Last Chance U – Sport Social Worker Thoughts

Jamal T. Jackson, LCSW

July 29, 2020

In being fully transparent, I do not promote Last Chance U as simply an entertainment venture.  Many of these student athlete’s experiences are complicated and come with significant challenges.  I have a deep understanding of the systemic, societal, generational, financial, and psychological challenges that exist in the docu-series Last Chance U as well as in the sports world.  Watching some of the scenes can bring up a lot of emotions, from sadness, anger, confusion, disgust, fear, hope, pride, joy and the list can go on.  With that being said, I am a fan of each student athlete’s journey to navigation toward serenity and accomplishment of goals.  This statement holds true for all student athletes and athletes as well.    

In my role as a school social worker and Founder of Student Athlete Counseling I fight oppression, injustices, systemic racism and inequalities faced by youth, families and student athletes.  One aspect of fighting societal and systemic challenges for me includes informing people about existing issues of student athletes.  Click HERE for a snapshot of my work in reference to the before mentioned challenges.

I inform by posting content on my social media about student athletes, such as those on Last Chance U.  In addition, as a change agent I post my work with Student Athlete Counseling to provide a different perspective for others to create awareness, and internalization of the triumphs and difficulties of being a student athlete, as well as to create a space for conversation to support breaking the stigma with mental health.  

It has been far too long that the needs of student athletes have not been a priority.  However, I am proud, honored and encouraged that there are so many mental health professionals and people in this world who have created the space to break the stigma with mental health for the betterment of student athletes, athletes, the sports world and society as a whole.  I am rooting for each and every student athlete on Last Chance U, as well as all other athletes in this world, as Kendrick Lamar would say to “Be Alright”.