and how we also teach the athletes I think to have the tools to
[22:07] athletes I think to have the tools to understand what new means and how it's
[22:09] understand what new means and how it's going to change things for them and how
[22:10] going to change things for them and how to adapt and evolve for that is is is
[22:12] to adapt and evolve for that is is is hugely important yeah I like I like to
[22:14] hugely important yeah I like I like to tell our staff that Innovation is a
[22:16] tell our staff that Innovation is a mindset first and you know you have to
[22:19] mindset first and you know you have to understand um what what are the
[22:22] understand um what what are the consequences both good and bad when it
[22:24] consequences both good and bad when it comes to change you know the the the
[22:26] comes to change you know the the the equation of the rate of learning can't
[22:28] equation of the rate of learning can't exceed the rate of change like we have
[22:30] exceed the rate of change like we have to be very cognizant of allowing our
[22:33] to be very cognizant of allowing our staff and our student athletes time to
[22:36] staff and our student athletes time to learn the change before we Implement new
[22:38] learn the change before we Implement new change that being said I think if you
[22:40] change that being said I think if you ask anyone of of the people that are on
[22:42] ask anyone of of the people that are on staff at Baylor you know I don't mind
[22:44] staff at Baylor you know I don't mind pivoting right there's a time and point
[22:45] pivoting right there's a time and point in place uh to recognize the way you're
[22:48] in place uh to recognize the way you're doing it is not the best way and let's
[22:50] doing it is not the best way and let's pivot let's do something different um
[22:53] pivot let's do something different um but you have to be very um I think you
[22:55] but you have to be very um I think you have to be very judicial about that you
[22:57] have to be very judicial about that you know have we given have we communicated
[22:59] know have we given have we communicated the right way have we given all the
[23:01] the right way have we given all the tools and resources necessary and
[23:04] tools and resources necessary and sometimes the directive to implement a
[23:06] sometimes the directive to implement a program before now we're saying it's
[23:08] program before now we're saying it's failed and we need to change it uh so so
[23:11] failed and we need to change it uh so so that's those are some hard conversations
[23:13] that's those are some hard conversations sometimes uh because I think certain
[23:15] sometimes uh because I think certain people look at success and failure
[23:17] people look at success and failure differently and so sometimes you have to
[23:19] differently and so sometimes you have to fail and you have to take a step back in
[23:22] fail and you have to take a step back in order to see the progress um in advanced
[23:25] order to see the progress um in advanced learning systems and things that you're
[23:26] learning systems and things that you're trying to put in place you need more
[23:28] trying to put in place you need more data to inform the decision right um and
[23:31] data to inform the decision right um and sometimes it's hard to get to that data
[23:33] sometimes it's hard to get to that data point where you feel like you're getting
[23:35] point where you feel like you're getting good information um to to make that
[23:38] good information um to to make that change yeah change is probably the key
[23:41] change yeah change is probably the key word right I think uh in that scenario
[23:43] word right I think uh in that scenario that you're talking about you guys are
[23:44] that you're talking about you guys are you're you're s self- selecting right
[23:46] you're you're s self- selecting right you're putting your hands up and saying
[23:47] you're putting your hands up and saying hey we want to change there's also been
[23:49] hey we want to change there's also been lots of change in the conference
[23:50] lots of change in the conference landscape over the last
[23:52] landscape over the last year and I think the Big 12 has
[23:55] year and I think the Big 12 has certainly been a hot spot for this um
[23:57] certainly been a hot spot for this um you know how is the conference reignment
[23:59] you know how is the conference reignment and the change that we're seeing across
[24:00] and the change that we're seeing across the conferences how is that impacting
[24:02] the conferences how is that impacting Baylor's strategy for like for
[24:04] Baylor's strategy for like for recruitment for retention and even for
[24:06] recruitment for retention and even for like on the your approach to onfield
[24:10] like on the your approach to onfield Performance yeah it's it's been exciting
[24:13] Performance yeah it's it's been exciting uh that's a word I don't know if it
[24:15] uh that's a word I don't know if it stopped you know I mean you know what is
[24:17] stopped you know I mean you know what is exciting is we're a National Conference
[24:19] exciting is we're a National Conference now um I mean all the exposure that
[24:22] now um I mean all the exposure that comes along with that the opportunity
[24:24] comes along with that the opportunity for our athletes to be able to um
[24:27] for our athletes to be able to um experience it's a lot of uh great new
[24:29] experience it's a lot of uh great new places um uh schools and competition uh
[24:33] places um uh schools and competition uh those people coming in you know BYU
[24:36] those people coming in you know BYU University of Colorado Arizona Arizona
[24:38] University of Colorado Arizona Arizona State UCF uh Cincinnati um I believed in
[24:41] State UCF uh Cincinnati um I believed in somebody out um Utah you know it's like
[24:45] somebody out um Utah you know it's like all these schools coming into the
[24:46] all these schools coming into the conference is just going to further
[24:49] conference is just going to further strengthen um you know who we are as a
[24:52] strengthen um you know who we are as a conference in general um you know I
[24:54] conference in general um you know I think but with that comes some
[24:56] think but with that comes some challenges we talk about the in the
[24:58] challenges we talk about the in the difficulty lies the opportunity you know
