Empowering Youth Sports: Insights from Candice Morris and Chris Kessell

Empowering Youth Sports: Insights from Candice Morris and Chris Kessell

Author: Carl Lee July 11, 2024 Duration: 1:01:43
Let's Talk with Carl Lee
SportsCultureEducationSocietySociety & Culture
On this week's Let's Talk, Carl and Hollis welcome two incredible guests who are making a significant impact in the world of youth sports. First, they sit down with Candice Morris, a standout track athlete from West Virginia State University and former Capital High School star. Candice shares her journey, the importance of athletics in her life, and her perspective on breaking state records and competing at the collegiate level.

In the second half of the show, they talk with Chris Kessell, President of West Side Soccer and Kanawha Valley Soccer League. Chris discusses his efforts to make soccer accessible and inclusive, his work in grassroots development, and the importance of increasing diversity in U.S. soccer. He also touches on his initiatives like free weekly skills clinics and the creation of a futsal court in Charleston.

Tune in for an engaging episode that highlights the dedication and passion of these two sports advocates, and learn how they are shaping the future of youth sports in West Virginia.

Candice Morris is a standout track athlete who currently competes for West Virginia State University. Before her collegiate career, she made a significant mark at Capital High School in Charleston, West Virginia, where she set state records in track and field. At West Virginia State University, she has continued to excel, being named the women's freshman of the year at the Mountain East Conference (MEC) Indoor Championship. Morris hit the NCAA provisional mark for the 60 meters with a time of 7.62 seconds, showcasing her speed and talent on a larger stage​.

Chris Kessell is a prominent figure in the soccer community of Charleston, WV. He serves as the President of the West Side Soccer Association and the Kanawha Valley Soccer League. Chris has been deeply involved in making soccer accessible and inclusive, focusing on grassroots development and coaching education. He has run free weekly skills clinics and founded the Chemical Valley AC, which raised funds to build a futsal court in Charleston. His work aims to lower barriers to entry and increase diversity in the sport. Kessell also recently announced his candidacy for Vice President of the United States Soccer Federation, emphasizing transparency and improved governance in U.S. soccer.

Tune in on Tuesdays and Thursdays for new episodes of Let's Talk with Carl Lee, a space where the lines between the game, the culture around it, and the society we live in are all part of the same essential conversation. Hosted by former NFL All-Pro Carl Lee, this podcast moves beyond simple sports commentary. Alongside co-hosts Lisa Otey and Hollis Lewis, Carl facilitates a dialogue that is as insightful as it is direct, drawing from his own experiences to examine leadership, personal growth, and the broader social issues often reflected in the world of athletics. You'll hear discussions that are grounded in real perspective, where a debate about a team's strategy might naturally lead to a deeper exploration of community influence or educational values. For a different kind of weekly engagement, the conversation also airs every Sunday afternoon at 1:06 PM on 580 WCHS. This isn't just analysis; it's a thoughtful, unfiltered look at how sports and culture continuously shape our lives, making each episode a unique blend of reflection and candid talk.
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