Winston-Salem, N.C. - Winston-Salem State University student-athletes recently took part in the Student-Athlete Development Cluster: Embracing the Blindsides of Transition, an interactive experience designed to prepare athletes for life beyond sport. Hosted by Elizabeth City State University on April 9, 2026, the event brought together participants from WSSU, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and the host institution.
A total of 36 student-athletes engaged in sessions centered on identity, resilience, and long-term well-being. The program focused on key topics including navigating planned and unplanned transitions out of sport, developing a sustainable identity beyond athletics, managing the mental and emotional challenges of injury and rehabilitation, and discovering purpose outside of athletic performance.
Led by Brandy Gresham, LPC, founder of Morning's Light, LLC, the session created an engaging and open environment that encouraged participation and honest conversation among student-athletes.
"The session wasn't just someone talking at us, it felt like a real conversation," said senior football student-athlete Daniel Williams. "I had a great time at the event. It is important to have these conversations about life after sport."
The summit reflects WSSU Athletics' continued commitment to holistic student-athlete development, ensuring Rams are equipped for success beyond competition.
WSSU Student-Athlete Participants:
· Fuatoelou Sasagi – Football (Sr.)
· Daniel Williams – Football (Sr.)
· Kairon Martin – Football (Gr.)
· Keinna Mims – Women's Track & Field (Jr.)
· Sydney Sharpe – Powerhouse Cheer (Sr.)
· Amaria Webb – Powerhouse Cheer (Sr.)
WSSU Student Intern Participants:
· Angelo Lanford – Athletics Intern (Sr.)
· DeSean Yelverton – Athletics Intern (Sr.)
About the Speaker:
Brandy Gresham, LPC, is the founder of Morning's Light, LLC, a multi-service organization dedicated to empowering individuals to confront and overcome past challenges while prioritizing mental health and overall wellness. With more than 20 years of experience across the mental and behavioral health, substance abuse counseling, and athletic industries, Gresham has worked with a wide range of populations, including athletes, children, adolescents, adults, veterans, convicted felons, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and geriatric populations. Her professional experience spans private, state, and government sectors, where she has led initiatives in stress and anger management, life and interpersonal skills coaching, substance abuse counseling, and individual outpatient therapy, along with providing program development consulting and facilitating group presentations and speaking engagements.
Driven by a passion to normalize conversations around mental health—especially in today's climate—Gresham founded Morning's Light, LLC in 2017 to create safe spaces for growth, healing, and personal development. A former student-athlete herself, she uniquely combines her background in sports with her clinical expertise to connect authentically with individuals navigating high-performance environments. Gresham earned both her undergraduate degree in Psychology and her master's degree in Community and Clinical Psychology from Norfolk State University.