[25:00] difficulty lies the opportunity you know there's you know there are going to be
[25:02] there's you know there are going to be more challenges with travel um how do we
[25:04] more challenges with travel um how do we address those um how do we monitor that
[25:06] address those um how do we monitor that as a group how do we uh wrap our minds
[25:09] as a group how do we uh wrap our minds around uh what is um what is the natural
[25:14] around uh what is um what is the natural part of of exposure to travel and you
[25:16] part of of exposure to travel and you know how do you set things up what are
[25:18] know how do you set things up what are the resources around that um how do you
[25:21] the resources around that um how do you how does your environment affect you
[25:22] how does your environment affect you when you go from a place like Utah to
[25:25] when you go from a place like Utah to Central Florida um and how prepare for
[25:28] Central Florida um and how prepare for those um you know I think there's some
[25:30] those um you know I think there's some other things that you look at from the
[25:33] other things that you look at from the the the realignment piece and and you
[25:37] the the realignment piece and and you know what's what's been really great
[25:39] know what's what's been really great I've had the opportunity to be a member
[25:41] I've had the opportunity to be a member and actually current chair of our big 12
[25:43] and actually current chair of our big 12 health and well-being um Advisory Group
[25:46] health and well-being um Advisory Group and you know we're having conversations
[25:48] and you know we're having conversations today as a as a group looking at the
[25:51] today as a as a group looking at the health and wellbeing of our student
[25:52] health and wellbeing of our student athletes first of all it's you know
[25:54] athletes first of all it's you know what's our starting point right um my
[25:57] what's our starting point right um my Angelo has a quote that you know if you
[25:59] Angelo has a quote that you know if you don't know where you've come from you
[26:00] don't know where you've come from you don't know where you're going and so
[26:02] don't know where you're going and so this exercise that we're embarking on
[26:04] this exercise that we're embarking on right now is you know what are what are
[26:06] right now is you know what are what are the standards of practice what are the
[26:08] the standards of practice what are the best practices that are out there um
[26:10] best practices that are out there um where is everybody align on that um we
[26:12] where is everybody align on that um we should be doing everything but to what
[26:14] should be doing everything but to what degree let's start the conversation with
[26:17] degree let's start the conversation with where we are today and and then use that
[26:19] where we are today and and then use that to inform what we're going to do
[26:21] to inform what we're going to do tomorrow and so um you know working with
[26:24] tomorrow and so um you know working with folks like Mark Koby and and and others
[26:26] folks like Mark Koby and and and others that are helping to lead this um we're
[26:29] that are helping to lead this um we're doing uh we're doing the work right now
[26:31] doing uh we're doing the work right now to at least build that foundation and so
[26:34] to at least build that foundation and so I think a lot of the things that we do
[26:35] I think a lot of the things that we do moving forward are going to come from
[26:38] moving forward are going to come from groups like that and and uh and shared
[26:41] groups like that and and uh and shared information sessions like this yeah I
[26:44] information sessions like this yeah I think that that concept of um bringing
[26:47] think that that concept of um bringing together like all the greatest Minds
[26:49] together like all the greatest Minds like you mentioned a couple people
[26:50] like you mentioned a couple people people like Mark cly who who like you
[26:52] people like Mark cly who who like you have been in the industry for so long
[26:55] have been in the industry for so long and I think has has also been one of the
[26:58] and I think has has also been one of the people I think in this industry has
[26:59] people I think in this industry has always continuously like looked for
[27:01] always continuously like looked for Change and looked for improvement um I
[27:04] Change and looked for improvement um I think it's probably never more important
[27:06] think it's probably never more important than ever than that organizations do
[27:10] than ever than that organizations do look to share knowledge and try and you
[27:12] look to share knowledge and try and you know adapt and and adjust some of the
[27:13] know adapt and and adjust some of the changes that we're seeing in the market
[27:15] changes that we're seeing in the market in the ecosystem to continue to improve
[27:17] in the ecosystem to continue to improve so um you know I think as as you guys
[27:20] so um you know I think as as you guys know the extent that we can play a role
[27:23] know the extent that we can play a role in that I think it's something that
[27:24] in that I think it's something that we're always excited to do as well
[27:25] we're always excited to do as well because I think the changing Dynamic of
[27:28] because I think the changing Dynamic of what it is that you guys as who are at
[27:30] what it is that you guys as who are at the calace of this have to deal with
[27:32] the calace of this have to deal with every day that that it results in I
[27:35] every day that that it results in I think potentially a shift in terms of
[27:38] think potentially a shift in terms of the types of Technology the use cases of
[27:40] the types of Technology the use cases of the technology that we need to support
[27:42] the technology that we need to support the role that we need to play sometimes
[27:43] the role that we need to play sometimes as partners as well within that I mean
[27:45] as partners as well within that I mean like you talked about there is probably
[27:47] like you talked about there is probably more change in like staff and more
[27:49] more change in like staff and more turnover in staff we're seeing that
[27:50] turnover in staff we're seeing that across the board across our NCAA clients
