The Patriot League held an orientation for the Diverse Talent Pathway program at the League office in Bethlehem, Pa., in late August. 
 
The Pathway program, developed by the Patriot League Anti-Racism Commission, aims to identify and develop ethnic minority talent aspiring to become head coaches, athletics directors and senior administrators. Two of the primary components of the program include members being matched with and mentored by a head coach or senior administrator from a different League institution, along with learning from institutional and League leadership during quarterly virtual check-ins.
 
"Since the founding of the Patriot League Anti-Racism Commission, an identified priority has been to provide development opportunities for our Black and Brown student-athletes, coaches and staff," Patriot League Commissioner Jennifer Heppel said. "We believe the formation of the Diverse Talent Pathway program is another small step toward our commitment to ensuring fairness, equitable opportunities, benefits and resources at our member institutions."
 
Patriot League institutions selected one ethnic minority associate or assistant coach and an ethnic minority administrator with aspirations of becoming a head coach, athletics director or senior administrator to participate in the Pathway program's first group. The goal of the unique program is not only to prepare future leaders for roles in the coaching and administrative fields but also to increase the diversity in leadership roles at the League's member institutions. Additionally, the Pathway Program looks to build and sustain long-term relationships across the League as a result of its efforts.
 
The Diverse Talent Pathway program's meeting kicked off with Heppel welcoming the attendees to the League office. Throughout the two-day orientation, program members met with institutional leadership, including Boston University Men's Basketball Head Coach Joe Jones, Lafayette College Women's Basketball Head Coach Kia Damon-Olson and Director of Athletics Sherryta Freeman and Lehigh University Dean of Athletics Joe Sterrett and Deputy Director of Athletics Sue Troyan. 
The Pathway program members also engaged with the Patriot League staff to learn about League operations and discuss how the League office interacts with their respective institutional roles. Lynn Hughes, the League's Assistant Commissioner for Compliance and Policy, guided the Pathway members through a DISC Behavioral Assessment. 
 
Patriot League Assistant Commissioner for Sport Management and Engagement, Richard Zhu, provided closing remarks that emphasized building relationships across the League and how the Pathway program will assist in their development to serve as leaders during the 2023-24 academic year.
 
 
2023-24 Patriot League Diverse Talent Pathway Roster
American - Antoine Brown, Athletics Operations Manager
American - Michelle Holmes, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach
Army West Point- Chontel Fils, Assistant Director of Compliance
Army West Point - Sacha Santimano, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach
Boston University - Nafeesa Connolly, Associate Director of Marketing and Community Engagement
Boston University - Alington (Al) Paul, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
Bucknell - Michael Coleman, Director of Digital Strategy and Fan Engagement
Bucknell - LaSashia Connelly, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach
Colgate - Camryn Crocker, Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
Colgate - C.J. Molina, Director of Recreation, Programming
Holy Cross - R.J. Evans, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
Holy Cross - Aysia Shellmire, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
Lafayette - Dahne Brown-Boyer, Assistant Director of Compliance
Lafayette - Jeff Sejour, Assistant Football Coach
Lehigh - Willie Jenkins, Associate Men's Basketball Coach
Lehigh - Donnie Roberts, Assistant Director of Student Access and Success
Loyola Maryland - JerShon Cobb, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
Loyola Maryland - Gabbriell Reason, Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Support Services
Navy - Alessandra Pedergnana, Associate Women's Tennis Coach
Navy – Bryan Fitzpatrick, Associate Director of Athletics for Strength, Conditioning and Sports Performance
 
ABOUT THE PATRIOT LEAGUE
The Patriot League is in its fourth decade of academic and athletic achievement, continually demonstrating that student-athletes can excel at both academics and athletics without sacrificing high standards. The Patriot League’s athletic success is achieved while its member institutions remain committed to its founding principle of admitting and graduating student-athletes that are academically representative of their class. Participation in athletics at Patriot League institutions is viewed as an important component of a well-rounded education.