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TSU Partners with Nashville Kats to Provide Students Real-World Experience in Professional Sports

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Arena Football One (AF1) and the Nashville Kats have announced an innovative partnership with Tennessee State University’s Human Performance and Sport Sciences (HPSS) department. Led by Ashley Danielle Allen, director of operations for the Kats, the collaboration aims to provide students with valuable hands-on experience in the multifaceted world of professional sports.

Jeff Fisher

Through this partnership, TSU students will be integrated into the Kats organization, engaging with team personnel in various roles ranging from front office operations to game-day execution. Students will get a real-world glimpse into the inner workings of a professional sports franchise, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application.

“Area Football One and the Nashville Kats are very excited to collaborate with TSU’s Human Performance and Sports Science department to provide real-world opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in the sports industry. We believe in developing the next generation of sports professionals, and this partnership is a great step toward helping those students build valuable skills that will serve them well in their careers. We are committed to impacting the Nashville community,” Jeff Fisher, Owner of the Nashville Kats and President of the Arena Football League. 

Dr. Jason Smith

“Our goal in the Human Performance and Sport Sciences Department is to create an

expectation for students to go from the classroom to a career, ” explains Dr. Jason Smith, Chair of HPSS. “Our exceptionally talented and hard-working students are ready to move beyond theory, and these partnerships offer them the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in professional sports. It’s time to move ‘education’ ahead, and these opportunities are doing just that for our students.” 

Students will gain broad exposure to diverse areas, including:

Ashley Danielle Allen

● Business and Administration: Students will shadow and work alongside management in player personnel decisions, assist scouts in talent evaluation, observe team executives in strategic planning, learn about financial operations, understand human resourcemanagement, and see how legal counsel operates within a sports organization.

● Marketing and Communications: Participants will contribute to marketing campaigns,

A group of HPSS students from TSU join few members of the Kats organization for a photo after a training session at the Kats’ facility. (Submitted photo)

manage media relations, develop social media content, participate in ticket and sponsorship sales, organize community outreach programs, assist with broadcasting and media production and learn to manage and distribute statistical information.

● Game Day Operations: Students will gain experience in event management, facility operations, security protocols, and merchandise management, contributing to the seamless execution of game-day experiences.

● Other Essential Roles: Students will also have opportunities to observe sports analysts in action and learn the intricacies of equipment management.

“This partnership is an incredible experience for our students to gain practical experience in the sports industry. Working alongside AF One and the Nashville Kats will provide them with skills that will prepare them for successful careers,” said Allen, who is also an instructor in HPSS.

The partnership is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the business of professional sports, promoting their professional development and contributing to the growth of the sports industry in Nashville. AF One, The Nashville Kats and TSU’s HPSS Department are committed to making this a long-term collaboration, ensuring that future generations of sports professionals can have the opportunity to learn and grow. 

Learn more about this initiative and more at www.nashvillekats.com.

About Tennessee State University 

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research-intensive institution with an R-2 Carnegie designation, a downtown Avon Williams Off-Campus Instructional Site, and the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu. 

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TSU Integrates Athlete Training with Apple Watch in Groundbreaking Research

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – As the sun rises over the Tennessee State University track, a trio of standout athletes—Kaitlyn Cook, Caleb Joshway, and Devin Jones—lace up their shoes for another day of training. This time, they’re not just relying on instinct and determination; they’re integrating cutting-edge technology into their routines thanks to Apple Watch.

Kaitlyn Cook, a hurdler on the TSU Track team, right, gives data from her Apple Watch to Coach Chandra Cheeseborough, as other team members look on. (Photo by Jada Harris)

In a study aimed at exploring the intersection of health and performance metrics among student-athletes, Cook, a freshman business major from Richmond, Virginia; Joshway, an MBA finance student from Auburndale, Florida; and Jones, a freshman exercise science major from Miami, are outfitted with Apple Watches. These devices are part of a study led by the Departments of Human Performance and Sports Science (HPSS), Educational Teaching and Learning (EDTL), and the TSU SMART Center.

Key objectives of the study are to improve the effectiveness of health monitoring, enhance athletic performance, and promote the overall well-being of TSU’s student-athletes. The findings could revolutionize training strategies and set the stage for advancements in athlete monitoring and performance optimization.