[27:53] across the board across our NCAA clients and it means that our support model
[27:54] and it means that our support model needs to change because we really do
[27:56] needs to change because we really do need to be partners we we need to be in
[27:58] need to be partners we we need to be in it we need to be ready to onboard new
[27:59] it we need to be ready to onboard new staff and help we need to understand
[28:00] staff and help we need to understand your environment better than we ever did
[28:02] your environment better than we ever did before because we need to make sure that
[28:04] before because we need to make sure that we can help onboard those new staff
[28:06] we can help onboard those new staff members in periods of time when you guys
[28:08] members in periods of time when you guys don't have the time to focus on that
[28:10] don't have the time to focus on that because you're in the thick of it trying
[28:11] because you're in the thick of it trying to do what you need to do with athletes
[28:12] to do what you need to do with athletes every day um from from that perspective
[28:16] every day um from from that perspective we' love to know like can you talk about
[28:18] we' love to know like can you talk about the relationship that we've had and the
[28:19] the relationship that we've had and the role that Kim Labs has played in
[28:21] role that Kim Labs has played in supporting your vision because you know
[28:23] supporting your vision because you know there there's a lot to it um and and I
[28:26] there there's a lot to it um and and I think we know we've talked about
[28:28] think we know we've talked about a small percentage of the work that
[28:30] a small percentage of the work that you're doing today at a very high level
[28:31] you're doing today at a very high level from a very very high level perspective
[28:33] from a very very high level perspective but like what can you talk about the
[28:35] but like what can you talk about the role that we've played and and what that
[28:37] role that we've played and and what that means to you
[28:39] means to you guys well you know it is a relationship
[28:41] guys well you know it is a relationship it's a partnership um and I think that
[28:44] it's a partnership um and I think that that suggests uh you know two two people
[28:48] that suggests uh you know two two people two groups that are are working to find
[28:52] two groups that are are working to find uh the unique Solutions um for each
[28:54] uh the unique Solutions um for each other um and I think it it is both both
[28:57] other um and I think it it is both both directions and I appreciate uh the
[28:59] directions and I appreciate uh the partnership there of as we work through
[29:01] partnership there of as we work through some of our challenges you know that
[29:03] some of our challenges you know that that presents things that that help um
[29:05] that presents things that that help um the overall system the intelligence
[29:07] the overall system the intelligence platform improve and and the different
[29:09] platform improve and and the different resources we're providing never before
[29:12] resources we're providing never before has there been an emphasis um on data
[29:15] has there been an emphasis um on data informed decisions and there's a lot of
[29:18] informed decisions and there's a lot of weight behind that statement like you
[29:21] weight behind that statement like you know you can't just say well we're GNA
[29:23] know you can't just say well we're GNA use data to um inform or Deion it's
[29:26] use data to um inform or Deion it's great but how are you storing the data
[29:30] great but how are you storing the data first of all what data are you
[29:31] first of all what data are you collecting you know so the questions I
[29:33] collecting you know so the questions I ask my staff are you know what's the
[29:35] ask my staff are you know what's the question we're answering with this data
[29:37] question we're answering with this data you know we don't just need to collect
[29:39] you know we don't just need to collect data to collect data um but there may be
[29:41] data to collect data um but there may be also opportunities to help inform other
[29:43] also opportunities to help inform other decision making that we're not aware of
[29:46] decision making that we're not aware of so we have to be a little bit more
[29:47] so we have to be a little bit more projecting projecting what those
[29:49] projecting projecting what those concerns are um but you know Stephen
[29:52] concerns are um but you know Stephen what what we've seen in in being able to
[29:55] what what we've seen in in being able to develop a relationship with Kitman Labs
[29:56] develop a relationship with Kitman Labs is a part partner that's that's willing
[29:58] is a part partner that's that's willing to evolve with us um I think you're the
[30:01] to evolve with us um I think you're the first to one to admit that you don't
[30:02] first to one to admit that you don't have all the the solutions and the
[30:04] have all the the solutions and the answers right now um but being able to
[30:07] answers right now um but being able to problem solve and work through what's
[30:09] problem solve and work through what's going to be unique for US versus other
[30:12] going to be unique for US versus other other institutions other clients um I
[30:14] other institutions other clients um I think that's where a lot of the appreci
[30:17] think that's where a lot of the appreci appreciation has been um of just being
[30:19] appreciation has been um of just being authentic in that way um being a a a
[30:22] authentic in that way um being a a a group that wants to be an industry
[30:24] group that wants to be an industry leader and support other industry
[30:26] leader and support other industry leaders um there's something uh I think
[30:28] leaders um there's something uh I think something appealing to that as
[30:30] something appealing to that as well yeah listen I'm glad you said that
[30:33] well yeah listen I'm glad you said that because I think
[30:34] because I think um we certainly don't have all the
[30:37] um we certainly don't have all the answers and we'll never purport to and I
[30:39] answers and we'll never purport to and I think part of the challenge in in even
[30:41] think part of the challenge in in even suggesting that anybody has is that this
