Dear Parents and Supporters,
We are a unified group of parents coming together with one shared purpose: to align with Athletes.org’s mission to impact athletes so they can impact the world. Our goal is to protect and maximize our children’s collegiate athletic experience and to support families who may not fully understand today’s rapidly changing landscape.
By forming the AO Parents Advisory Group, we are creating a community that provides education, support, and guidance while serving as a strong, informed voice for college athletes. We are not victims of a complex system; we are advocates who understand the issues and are committed to ensuring that no child or parent is left without clarity or protection.
Together, we stand ready to champion athletes and families, and to help shape a college sports environment where our children can thrive.
So what is the AO Parents Advisory Group?
The Parent Advisory Group exists to support and advance the mission of Athletes.org, impacting athletes to impact the world, by engaging parents as partners and advocates in protecting and maximizing their children’s collegiate athletic journey and beyond.
We envision a collegiate athletics community where athletes and their families are equipped with knowledge, strengthened by support and united by advocacy. Our aim is simple: make sure our kids can succeed in competition, in the classroom and in life beyond sports.
We are represented by many, but our leadership is through exceptional parents to help us, our Parents Advisory Group Executive Committee. These incredible parent leaders are:
- Amber Mathurin – Women’s Basketball
- Jillian Blackwell – Men’s Basketball
- Dave Van Dorselaer – Football
- Russell Maryland – Football
- Autumn Seldon – Community Leader
Our Commitment:
- Being a voice: Serve as a collective voice for parents while amplifying the voices of athletes within Athletes.org
- Advisory & advocacy: Provide insight, guidance and advocacy that strengthens the athlete experience and promotes fair and equitable opportunities
- Education: Equip parents with resources and knowledge to understand the collegiate landscape, including athlete rights, well‑being and opportunities
- Community support: Build a supportive network to share experiences, exchange best practices and navigate the challenges of collegiate athletics together
Parents of college athletes can, and will, stand together to advocate for our children and help shape a better path forward. If you’re a parent who understands the challenges and opportunities within today’s college sports landscape, we invite you to join us. Add your voice, share your perspective, and be part of a community committed to education, support, and constructive change.
Join the AO Parents Group with Athletes.org as we work to elevate and protect the collegiate athletic experience—for our children and for families everywhere. You can join with a few clicks at Athletes.org/parents.
Together, we can ensure that every athlete has the clarity, support, and opportunity they deserve.
With resolve,
Parents Advisory Group
Athletes.org
What the Parents Advisory Group Executive Committee Has to Say:
“College sports shouldn’t feel like a maze that families have to navigate alone. We realize the game will change, the rules will change, but our responsibility as parents never does. Partnering with Athletes.org through the AO Parents Group allows us to protect our children now, while laying a stronger, fairer foundation for the next generation of athletes.”
-Jillian Blackwell, mother of John Blackwell, Wisconsin Men’s Basketball
“I’ve moved through the sports space from many angles, but nothing has been more challenging than walking it as a parent. Being part of Athletes.org gives us a unified opportunity to make the path clearer and safer for all families. It’s a real chance to turn our experience into advocacy.”
-Amber Mathurin, mother of McKenzie Mathurin, Michigan Women’s Basketball
“As a ten-year NFL professional athlete, I realized early in my career the importance of having an association whose sole purpose was fighting for the rights of its players. Athletes.org is that fighter for our college athletes who sacrifice so much daily for America’s entertainment.”
-Russell Maryland, father to RJ Maryland, SMU Football
“Parents are powerful advocates, and through Athletes.org, we’re standing up to protect the rights, voices, and futures of every athlete—on and off the field.”
-Dave Van Dorselaer, father to Jack Van Dorselaer, Tennessee Football
“Athletes.org has been championing the waters of the collegiate sports landscape to give athletes a voice. Athletes are the business. There is no business in college sports without the athlete. I firmly believe that Athletes.org has a genuine desire, and has built the framework to achieve empowered athlete rights.”
-Autumn Seldon, mother to Myles “Ghost” Rowser, Arizona State Football
