97.9 The Hill’s Deborah Stroman speaks with News Director Brighton McConnell on Friday, May 15, from Charlottesville as she is on the University of Virginia campus for commencement weekend. With UNC having celebrated its own last week, the pair talk about the academic side of the college athlete’s experience and why — despite some athletes now being paid directly for their athletic services — it still matters. Debby also shares her advice for new graduates (and those who interact with new graduates) to remember during this season of change.


Dr. Deborah Stroman — who is a consulting professor for UNC and Virginia, sports businesswoman, former basketball player, and columnist — chats with 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell each week about headlines from the world of sports. Covering both local and national stories, Stroman specializes in connecting the on-field product to the impact of sports on business, culture and society. Listen to their past conversations on ChapelboroSpotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

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