[30:44] suggesting that anybody has is that this industry is changing so quickly and some
[30:47] industry is changing so quickly and some of the things that we've already talked
[30:48] of the things that we've already talked about today means that we are facing new
[30:51] about today means that we are facing new and evolving challenges every month and
[30:53] and evolving challenges every month and I think that that means that if we don't
[30:55] I think that that means that if we don't have the mindset that we want to lean
[30:56] have the mindset that we want to lean into that together then we're already
[30:59] into that together then we're already not fit to be here right and I think
[31:01] not fit to be here right and I think that's why we appreciate a relationship
[31:03] that's why we appreciate a relationship and a partnership like this one because
[31:05] and a partnership like this one because there's an inherent understanding on
[31:07] there's an inherent understanding on both sides that we are going to face new
[31:09] both sides that we are going to face new problems next month than we face this
[31:11] problems next month than we face this month and we both want to solve those
[31:13] month and we both want to solve those and both have an appetite to solve those
[31:15] and both have an appetite to solve those together and we'll we will uh if we do
[31:17] together and we'll we will uh if we do this right we will never we will always
[31:19] this right we will never we will always be in the same position that we're in
[31:21] be in the same position that we're in today which is we will not have a
[31:23] today which is we will not have a solution to all of the problems but we
[31:25] solution to all of the problems but we will have a mindset and an attitude and
[31:26] will have a mindset and an attitude and approach that helps us to tackle the
[31:28] approach that helps us to tackle the next most important ones and keep
[31:29] next most important ones and keep working from there yeah what do they say
[31:32] working from there yeah what do they say yesterday yesterday's Solutions are
[31:34] yesterday yesterday's Solutions are tomorrow's problems but you know I think
[31:36] tomorrow's problems but you know I think we're we're gonna we're GNA continue to
[31:37] we're we're gonna we're GNA continue to work through this um you know where I
[31:40] work through this um you know where I feel um where I feel compelled is you
[31:44] feel um where I feel compelled is you know I I think the desire is to have
[31:47] know I I think the desire is to have people that are are willing to work
[31:48] people that are are willing to work through some of these challenges
[31:50] through some of these challenges together um because at the end at the
[31:52] together um because at the end at the end of the day our our our job our
[31:54] end of the day our our our job our primary focus still has to remain in the
[31:57] primary focus still has to remain in the care for our student athletes um how
[31:59] care for our student athletes um how we're doing that I do feel like we have
[32:03] we're doing that I do feel like we have we have the opportunity between other
[32:05] we have the opportunity between other ways of of leveraging artificial
[32:08] ways of of leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning and
[32:11] intelligence and machine learning and data review to be able to move quicker
[32:14] data review to be able to move quicker to a solution maybe quicker to an answer
[32:17] to a solution maybe quicker to an answer to a problem uh we have an issue with uh
[32:21] to a problem uh we have an issue with uh an increase in in injury uh for a
[32:23] an increase in in injury uh for a certain sport a certain condition a
[32:25] certain sport a certain condition a certain position less than investigate
[32:27] certain position less than investigate it what are the issues there you know I
[32:29] it what are the issues there you know I had a conversation um we were talking
[32:31] had a conversation um we were talking before about you know what what my days
[32:33] before about you know what what my days look like and a lot of times right now
[32:35] look like and a lot of times right now it's revolved around a little league
[32:37] it's revolved around a little league ball field U but I was talking with one
[32:39] ball field U but I was talking with one of our other parents it's it's a
[32:40] of our other parents it's it's a radiologist and and every industry is
[32:44] radiologist and and every industry is being touched by um in some way uh with
[32:47] being touched by um in some way uh with machine learning and using data to
[32:49] machine learning and using data to inform decisions in a way that we've
[32:51] inform decisions in a way that we've never experienced before um they are
[32:54] never experienced before um they are even in Radiology looking at things that
[32:57] even in Radiology looking at things that they weren't able to pick up before
[32:58] they weren't able to pick up before because they were focused on the
[33:00] because they were focused on the structure that was injured not all the
[33:01] structure that was injured not all the structures around it that may be
[33:03] structures around it that may be indicating a bigger pred predisposition
[33:05] indicating a bigger pred predisposition to something else and so um being able
[33:09] to something else and so um being able to partner with a group that can
[33:10] to partner with a group that can continue to evolve in the industry
[33:12] continue to evolve in the industry around ideas like that um I think is
[33:15] around ideas like that um I think is going to be
[33:16] going to be important yeah I know that's an area
[33:18] important yeah I know that's an area that you're passionate about and and the
[33:20] that you're passionate about and and the concept of I don't know if I want to use
[33:22] concept of I don't know if I want to use the word research but maybe even applied
[33:24] the word research but maybe even applied research and like having that ability
[33:27] research and like having that ability for an organization like us and even
[33:30] for an organization like us and even like you know potentially like the
[33:31] like you know potentially like the academic center at at an organization or