Track team members utilize the Apple Watch during all aspects of their training to ensure accurate data collection. (Photo by Jada Harris)

“Our goal is to assess the effectiveness of Apple Watch in monitoring various health metrics, which can ultimately enhance athletic performance,” Dr. Jason Smith, Department Chair and Associate Professor, Pedagogy, Sports Leadership (HPSS) highlighted. “We’re particularly interested in how this technology can shed light on cardiovascular fitness and recovery.”

Apple Watch assists the athletes in tracking metrics across activity, sleep, heart rate, and mobility — essential components of their training. “It tracks my sleep so I can see if I’m getting enough rest, and I can even see my sleep stages, including how much time I spend in REM or deep sleep,” Joshway explained. “The fitness and health data is crucial because it helps me understand how my body is doing so I can decide whether I’m ready for training.”

Devin Jones, who runs the 800M 4X4 relay, second from right, says the Apple Watch helps him track his sleep pattern. (Photo by Jada Harris)

Chandra Cheeseborough, Athletics Director and Track and Field Head Coach at TSU, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “This study helps monitor training activities and gives deeper insights into fitness and health metrics, like cardio fitness and sleep stages. Having access to that data helps the study participants better understand what’s happening in their own body and it helps me as a coach to time their rest periods. It is a win-win for everybody.”

The current study builds on preliminary insights gained from a pilot program conducted with the TSU Men’s and Women’s Tennis teams in Spring 2024. According to Dr. Nicole Arrighi, Assistant Dean of Teacher Education, “The tennis survey highlighted a positive correlation between Apple Watch usage and performance enhancements. Players who frequently use the device during practices report increased motivation and improved fitness. Notably, 80 percent of respondents set performance goals based on watch data. Those with longer ownership experienced greater benefits, suggesting that consistent usage enhances training outcomes. Overall, Apple Watch has become a valuable tool for the team.”

The study will also explore the interplay between health and fitness metrics and academic engagement through participant surveys. 

Dr. Robbie Melton, Vice President for Technology Innovations and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, added, “The ability to include Apple Watch in this study not only provides our athletes with advanced tools for performance monitoring but also enriches our academic environment. The data collected from this study will contribute to our understanding of technology’s role in athletics and education. It exemplifies our commitment to integrating innovative solutions to enhance student success and well-being.”

The study is spearheaded by distinguished TSU faculty and administrators, including Dr. Smith from HPSS, Dr. Arrighi from EDTL, and Dr. Melton from the TSU SMART Center. The research aims to fill a critical gap in the literature concerning wearable technology in athletics, particularly for track and field athletes. Apple Watch devices were provided through Apple’s Investigator Support Program.

For information on the TSU Human Performance and Sports Science program, please visit https://www.tnstate.edu/hpss/.

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TSU and MTSU Forge Partnership to Advance Future Athletic Trainers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University students with dreams of becoming professional athletic trainers just gained a significant advantage with the launch of an articulation agreement with Middle Tennessee State University. Effective January 1, this agreement provides qualified TSU’s Human Performance and Sports Science students with a seamless pathway to transition into MTSU’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program.

Dr. Poliala Dickson

The collaboration ensures that TSU students will benefit from specialized advising, a streamlined admissions roadmap, and a clear alignment of coursework to meet the prerequisites of MTSU’s competitive MSAT program. Students who complete the designated courses with a grade of C or better, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and fulfill other requirements will be assured consideration for up to two seats per cohort in the MSAT program.

“This agreement demonstrates a commitment to collaboration between our institutions and expands opportunities for TSU students interested in the high-demand field of athletic training,” said Dr. Poliala Dickson, Associatete Professor of HPSS at TSU, who headed the discussions leading to the agreement. “We are excited to partner with MTSU to offer this pathway and provide our students with a seamless transition to graduate studies.”

Dr. Robbie Melton

Supporting this initiative, Dr. Robbie Melton, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at TSU, emphasized the importance of fostering opportunities for student success through collaborative efforts.

“In the evolving landscape of health and sports science, partnerships like these are vital,” Melton said. “They empower our students to achieve their professional aspirations while addressing the increasing demand in the athletic training field.”

Kimora Marie Esmon

Dr. Kristi Phillips from MTSU echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are pleased to partner with TSU on this articulation agreement. This collaboration will allow us to attract talented students from TSU and provide them with a high-quality athletic training education. We look forward to welcoming TSU-HPSS graduates to our MSAT program.”

