Posted on Friday, November 01, 2024
Senior Parker Lovett puts his best foot forward in everything he does, whether that is playing basketball, working at professional athletic events with the Sports Management Club or developing content for his business. And when he reaches an obstacle, he tries to see it as a learning opportunity.
“There have been numerous experiences that have been difficult for me that I knew I had to persevere through,” he said. “I have always believed that not only in sports but in life as well, being comfortable being uncomfortable is the ultimate path to success. Putting yourself in tough situations that seem scary will teach you more than anything else.”
Originally from Florence, Alabama, Lovett hit the ground running when he arrived at LaGrange College, where he became involved not only in Basketball, but also campus organizations, including Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Panther Activities Committee, LC Miracle and Sports Management Club. He also served as an assistant coach for the Women’s Basketball team.
“I have learned to always try new things and get involved,” he said. “Joining clubs and venturing out was very new to me coming into college. I have met so many people at LC who are not my teammates or classmates just because I was proactive in meeting people.”
Currently, Lovett is the director of creative content for LC Athletics and president of the Sports Management Club.
He expressed his appreciation to his club advisor Dr. Clay Bolton, Associate Sports Management Professor.
“He has truly changed my life and does a phenomenal job at getting our students exposure to the sports industry and opportunities that set us apart after graduation,” Lovett said. “In my three years at LC, I have had the opportunity to work events and network with organizations such as the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Auburn Athletics, Georgia Tech Athletics, NASCAR and the Super Bowl.”
Dr. Bolton describes Parker as an exceptional student who has made a name for himself in three years.
“Parker embodies what we want to see in all sports management majors,” Dr. Bolton said. “He has worked over 15 different Division I Basketball Camps, coached a youth basketball team, attended multiple academic conferences and Christian sports conferences, worked the Peach Bowl and participated in the study away internship in England and Scotland last summer. He has already secured offers for graduate assistantships with large and mid-sized Division I schools, and his future is very bright.”
In addition to Dr. Bolton, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Kendal Wallace also has been a valuable mentor to Lovett.
“Coach Wallace gave me the opportunity to play college basketball out of high school and is someone who has had my back since day one,” he said. “I will never be able to put into words the amount of gratitude I have for Coach Wallace. He has taught me lessons that I will carry with me the rest of my life and played a huge role in building me into the man I am currently but also the coach I strive to be one day.”
Lovett, who picked up graphic design at LC, has already started working with some Division I institutions through TwoEleven Creative, a company he co-founded.
“I knew this skill would be beneficial for me both during my time at LC and after in my job search, so I began seeking advice and learning the ins and outs of Adobe Photoshop,” he said. “Former Women’s Basketball Coach Jasen Jonus during my freshman year gave me social media as a responsibility for the team and it has bloomed from there. Now, I have a graphic design company that has allowed me the opportunity to work with over 50+ collegiate/high school athletic programs nationwide including five Division I schools.”
After graduation, Lovett plans to pursue a master's degree and gain experience in the sports industry.
“I hope to continue climbing the ranks of coaching in the college basketball world while also growing my company,” he said.
Scholarship Donor Thank You
Monday, Nov. 4-Thursday, Nov. 7
11 a.m., Caswell Plaza
Understanding Cultural Humility
Tuesday, Nov. 5
11:15 a.m., Bailey Room
Health Fair
Wednesday, Nov. 6
11:30 a.m., Caswell Plaza
National Stress Awareness Day-Effective Ways to Handle Stress
Wednesday, Nov. 6
4:30 p.m., Smith Hall, Room 307
Service and Faith
Thursday, Nov. 7
11:15 a.m., Bailey Room
Registration Party
Thursday, Nov. 7
12:15 p.m., Lewis Library
Football
LC enjoyed a dominant Homecoming win over Greensboro at Callaway Stadium last weekend, to the tune of a 52-16 final. The 4-3 (4-1 CCS) Panthers hit the road on Saturday, Nov. 2, to take on rival Huntingdon as they continue conference play.
Volleyball
The Panthers fell 2-3 to Piedmont and 0-3 to Covenant at their tri-match on Saturday, Oct. 26. The team was dealt a tough loss on the road at Tuskegee in a 3-1 final on Tuesday, Oct. 29. Freshman Julia Damico led the Panthers with a triple-double performance, with 10 kills, 20, assists and 20 digs during the match. They will cap off their season this weekend when they head to Decatur, Georgia, to play Maryville and host Agnes Scott in a conference tri-match.
Men's Soccer
LC suffered a 1-7 loss at Belhaven on Saturday, Oct. 26. The team’s post-season ended on Wednesday, at the hands of Maryville in a heartbreaking 3-1 loss in the quarterfinal round of the CCS Tournament. Senior Sean Carter scored the lone goal for the Panthers, assisted by junior Lucas Duke and sophomore Dylan DePriest.
Senior Robel Teshome and sophomore Nick Griner were named to the CCS All-Conference Second Team.
Junior Tyler Hudson was named to the CCS All-Sportsmanship Team.
Women's Soccer
The Panthers earned an 8-0 Senior Day victory against Agnes Scott on Saturday, Oct. 26. The team is set to compete in the opening round of the CCS Tournament on Friday, Nov. 1, as they travel to Mississippi to face Belhaven. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (Eastern) and will be the biggest test yet for this Panthers team.
Women's Basketball
LC tipped off its season on the road Thursday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m. against Auburn in exhibition play. The contest marked the first game for the Panthers under the leadership of Head Coach Destiny Lane-Frazier.
Men's Basketball
The Panthers will begin their season on the road, traveling to Jacksonville, Alabama, to take on Jacksonville State on Monday, Nov. 4, in exhibition action. Head Coach Kendal Wallace enters his 14th season with the LC Men's Basketball Program, as he looks to continue to cement his legacy with this young and talented group.
Women's Golf
LC wrapped up its first ever fall season this week, competing in the Chick-Fil-A Invitational hosted by Berry College. The Panthers were led by freshmen Cannon Ramsey (42nd), Emma McCoy (48th) and Alexa Fontanez (71st), who each competed amongst 82 other competitors. Head Coach Aaron Feyes and his squad will look to continue the momentum in the spring.
(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)
Friday, Nov. 1 – Women’s Soccer CCS Quarterfinals vs. Belhaven, 7 p.m., Jackson, Mississippi
Saturday, Nov. 2 – Volleyball Tri-Match vs. Agnes Scott and Maryville @Agnes Scott, noon and 2 p.m., Decatur, Georgia
Saturday, Nov. 2 – Football at Huntingdon, 1 p.m., Montgomery, Alabama
Monday, Nov. 4 – Men’s Basketball (Exhibition) at Jacksonville State, 12:30 p.m., Jacksonville, Alabama
Category: Academics, Students
Keywords: Athletics, Entrepreneurship