[33:33] academic center at at an organization or institution like like like Baylor and
[33:35] institution like like like Baylor and being able to triangulate those pieces
[33:37] being able to triangulate those pieces to keep evolving and asking questions is
[33:39] to keep evolving and asking questions is is something that you're passionate
[33:40] is something that you're passionate about given that mindset given the
[33:43] about given that mindset given the amount of change that you've been
[33:44] amount of change that you've been through and over the last number of
[33:47] through and over the last number of years uh at Baylor what have you like
[33:50] years uh at Baylor what have you like from a technology and an organization
[33:51] from a technology and an organization perspective what have you found that's
[33:53] perspective what have you found that's worked really well through that change
[33:56] worked really well through that change and what are things like the challenges
[33:58] and what are things like the challenges that you face and had to either realize
[34:00] that you face and had to either realize that doesn't work or challenges that you
[34:02] that doesn't work or challenges that you face that you've had to overcome through
[34:04] face that you've had to overcome through that sometimes the biggest challenges
[34:06] that sometimes the biggest challenges are us right I mean trying trying to
[34:08] are us right I mean trying trying to work through the human side of Buy in to
[34:11] work through the human side of Buy in to make change to utilize something new um
[34:15] make change to utilize something new um to trust information that you're
[34:18] to trust information that you're receiving that that's sometimes the
[34:20] receiving that that's sometimes the hardest obstacle in this whole this
[34:23] hardest obstacle in this whole this whole series of discussions and
[34:25] whole series of discussions and challenges um you know we are fortunate
[34:28] challenges um you know we are fortunate at a place like Baylor we can uh you
[34:31] at a place like Baylor we can uh you know Ma Road supports um a lot of things
[34:34] know Ma Road supports um a lot of things that we do a lot of different technology
[34:35] that we do a lot of different technology we use and a lot of that's integrated
[34:37] we use and a lot of that's integrated within kipin
[34:39] within kipin Labs where I feel like the challenges
[34:41] Labs where I feel like the challenges exist is being able to uh show and and
[34:47] exist is being able to uh show and and explain the justification for what
[34:49] explain the justification for what you're doing uh being able to get that
[34:52] you're doing uh being able to get that body in from your coaching staff from
[34:55] body in from your coaching staff from your athletic trainer from your
[34:56] your athletic trainer from your Athletics performance coach uh
[34:59] Athletics performance coach uh dieticians everybody that's touching our
[35:01] dieticians everybody that's touching our athletes and even now we're we're you
[35:03] athletes and even now we're we're you know some things that we've talked about
[35:05] know some things that we've talked about um involves you know academic services
[35:08] um involves you know academic services and how does that interplay into the
[35:11] and how does that interplay into the athletes day-to-day how does it affect
[35:13] athletes day-to-day how does it affect their stressors that are ultimately um
[35:16] their stressors that are ultimately um affecting or impacting their performance
[35:20] affecting or impacting their performance and and I think those are those are
[35:22] and and I think those are those are confounders that we have to continue to
[35:23] confounders that we have to continue to explore but we have to be willing to do
[35:26] explore but we have to be willing to do that we have to be willing to
[35:28] that we have to be willing to acknowledge that you know maybe we're
[35:30] acknowledge that you know maybe we're not the content expert that we thought
[35:31] not the content expert that we thought we were in this certain area and we need
[35:34] we were in this certain area and we need to reach out to campus where maybe
[35:36] to reach out to campus where maybe there's um a partnership that we can
[35:38] there's um a partnership that we can develop within um a group on campus that
[35:41] develop within um a group on campus that may help you explore that in a more
[35:43] may help you explore that in a more proficient way so as much as anything
[35:46] proficient way so as much as anything the technology um challenges start with
[35:49] the technology um challenges start with the people behind the technology and so
[35:51] the people behind the technology and so you can't forget that you can't forget
[35:53] you can't forget that you can't forget that you're working with people that are
[35:54] that you're working with people that are informed from past experiences and and
[35:57] informed from past experiences and and how do you work through that um and so I
[35:59] how do you work through that um and so I think those are things that you have to
[36:00] think those are things that you have to be mindful of when you when you're
[36:03] be mindful of when you when you're embarking on um the idea of increasing
[36:06] embarking on um the idea of increasing Innovation increasing technology use um
[36:09] Innovation increasing technology use um it does start with the people that are
[36:11] it does start with the people that are putting in the data that are utilizing
[36:13] putting in the data that are utilizing that technology and and are you on the
[36:15] that technology and and are you on the same
[36:16] same page yeah it's a fascinating set of
[36:19] page yeah it's a fascinating set of challenges and again I'm thinking back
[36:20] challenges and again I'm thinking back to like my time working in professional
[36:22] to like my time working in professional sport I remember uh many of the issues
[36:25] sport I remember uh many of the issues that we faced with change or or
[36:27] that we faced with change or or transformation or things like that were
[36:29] transformation or things like that were were exactly what you mentioned were
[36:30] were exactly what you mentioned were people we would have new coaches new
[36:33] people we would have new coaches new staff join who would bring new ideas and
