MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles are the newest examples of how demanding sports activities will be for athletes. Former College of Memphis Tiger basketball participant Damonique Miller stated the stress for school college students may be very related.
“I don't know what occurred, however it despatched me over the sting. I used to be cursing, I used to be simply in every single place, and coach Darrell Brown simply got here as much as me and stated, 'Damonique, you higher be careful. You must in all probability cease swearing you're a younger woman and act like one,” and at that time I stated he was simply checking? Miller stated.
Miller stated that one encounter modified her perspective and the best way she performed herself as a school athlete.
“Me, I've additionally had plenty of accidents, so plenty of my life has occurred exterior of Elmo Roane Fieldhouse, however I rapidly realized that I had a distinct function than I initially anticipated after I got here right here,” Miller defined. .
That function for her was to be a supportive teammate from the facet. She stated when occasions obtained robust, it wasn't usually that Memphis athletes had somebody to speak to exterior of the teaching employees.
“I feel (having) somebody on a constant foundation can be so big. To reply all of the life questions I had perhaps not basketball associated, however simply me as a girl or issues that may assist me in my profession,” Miller stated.
Damonique's vacated place is now being stuffed by present and future Tigers because the Space Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“What we do is we unfold the gospel of Jesus Christ to our coaches and our athletes,” Miller stated.
Nonetheless, Miller added that they welcome all college students and folks within the Memphis neighborhood from all walks of life.
“Despite the fact that we’re a fellowship of Christian athletes, we nonetheless open our doorways to all college students basically,” Miller stated.
Miller says her mission is to be a listening ear and information for present and future athletes, a chance she didn't all the time have in her time there. He hopes to supply emotional and religious reduction to any athlete in want.
“If he had the braveness and cared sufficient about me with out actually understanding who I used to be, I do know I can do the identical for the athletes that come again right here on the College of Memphis,” Miller stated.
She added that if he hadn't helped her perceive easy methods to cope with her stress, she's undecided the place she can be.
