Q&A: Diversity Shapes Career and Advocates Inclusion in Sports
2/9/2024 9:00:00 AM | General
The University of Houston Athletics holds a rich history of contributing to the advancement of Black students, with significant milestones in breaking racial barriers in major sports. Dating to the 1960s, the university played a crucial role in aiding racial integration. During a time when segregation was prevalent in sports, the University of Houston embraced the talent and potential of Black athletes, leading to a more inclusive and diverse athletic community. Icons like Elvin Hayes, who played for the Cougars' Men's Basketball team in the 1960s, became trailblazers, setting the stage for future generations of Black athletes as did Houston Football's Warren McVea who broke the color barrier by becoming the first Black player to suit up for a major college football team in Texas during 1965.
As part of the celebration of Black History Month in 2024, Houston Athletics is dedicated to recognizing and highlighting the achievements of former student-athletes who have transcended their roles on the field and court to become leaders in their respective professions. These student-athletes embody the values of perseverance, excellence, and leadership instilled during their time at the University of Houston.
As an administrator in middle school and high school for over 20 years, Dr. Sharon Delesbore (née Bennett) holds three degrees from the University of Houston. She currently works for Fort Bend ISD where she was the first African American where as a student became class valedictorian in school history at Willow Ridge High School. She obtained a scholarship to play Division I basketball at Houston where she earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and psychology. She also earned her master's degree at the University of Houston in curriculum and instruction, focusing on science education.
Q: How did attending the University of Houston shape your career and perspective on life?
Dr. Delesbore: The diversity of students attending UH has helped to shape my career tremendously. As an educator, I am focused on seeing my students and community through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and access because serving multiple populations and different cultures comes with a responsibility of being unbiased, aware, and compassionate to the needs of others.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
D.D.: Black History Month means appreciation and celebration of the many accomplishments that Black people have contributed to our country. It means taking the opportunity to help people learn and understand the truth of our being, both positive and negative, so we can learn to do better and be better American citizens.
How can fellow Americans support Black Americans, during Black History Month but also throughout the entire year?
D.D.: All Americans can work on being compassionate and open minded to understanding others cultural differences as well as remember that we are all HUMAN beings who all desire respect and kindness.
What do you remember about your time at Houston that impacted your career?
D.D.: My time at UH was fostered through my team - oriented activities that taught me collaboration, cooperation, patience, persistence and resilience. Basketball brought me to UH as a member of the Cougar Women's Basketball team. While a student, I also became a proud member of the Zeta Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I worked with the Dean's Office as an Orientation Team (O-Team) member and lastly as a "Cougar Cruiter" through Athletics. Participating in these organizations give me stories to share with my students as I encourage them to get involved on campus, build relationships, and take pride in our school because our school is the people, not the brick-and-mortar building.
Can you share a specific experience from your college athletic career that highlighted the importance of celebrating and acknowledging Black heritage?
D.D.: One of the most impactful basketball tournaments that we played in during my career was at USC. At that time, the teams represented were all led by black female coaches. We were able to talk to and interact with my idol, Cheryl Miller and the renowned Vivian Stringer head coach of Rutgers University.
How did your identity as a Black student-athlete shape your college experience, both in and out of sports?
D.D.: As a student-athlete, I always ensured that I took my role of "student" first very seriously. Coming into UH, I graduated from Willowridge High School as the first Black valedictorian in school history. I was recognized as an All-Conference Scholar Athlete as well. Our team at U of H had one of the highest graduation rates in the program. We all worked hard academically to ensure we represented the "scholar" in athlete to our community.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win in the Big 12. Click here to rise and be counted.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
– UHCougars.com –
As part of the celebration of Black History Month in 2024, Houston Athletics is dedicated to recognizing and highlighting the achievements of former student-athletes who have transcended their roles on the field and court to become leaders in their respective professions. These student-athletes embody the values of perseverance, excellence, and leadership instilled during their time at the University of Houston.
As an administrator in middle school and high school for over 20 years, Dr. Sharon Delesbore (née Bennett) holds three degrees from the University of Houston. She currently works for Fort Bend ISD where she was the first African American where as a student became class valedictorian in school history at Willow Ridge High School. She obtained a scholarship to play Division I basketball at Houston where she earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and psychology. She also earned her master's degree at the University of Houston in curriculum and instruction, focusing on science education.
Q: How did attending the University of Houston shape your career and perspective on life?
Dr. Delesbore: The diversity of students attending UH has helped to shape my career tremendously. As an educator, I am focused on seeing my students and community through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and access because serving multiple populations and different cultures comes with a responsibility of being unbiased, aware, and compassionate to the needs of others.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
D.D.: Black History Month means appreciation and celebration of the many accomplishments that Black people have contributed to our country. It means taking the opportunity to help people learn and understand the truth of our being, both positive and negative, so we can learn to do better and be better American citizens.
How can fellow Americans support Black Americans, during Black History Month but also throughout the entire year?
D.D.: All Americans can work on being compassionate and open minded to understanding others cultural differences as well as remember that we are all HUMAN beings who all desire respect and kindness.
What do you remember about your time at Houston that impacted your career?
D.D.: My time at UH was fostered through my team - oriented activities that taught me collaboration, cooperation, patience, persistence and resilience. Basketball brought me to UH as a member of the Cougar Women's Basketball team. While a student, I also became a proud member of the Zeta Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I worked with the Dean's Office as an Orientation Team (O-Team) member and lastly as a "Cougar Cruiter" through Athletics. Participating in these organizations give me stories to share with my students as I encourage them to get involved on campus, build relationships, and take pride in our school because our school is the people, not the brick-and-mortar building.
Can you share a specific experience from your college athletic career that highlighted the importance of celebrating and acknowledging Black heritage?
D.D.: One of the most impactful basketball tournaments that we played in during my career was at USC. At that time, the teams represented were all led by black female coaches. We were able to talk to and interact with my idol, Cheryl Miller and the renowned Vivian Stringer head coach of Rutgers University.
How did your identity as a Black student-athlete shape your college experience, both in and out of sports?
D.D.: As a student-athlete, I always ensured that I took my role of "student" first very seriously. Coming into UH, I graduated from Willowridge High School as the first Black valedictorian in school history. I was recognized as an All-Conference Scholar Athlete as well. Our team at U of H had one of the highest graduation rates in the program. We all worked hard academically to ensure we represented the "scholar" in athlete to our community.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win in the Big 12. Click here to rise and be counted.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
– UHCougars.com –
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