[36:35] staff join who would bring new ideas and sometimes those new ideas were great
[36:37] sometimes those new ideas were great sometimes those new ideas were
[36:39] sometimes those new ideas were disruptive to let's say things that we
[36:41] disruptive to let's say things that we felt were progressing and advancing
[36:43] felt were progressing and advancing really well and it became a real
[36:45] really well and it became a real challenge to kind of like meld those
[36:48] challenge to kind of like meld those mindsets together or to it felt
[36:50] mindsets together or to it felt sometimes somebody would come in with an
[36:51] sometimes somebody would come in with an idea that was already tried and and and
[36:53] idea that was already tried and and and proven to be unsuccessful and then it
[36:56] proven to be unsuccessful and then it became a a challenge to like provide
[36:58] became a a challenge to like provide that kind of ladder of inference or
[37:00] that kind of ladder of inference or evidence or information to those people
[37:02] evidence or information to those people so one of the projects that we embarked
[37:04] so one of the projects that we embarked on then was to document everything to
[37:06] on then was to document everything to document our approach to document our
[37:08] document our approach to document our programs to document our mindset to
[37:10] programs to document our mindset to document our in-house research that
[37:12] document our in-house research that we're performing as well so when we were
[37:13] we're performing as well so when we were trying different training interventions
[37:15] trying different training interventions we would we would clearly outline a goal
[37:17] we would we would clearly outline a goal we would trial it we would look at the
[37:19] we would trial it we would look at the the results and evidence and then we
[37:20] the results and evidence and then we would document this into like
[37:22] would document this into like essentially a handbook or a manual that
[37:24] essentially a handbook or a manual that we were developing internally so then as
[37:26] we were developing internally so then as new people would come in we would then
[37:28] new people would come in we would then be able to say okay we've tried that
[37:29] be able to say okay we've tried that here's the evidence is there something
[37:31] here's the evidence is there something that we would do that would be different
[37:33] that we would do that would be different or should we progressing forward and
[37:34] or should we progressing forward and that became a way for us to get
[37:36] that became a way for us to get everybody aligned and on the same page
[37:38] everybody aligned and on the same page um and it it it certain it certainly
[37:40] um and it it it certain it certainly helped us to I think have a a control
[37:42] helped us to I think have a a control Dynamic to Innovation and having a real
[37:44] Dynamic to Innovation and having a real meth mechanism to test and evolve and
[37:46] meth mechanism to test and evolve and Advance
[37:47] Advance things um we we've talked about uh a lot
[37:51] things um we we've talked about uh a lot about I think what you're doing as an
[37:52] about I think what you're doing as an individual University but as a leader
[37:55] individual University but as a leader within the Big 12 conference what do you
[37:58] within the Big 12 conference what do you think the role of the conference is when
[37:59] think the role of the conference is when it comes to better supporting students
[38:01] it comes to better supporting students and enh enhancing player health and
[38:04] and enh enhancing player health and safety
[38:06] safety well I think
[38:08] well I think that's that could fill up another uh
[38:11] that's that could fill up another uh full segment or full uh episode um about
[38:14] full segment or full uh episode um about the role of the conference the role of
[38:16] the role of the conference the role of the National Association your governing
[38:19] the National Association your governing bodies um I I I feel like it starts with
[38:24] bodies um I I I feel like it starts with being the champion for the people that
[38:25] being the champion for the people that are doing the work
[38:27] are doing the work um and I say that by you know you need
[38:30] um and I say that by you know you need somebody that can help stand in the Gap
[38:32] somebody that can help stand in the Gap to um support the institutional
[38:34] to um support the institutional advancement of what we're doing and and
[38:38] advancement of what we're doing and and specifically you know uh it's not as
[38:41] specifically you know uh it's not as much even developing but it's
[38:43] much even developing but it's encouraging and implementing um
[38:45] encouraging and implementing um initiatives that support uh that that
[38:49] initiatives that support uh that that current way of doing things and so you
[38:51] current way of doing things and so you know I don't think we're asking for uh
[38:54] know I don't think we're asking for uh the Big 12 Conference for example um to
[38:57] the Big 12 Conference for example um to to all of a sudden step out into the
[38:59] to all of a sudden step out into the unknown and and and become you know a a
[39:02] unknown and and and become you know a a medical governing body that's not that's
[39:04] medical governing body that's not that's not the intent I think the intent is to
[39:06] not the intent I think the intent is to leverage the resources the collective
[39:09] leverage the resources the collective group to be able to um show not only
[39:13] group to be able to um show not only student athletes or prospective student
[39:15] student athletes or prospective student athletes but even the coaches and the
[39:17] athletes but even the coaches and the staff that are coming to work and that
[39:19] staff that are coming to work and that are working in in our in our
[39:21] are working in in our in our institutions that this is a priority for
[39:24] institutions that this is a priority for us this is something that makes a
[39:26] us this is something that makes a difference not only in the lives of our
[39:29] difference not only in the lives of our student athletes but the lives of
[39:30] student athletes but the lives of everybody else around them and so how