Among the excited students is Kimora Marie Esmon, a junior from Spring Hill, Tennessee, who dreams of working as an athletic trainer in collegiate sports. “I’m very passionate about athletic training, and when my professor first told me about the transition, I thought it was a wonderful idea,” Esmon said. “MTSU was always number one on my list. I am looking forward to the experience and getting a well-rounded education.”

Dr. Jason Smith

Dr. Jason Smith, Chair of the HPSS department at TSU, highlighted the dedication of their faculty and staff in pursuing innovative avenues for student enrichment.

“Our dedicated faculty and staff relentlessly pursue innovative ways to empower students, ensuring they achieve their career aspirations,” Smith said. “This articulation agreement is a testament to our commitment to empowering students to achieve their career aspirations, thanks to the vision and tireless efforts of Dr. Dickson.”

For information on the TSU Human Performance and Sports Science program, please visit https://www.tnstate.edu/hpss/.

                                                                                            

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TSU Senior Takes Big Step Toward Sports Management Career Goal with Titans’ Internship

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – As a senior majoring in Human Performance and Sports Science (HPSS) at Tennessee State University, Noah Pennington is on the verge of realizing his dream of operating within a major sports organization. His recent internship with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans marks an extraordinary step toward that goal, which also showcases the unique partnership between TSU and the Titans that provides students access to the professional sports world.

Noah Pennington

An Indianapolis native, Pennington completed a four-week paid internship with the Titans in December, where he gained rich insights into leadership, management styles, and logistical operations within a professional sports franchise. “Working alongside key decision-makers and participating in meetings about the construction of the new stadium was a transformative experience,” Pennington said. “I had the opportunity to absorb knowledge from industry veterans, which solidified my career aspirations in sports management and operations.”

TSU has long enjoyed a productive partnership with the Titans, allowing the TSU Tigers football team to host home games at Nissan Stadium. The collaboration, which extends beyond athletics, engages with the community through the Titans’ ONE Community platform, which targets Nashville’s underserved areas to foster opportunities in education, neighborhoods, and economic development.

Noah Pennington is scheduled to graduate in May. He already has a job lined up. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Pennington’s internship exemplifies how TSU students benefit from this relationship. Earlier in his college career, Pennington participated in a Maymester course designed to connect sports management students with Titans staff across various departments – from finance to legal affairs. This immersive experience sparked his interest and laid the groundwork for his successful internship application. 

“It’s incredible how TSU, particularly the HPSS department, has helped guide me to these opportunities,” said Pennington. “Dr. (Jason) Smith and Dr. (Timothy) Jones played pivotal roles in my development, providing the mentorship and connections necessary to thrive in the competitive sports industry. The hands-on experience through the internship complemented my classroom learning perfectly.”

Dr. Robbie Melton, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs, says the TSU-Tinans partnership has benefitted students immensely.

Dr. Robbie Melton, TSU’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, expressed pride in TSU students like Pennington. “We are committed to empowering our students by partnering with industry leaders who can provide real-world experience. Noah’s journey with the Titans is a testament to our successful collaboration and the bright futures that await our students,” Melton said.

Johari Matthews, a TSU alum and Vice President of the ONE Community and Titans Foundation, said, “The partnership that we have with TSU has been instrumental in our approach to better serving students by introducing them to careers in the sports industry. Noah is a perfect example of how partnerships like this can open doors and provide hands-on experiences that level the playing field in the workforce. We look forward to the many things that he will accomplish in the future as we are certain that it is bright!”

Dr. Jason Smith, left, HPSS Department Chair, shares a moment with Noah Pennington during a classroom activity on the main campus. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Dr. Lolita D. Toney, TSU’s Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement, emphasized the importance of mentorship and professional development: “Noah and students like him gain invaluable hands-on experiences and mentorship touchpoints that will lay the foundation for their future careers. Hopefully, one day they too will be inspired to pay it forward.”

Dr. Jason Smith, HPSS department chair, praised Pennington for his exemplary work ethic and leadership during his internship. “Noah Pennington exemplifies our mission of bridging classroom learning with real-world application. His initiative, creativity, and strong work ethic have set him apart and served as an inspiration to his peers. He embodies the HPSS ideal: a driven student leveraging education and personal talent to excel in the professional sports world.”

Pennington is scheduled to graduate in May. He has already lined up a job offer, positioning himself perfectly to make significant contributions to the sports industry.

For more information on the TSU Human Performance and Sports Sciences program, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/hpss/.