PitchSide From the Plex

This week we tackle the very important and timely topic of abuse prevention in sport. The US Center for SafeSport was founded through Federal legislation in the wake of the Larry Nassar scandal with USA Gymnastics. Its mission is to act as the clearing house and adjudicator for abuse allegations within the Olympic movement sports within the US. They also provide training and educat

For todays celebration of Women In Sports Day, we take our second journey into CrossFit in this episode with Heather Lawrence-Benedict, their Director of Sport Operations. Heather had a long career in college athletics going from operations and faciltiies, to Associate AD, and then to getting her PhD and teaching Sport Management to undergraduates and graduate students. She jumped

This week Kim and I get to welcome back to the SoccerPlex Washington Spirit Captain, NWSL Players Association President, and NWSL CHAMPION, Tori Huster. Tori talks about her journey from youth soccer, to Florida State University, Australian A- League, and all the way to this past November's NWSL Championship. Tori gives us insight into the collective bargaining agreement negot

This episode is a bit self serving as Matt just gets to hang out with his friends. Matt and Kim are joined this week by Danielle Vincenti, Rachel Rogers, and Suzanne Cecil. Each has served in several roles in the sports industry and are passionate advocates for sports tourism and professional development and advancement for women in sports. They provide great life lesson from their

This week Matt and Kim talk about the curious path that Casey Take took to get to become the Director of Athlete Development for Ironman. Some would say she took a non-conventional path to work in endurance racing but she will talk about how that path provided the necessary tools to get where she is now. Casey provides some great insight for young women starting out in the industry

This week we speak with Jana Brooks, Manager Event and Tenant Services, Maryland Stadium Authority. We talk through her journey from facility management at a law firm, to S.A.F.E, to dealing with both the Ravens and the Orioles at the Camden Yards Stadium Complex. Jana has some fun stories about managing events, challenges, in the job, and why she loves it. Jana also talks about on

Matt and Kim are back for a new season and will be focusing on Women in Sports. In this season's first episode we are speaking with Andrea Travelstead, the Assistant Director for Youth and Development at USA Basketball. We get to talk about her journey in sports which includes 2 college National Championships, one as a player and one as a coach, her time in Australia, and her

Pitchside from the Plex is back. This season Kim and Matt are focusing on Women in Sports. We will host a series of female guests to talk about their journey in sports, challenges they have faced, what can make women better suited to work in sports, and provide advice for young women looking to get started in the sports industry. We will talk with college ADs, representatives from

Kim and Matt sit down with Jason Clement the CEO and Founding Partner of The Sports Facilities Companies. We discuss what goes into developing new sports facilities, why communities are looking to add sports venues, and why youth sports are so important to a healthy community. Jason talks about the holistic benefits to children from sports in terms of physical, mental, and spiritua

Kim and Matt sit down with Wilson Pak, the Director of the Mid-Atlantic CrossFit Challenge. Wilson explains the concept of CrossFit and what competitive CrossFit looks like. We explore the challenges presented by COVID to the industry. Wilson also talk about the Mid-Atlantic CrossFit Challenge which is moving to Knoxville Tennessee this year as well as the NOBULL CrossFit Games in