[39:32] everybody else around them and so how can we support that so I think that's
[39:35] can we support that so I think that's what that's where I see this conference
[39:37] what that's where I see this conference and other conferences moving um you know
[39:40] and other conferences moving um you know I think there's the uh appreciation for
[39:43] I think there's the uh appreciation for the work that other big organizations
[39:45] the work that other big organizations like the NATA and amssm and and others
[39:49] like the NATA and amssm and and others that that are working together to
[39:51] that that are working together to provide um solutions from the medical
[39:54] provide um solutions from the medical side and then you know cscc a and and
[39:57] side and then you know cscc a and and the NCA and other groups the cpsda what
[40:00] the NCA and other groups the cpsda what other alphabet did I miss um but there
[40:04] other alphabet did I miss um but there there're all these other groups that are
[40:05] there're all these other groups that are that are right around the periphery of
[40:07] that are right around the periphery of what's happening within our conferences
[40:09] what's happening within our conferences that are providing information and
[40:12] that are providing information and support to how we do things and I think
[40:14] support to how we do things and I think we have to find a way to continue to
[40:16] we have to find a way to continue to work together to provide those Solutions
[40:18] work together to provide those Solutions so long answer to your question there
[40:21] so long answer to your question there Stephen but um I I I'm I'm excited about
[40:24] Stephen but um I I I'm I'm excited about where this is going for us um
[40:26] where this is going for us um realignment is is has opened up some new
[40:29] realignment is is has opened up some new opportunities to to partner with people
[40:32] opportunities to to partner with people yeah I think I mean that's is what I've
[40:33] yeah I think I mean that's is what I've heard I think start to finish in this
[40:36] heard I think start to finish in this discussion has been the concept of
[40:38] discussion has been the concept of collaboration and sharing and learning
[40:40] collaboration and sharing and learning and progressing and advancing is key
[40:42] and progressing and advancing is key right and I think the Big 12 or any
[40:44] right and I think the Big 12 or any conference has a role to play in terms
[40:45] conference has a role to play in terms of maybe like you say it's not governing
[40:48] of maybe like you say it's not governing but maybe it is like helping to elevate
[40:49] but maybe it is like helping to elevate the standards maybe it is like you know
[40:51] the standards maybe it is like you know bringing people together and helping to
[40:53] bringing people together and helping to like you know set best practices and and
[40:55] like you know set best practices and and help people people to face and overcome
[40:58] help people people to face and overcome some of the biggest challenges that
[40:59] some of the biggest challenges that they're facing today uh to do that as a
[41:02] they're facing today uh to do that as a collective instead of to try and like
[41:04] collective instead of to try and like everybody trying 10 different things
[41:05] everybody trying 10 different things that you know not figuring out what's
[41:07] that you know not figuring out what's working being able to come and and and
[41:09] working being able to come and and and try those together and to be able to
[41:10] try those together and to be able to learn from each other and accelerate
[41:12] learn from each other and accelerate learning across a conference has got to
[41:13] learning across a conference has got to be it's got to be beneficial
[41:16] be it's got to be beneficial right yeah it's it's I I think um moving
[41:20] right yeah it's it's I I think um moving forward you know the the people that are
[41:21] forward you know the the people that are going to thrive um in this industry are
[41:25] going to thrive um in this industry are going to be those that um have people
[41:28] going to be those that um have people partnering with them to help Elevate the
[41:30] partnering with them to help Elevate the experience for the student
[41:32] experience for the student athlete as it relates to when they are
[41:35] athlete as it relates to when they are entering and leaving those programs
[41:37] entering and leaving those programs because it can be a year it can be five
[41:40] because it can be a year it can be five years you know um I think there's
[41:42] years you know um I think there's there's a lot of different changes that
[41:44] there's a lot of different changes that are happening but but ultimately uh we
[41:46] are happening but but ultimately uh we have to find a way to to provide an
[41:49] have to find a way to to provide an elite student athlete experience um for
[41:52] elite student athlete experience um for those students that are at Baylor at the
[41:54] those students that are at Baylor at the time that they're at Baylor um and I
[41:56] time that they're at Baylor um and I think that's that's our
[41:58] think that's that's our challenge yeah well uh if there's if
[42:01] challenge yeah well uh if there's if there's any organization that I would
[42:03] there's any organization that I would put my uh I put my money on to be able
[42:05] put my uh I put my money on to be able to solve those challenges I think it's
[42:06] to solve those challenges I think it's you guys um it's I think this this
[42:09] you guys um it's I think this this conversation has been has been
[42:10] conversation has been has been fascinating for me so regardless of
[42:12] fascinating for me so regardless of whether we ever publish this and get
[42:13] whether we ever publish this and get this out online I've really enjoyed it
[42:16] this out online I've really enjoyed it um I I think it's been great and you
[42:17] um I I think it's been great and you know the more the more I continue to
[42:19] know the more the more I continue to learn about Bor what you guys are doing
[42:21] learn about Bor what you guys are doing and the approach that you're taking the
[42:22] and the approach that you're taking the philosophy that you have um continually
