During Black History Month, App State Athletics is highlighting some of the accomplishments and perspective of coaches, administrators and staff members who serve as role models to our student-athletes.
Today, we hear from
Regina Parquet, MS, LAT, ATC, PES who serves as an athletic trainer for the Mountaineers' men's basketball and tennis teams. She also assists with administrative duties within the App State sports medicine department.
Q: Why is celebrating black history important to you?
Parquet: Celebrating black history gives me a sense of pride, and also serves as a source of inspiration by highlighting the accomplishments and stories of people who look like me. It's powerful to see, and celebrate, overcomers who have made great contributions to this world even when the odds have historically been stacked against them.
Q: Is there a figure in black history whose story particularly resonates with you?
Parquet: There are many figures in black history who are incredibly inspiring to me, but the stories that resonate with me the most are those of my family. I am only one generation removed from segregation. My parents, aunts, uncles, and older cousins grew up in Louisiana during a time where "colored only " signs were a part of everyday life. I grew up hearing first-hand accounts of what some people only read about in books or watch movies about. Knowing what members of my family overcame to become college graduates, business owners, school teachers, nurses, etc. makes me value my education and all that I have today. I know that I have been presented opportunities in life that certain generations of my family could have never imagined.
Q: How do you share black history with App State student-athletes and/or staff?
Parquet: I try to share Black history in everyday conversation, when I can, in an effort to normalize it. When it comes down to it, Black history is American history. During Black History Month I'll put up black history trivia, facts, and quotes on the dry erase board in our Athletic Training Facility in the Holmes Center. It generates great conversation with our student-athletes and staff.
Q: Why is it important to have representation in athletics?
Parquet: Student-athletes are extremely diverse and come from many different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Representation in an ideal environment would mean those that serve this diverse group of individuals reflect the population that they serve. At the very least, having people in place who might better understand the nuances of the individuals that they serve will lead to better outcomes and morale. It's important to know that treating everyone the same does not always equate to everyone being treated fairly. As a healthcare professional who happens to work in athletics, I understand that there are groups who have traditionally been underserved, mistreated, and ignored by healthcare, and that this has led to mistrust. It is my responsibility to understand this and adjust accordingly to provide individualized care that will provide the best outcomes possible for my patients.
Q: What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to someone looking to pursue a career in college athletics?
Parquet: First I would advise to make an honest effort to learn about, understand, and be comfortable with working and communicating with individuals who come from a multitude of backgrounds. Second, I would say that even though working in college athletics can be incredibly demanding and stressful, it is important to remember when it comes down to it we are working with individuals who are playing a game, so try to have fun!
