MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State University Athletics partnered with Hope Inspired Ministries (HIM) on Monday for a Tailgate Experience designed to encourage, inspire, and connect with approximately 28 future leaders participating in HIM's workforce development program.
The event, held at Hope Inspired Ministries in Montgomery, brought together ASU Athletics leadership, coaches, and student-athletes for a morning of motivation, fellowship, and community engagement on the first day of classes at HIM.
ASU Director of Athletics Dr. Jason Cable, Head Football Coach Eddie Robinson Jr. and Head Women's Flag Football Coach Tyrone Poole addressed the Future Leaders, sharing words of encouragement and personal experiences centered on perseverance, character, leadership, and the importance of pursuing a better future.
Following the coaches' remarks, ASU student-athletes participated in a question-and-answer session with the future leaders. Football players Ta'Shaun Sims and Marvin Lee, along with women's flag football student-athletes Kilolo Westerlund and Jasmine Dunn, represented Alabama State during the discussion.
The student-athletes shared their collegiate experiences and perspectives while engaging directly with the Future Leaders about overcoming challenges, setting goals, and remaining committed to personal and professional development.
The program concluded with an ASU-themed tailgate experience, where coaches and student-athletes helped serve hamburgers and hot dogs while spending time with the Future Leaders.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Hope Inspired Ministries and invest in these Future Leaders," Cable said. "Community engagement is an important part of the Alabama State experience, and our coaches and student-athletes understand the impact that encouragement, mentorship and simply being present can have on someone's journey."
HIM is a faith-based workforce development organization that helps individuals overcome barriers to employment and achieve long-term self-sufficiency. Participants in the program are referred to as Future Leaders, reflecting HIM's commitment to developing confidence, character and career readiness.
Monday's event provided Alabama State Athletics with an opportunity to extend its commitment to service beyond the university campus while creating meaningful connections with members of the Montgomery community.
The partnership between Alabama State Athletics and Hope Inspired Ministries reflects the university's ongoing commitment to community engagement and its mission to use the influence of intercollegiate athletics to uplift and encourage others.
For more information about Hope Inspired Ministries and its mission, visit hopeinspiredministries.org.
