Life Lessons from Legendary Coach Skip Grant
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“I had the benefit of growing up around a community of men who had high ideals and values," says Skip Grant, longtime athletic director at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., where he also oversaw a program that seeks out and supports students from underrepresented backgrounds. "I learned that a willingness to take on tough challenges is necessary to overcome adversity, particularly as a person of color. Perseverance builds self-confidence.
As a coach, I’d add intervals to workouts when athletes were tired, and they’d be amazed they were able to do it because they didn’t think they had anything left. To me, the job of a coach or teacher is to be the person who says, ‘You’re capable of doing even more than you think you can.’ These interactions I had with the young men that were involved in St. Albans School’s Risk Program [now renamed the Skip Grant Program] for the 23 years I was there are ones I cherish. I was always so impressed and inspired by their courage and resiliency. We built strength from each other."
—As told to Kristian Rhim, a journalism major and varsity track-and-field athlete at Springfield College
Skip Grant was interviewed and photographed as part of Lift Every Voice, in partnership with Lexus. Lift Every Voice records the wisdom and life experiences of the oldest generation of Black Americans by connecting them with a new generation of Black journalists. The oral history series is running across Hearst magazine, newspaper, and television websites around Juneteenth 2021. Go to oprahdaily.com/lifteveryvoice for the complete portfolio.
Turn Inspiration to Action
Consider donating to the National Association of Black Journalists to direct your dollars to scholarships and fellowships that support the educational and professional development of aspiring young journalists.
Also, support The National Caucus & Center on Black Aging. Dedicated to improving the quality of life of older African-Americans, NCCBA's educational programs are them with the tools they need to advocate for themselves.
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