Lees-McRae Athletics
Patrick Smith, Director of Sports Information
BANNER ELK – Lees-McRae College Vice President for Athletics and Club Sports Craig McPhail announced on Friday, Jaterra Hurst has been named the NCAA Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee effective August 1.
Hurst will serve as the athletic department’s main representative for all information related to national, local and campus level issues of diversity and inclusion and as well as the department’s promoter of diverse and inclusive practices related to athletics.
“I’m excited to have Jaterra lead us in this opportunity,” McPhail said. “She has showed us a willingness and desire to get more involved. I am looking forward to seeing her leadership further enhance our athletic department.”
Hurst, who recently completed her third season as the assistant women’s basketball coach under head coach Keith “Mister” Jennings, came to Banner Elk in 2017 following a pair of recent coaching stints at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia and Douglasville Lady Tigers in Douglasville, Georgia. She returned to the Conference Carolinas after completing her four-year basketball career at Belmont Abbey in 2014.
“I am very excited for this opportunity,” Hurst said. “Diversity and inclusion are necessary everywhere, including Lees-McRae. I am happy the college is taking action and a step in the right direction. I look forward to ensuring the comfortability and representation of African American and International students, as well as, bring awareness to others on our campus and in our community. I am eager to learn and grow through this leadership role and appreciate everyone’s support.”
The designation of an athletics diversity and inclusion designee represents the NCAA’s recognition of inclusion as a core value. The designation supports the Presidential Pledge and Commitment to promoting diversity and gender equity in intercollegiate athletics.
Hurst graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Belmont Abbey in 2014 and earned her master’s degree in Sports Administration from Georgia State in 2016.
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