[42:25] philosophy that you have um continually inspired and in all of um of what you're
[42:27] inspired and in all of um of what you're doing there and the leadership role that
[42:28] doing there and the leadership role that you're particularly playing in terms of
[42:30] you're particularly playing in terms of driving that organization forward so
[42:32] driving that organization forward so Kenny thank you so much for being with
[42:33] Kenny thank you so much for being with us a really appreci us now Stephen I
[42:36] us a really appreci us now Stephen I again as I said earlier I appreciate
[42:37] again as I said earlier I appreciate this opportunity um you know I think
[42:40] this opportunity um you know I think it's going to be important that we
[42:42] it's going to be important that we Baylor continue to partner with with uh
[42:45] Baylor continue to partner with with uh organizations like Kitman Labs um you
[42:49] organizations like Kitman Labs um you know but as said as I said earlier that
[42:51] know but as said as I said earlier that I think the secret to success is going
[42:52] I think the secret to success is going to be uh it starts with how we deliver
[42:55] to be uh it starts with how we deliver care um you know it's it's going to be
[42:57] care um you know it's it's going to be how we collaborate with with other
[42:59] how we collaborate with with other people not just internally in our
[43:01] people not just internally in our department but externally um and then
[43:04] department but externally um and then ultimately how we communicate and I
[43:05] ultimately how we communicate and I think there are solutions that um even
[43:08] think there are solutions that um even when you look at it specifically with
[43:09] when you look at it specifically with Hitman Labs um there's there's Solutions
[43:12] Hitman Labs um there's there's Solutions even within the platform uh for all
[43:14] even within the platform uh for all three of those areas care collaboration
[43:16] three of those areas care collaboration and communication and that speaks very
[43:18] and communication and that speaks very well to um you know where we are as an
[43:22] well to um you know where we are as an institution and uh you know I appreciate
[43:24] institution and uh you know I appreciate the support that you guys bring us
[43:27] the support that you guys bring us yeah not at all well listen I think what
[43:28] yeah not at all well listen I think what we'd love to do is uh we'd love to have
[43:30] we'd love to do is uh we'd love to have you back here at some point in the
[43:31] you back here at some point in the future as well and have you on this and
[43:33] future as well and have you on this and talk about some of the more the the
[43:34] talk about some of the more the the growth and uh I think advancements that
[43:37] growth and uh I think advancements that you've made and and talk about some of
[43:38] you've made and and talk about some of the new challenges that you're facing as
[43:39] the new challenges that you're facing as well and we hope that when that happens
[43:41] well and we hope that when that happens we'll have a Bor jersey in the
[43:42] we'll have a Bor jersey in the background here so we don't have to hurt
[43:44] background here so we don't have to hurt your eyes with the uh I need work on
[43:46] your eyes with the uh I need work on that you know I'm okay with the other
[43:48] that you know I'm okay with the other ones because there's I'm sure this a
[43:50] ones because there's I'm sure this a little little bit different appreciation
[43:52] little little bit different appreciation but we gota got to do something about
[43:54] but we gota got to do something about getting some green and gold up there so
[43:56] getting some green and gold up there so sounds
[43:57] sounds great all righty well thank you so much
[43:59] great all righty well thank you so much I think uh it's great to be back on the
[44:02] I think uh it's great to be back on the game changer podcast and I think uh
[44:04] game changer podcast and I think uh nobody better than to to kick off season
[44:06] nobody better than to to kick off season five with than probably one of the
[44:08] five with than probably one of the biggest game changers in the NCAA space
[44:10] biggest game changers in the NCAA space today Kenny Boyd thank you so much thank
[44:12] today Kenny Boyd thank you so much thank you Stephen appreciate the
[44:17] [Music]
[44:19] [Music] time

S5 Ep1: Leading and Innovating in Student Athlete Wellbeing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmRZ_Z2Sxho

Summary

TL;DR — The collegiate athletics landscape is rapidly evolving due to NIL, the transfer portal, conference realignment, and increased mental health concerns, necessitating a more integrated and holistic approach to student-athlete care. Baylor University, under Kenny Boyd's leadership, is proactively adapting by focusing on comprehensive services, leveraging technology, and fostering collaboration to meet these challenges and enhance the student-athlete experience.

Key points

• The collegiate sports environment is undergoing unprecedented change, requiring institutions to modernize their approach to student-athlete health and well-being.

• Baylor University's student-athlete care model encompasses athletic medicine, performance, sport science, mental health, and nutrition, with an added emphasis on spiritual well-being and academic progress.

• Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are shifting the demands on sports medicine and athletic performance, as athlete availability directly impacts their earning potential.

• The transfer portal presents challenges in athlete retention and onboarding, necessitating adaptable programs and efficient support systems for both athletes and staff.

• Innovation and technology, particularly data-driven decision-making, are crucial for adapting to these changes, but require a human-centered approach and buy-in from all stakeholders.

• Conference realignment, while creating new opportunities, also brings challenges like increased travel, requiring strategic planning and a focus on athlete well-being.

Takeaway — Adapting to the dynamic collegiate athletics landscape requires a proactive, collaborative, and technology-enabled approach to student-athlete care, focusing on holistic well-being and continuous improvement.