A Path of Giving Back

By Dr. Germaine Edwards

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

— Arthur Ashe

A recurring theme for you, Dr. Alpha Alexander is the importance of giving back. This sentiment is evident in the selection of your favorite quote from Tennis Legend Arthur Ashe. Why did you choose this quote?

I picked this quote because Arthur Ashe was a friend of mine. I knew him personally. He was one of the most brilliant athletes on the planet. He really gave what he had back. I model my life after him. He was intellectual, smart, very good sense of humor and really gave back to the community. He was active in the elimination of apartheid in South Africa and active in the civil rights movement. We had an inside joke: I’m double A. He’s double A.

How did you get involved in the BWSF?

I’m a co-founder of BWSF. I was a graduate student at Temple (University). I had a chance (to visit Temple) before I came to Temple (as a graduate student). I was invited to give a presentation at the Black Women Sport Conference. I did the event and met Tina (Sloan Green), Nikki (Franke) and Linda Green.

Although you have always involved in sports, at the time of meeting Green, Franke and Green, you still felt you hadn’t found your purpose. How did your involvement in BWSF fit your career path?

Do you know how you didn’t know exactly what you're supposed to do (in life)? I saw the lack of women of color in sports and the niche bothered me. We came together and formalized the (BWSF) organization.

Dr. Alexander, left, pictured with the Morristown Task Force on Diversity. Image Source

Have your education and career choices always aligned with your purpose?

In my research, I analyzed the AIAW national governing body data on African American women on a collegiate level and also had other races involved in that. I’ve mirrored, throughout my career, getting more women of color into sports. I think that this was what I was supposed to do. There’s still a lot to be done.

Of your pioneering, career-long involvement in sports, what is your favorite sports moment?

My favorite sports moment was attending my 1st Olympic Games in Barcelona Spain.

I headed the youth delegation for the USA Olympic committee. It was quite an experience. Attending the Olympic games--opening ceremony--there’s nothing like it!

I also headed the USA Youth Camp Delegation when the Olympics were in Atlanta (the year of the Olympic bombing). The bombing was not near where we were staying. The youth were safe. I had youth from everywhere in my care. I was supposed to meet Peter Westbrook and his wife to see James Brown. Needless to say, I never made it. I immediately found out what happened and started contacting parents across the nation and at a German Army base. I stayed up all night talking to parents.

Why is the BWSF important right now?

In this day and time African American girls and women need the skills that you learn by participating in sports. The playing fields in sports are still uneven.

Part of the mission of BWSF is to introduce girls to role models. Who is an influential black woman mentor or role model for you, and how have they influenced your life?

Alpha Omega Alexander. She is my mother. My mom was my influence. She was Big Alpha. I was Little Alpha. My dad wanted me to be a medical doctor. I became a physical education teacher. My mom supported it as long as I did the best I could do. Mom was my ‘mother.’ I told my dad, I’m a doctor now. Not the kind you wanted. [an inside family joke].

Why did you choose the College of Wooster?

I didn’t choose! My dad paid my college bill. Mom helped me sneak an application (to another college). I wanted to go to Tennessee State. Kids in Dayton went to Wooster. Wooster did a big recruitment of Black students. (At the time), I wasn’t happy to go to this college but Wooster College basketball team was (doing well). In high school, I didn’t play sports. I played the clarinet in the marching band. When I got (to college), I was excited for a chance to play women’s basketball. They had 13 sports for women.

I was a nerd. I thought I needed to study, so I didn’t play volleyball freshman year. Later on, I played basketball then tennis, volleyball, and lacrosse. It turns out, my dad knew best. At Wooster I received leadership from coaches--outstanding women in sport. It worked out great for me. Academically tough, Wooster was the Harvard of the Midwest. My second year, the volleyball team--we went clear to nationals. The joke was on me.

You’ve known the co-founders of BWSF for decades. What is your favorite memory with Tina and Nikki?

After I came to Temple University, I basically named Tina Grandma and Nikki Mom. It’s a standing joke among the three of us. Although Tina was young, she was like a Grandma to me and Nikki was Mom to me. They were two strong role models and mentors. I viewed them as role models.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career?

A couple of things...the award I received from Women’s Sport Foundation--the Billie Jean King Award because of what Billie Jean King stood for, her giving back, and things she’s been through in her lifetime.

I was also really proud to receive the (2013 AAHPERD) National Association of Girls and Women and Sport honor award because of who received it before me—Michelle Obama and Pat Head Summit.

As an avid sports fan and sports advocate, how has COVID-19 impacted you?

The coronavirus has stopped sports. There’s a big void in my life. Sports have been a part of my life. In general, sports (build) mental, wellness, and physical health. I was recently interviewed by (Citizen Tribune Over 50) a local magazine, as a sport ‘super fan.’ I was looking forward to watching March Madness and the 2020 Olympic Games.

Profiles in Board Leadership: Dr. Alpha Alexander

A Path of Giving Back