Antoine Prather '23, a Film and Media Arts major, brings his lifelong passion for sports into his role as Assistant Athletic Director for Corporate Partners and Community Relations, a two-year internship funded through the NCAA Division III Ethnic Minority and Women's Grant.
"In my position, I have been involved in creating season tickets for football, while also heading the golf tournament for Homecoming weekend," he said. "My other duties have been getting out in the community to form new partnerships and rekindle others to help support LaGrange College Athletics."
From an early age, Prather was actively involved in athletic competitions.
"I played multiple sports in my youth and ran track and field on the college level," he said. "Sports have always been a part of my life, so a career in athletics only made sense."
Prather, a graduate of LaGrange High School, said he first got involved with the LaGrange College Athletics Department by volunteering and then interning for Rob Dicks, former Associate Director of Athletics/Compliance and Sports Medicine.
"I was able to get an in-depth look at how an athletic department operates," he said. "I find it interesting to know about all the legislation and bylaws given down by the governing body in the NCAA."
On three separate occasions, Prather's role at LC Athletics has allowed him the opportunity to travel to NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis.
"In January, I was one of 30 students from Division III schools who were chosen to be part of the NCAA Immersion Program," he said. "I also attended the Career and Sports Forum in June and the orientation for the Ethnic Minority and Women's Grant in July."
He said the July trip was a great chance to network with leaders in college athletics.
"For three days, my cohort and I were mentored by sitting athletic directors, conference commissioners and athletic administrators from Division II and Division III schools."
Terlynn Olds, Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, said she has been impressed with Prather's work ethic.
"Having Antoine Prather serve as the athletics intern has uplifted our vision of moving from 'Good to Great,'" she said. "In just 30 days on the job, Antoine was impactful in securing corporate partnerships along with sponsors for the golf tournament."
Prather said he thinks of the LC Athletics group like his family.
"I am thankful to be around a close-knit athletic department, from the administrators, coaches, sports medicine staff and student-athletes," he said. "I value each one of the relationships I have with them."
