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ACEs in Athletics: Building Trauma Informed Sports Environments with Crystal Grimsley & Dr. Kemba Noel-London &
Episode 724th November 2025 • The AT Last Podcast • AT LAST
00:00:00 01:08:17

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Public health scholar Dr. Kemba Noel London and Therapist Crystal Grimsley bring their expertise and lived experience to a critical conversation on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their effect on youth athletes. They explain how trauma in childhood can show up in unexpected ways on the field, in the classroom, and in long term health outcomes.

This episode breaks down the science behind ACEs, the role coaches and healthcare providers can play in early intervention, and the community level strategies that can build resilience in young athletes. It is a must listen for anyone who works with youth in sports and wants to understand the connection between emotional health and physical performance.

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Artwork by Jason Eisenberg 

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Music by Willie B the Ichiban Don

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Production / Engineering / Editing / by Gerson Sandoval

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Guests

Crystal

Website: https://www.fablescec.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-grimsley-ma-451b06a0/


Kemba

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kembanl/

X: https://x.com/kcnolo


References

  1. https://www.acesaware.org/learn-about-screening/benefits-of-ace-screening/
  2. Miller GE, Chen E, Parker KJ. Psychological stress in childhood and susceptibility to the chronic diseases of aging: Moving toward a model of behavioral and biological mechanisms. Psychological Bulletin 2011; 137: 959–97.
  3. Liu SR, Kia‐Keating M, Nylund‐Gibson K, Barnett ML. Co‐Occurring Youth Profiles of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Protective Factors: Associations with Health, Resilience, and Racial Disparities. American Journal of Community Psychology 2019; published online Sept 6. DOI:10.1002/ajcp.12387.
  4. Felitti VJ. The Relation Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Health: Turning Gold into Lead. Perm J. 2002 Winter;6(1):44-47. doi: 10.7812/TPP/02.994. PMID: 30313011; PMCID: PMC6220625.
  5. Sarah Loveday, Teresa Hall, Leanne Constable, Kate Paton, Lena Sanci, Sharon Goldfeld, Harriet Hiscock; Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences in Children: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics February 2022; 149 (2): e2021051884. 10.1542/peds.2021-051884
  6. US Preventive Services Task Force, Barry MJ, Nicholson WK, et al. Primary care interventions to prevent child maltreatment: us preventive services task force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2024;331(11):951.
  7.  Kodner C, Wetherton A. Diagnosis and management of physical abuse in children. Am Fam Physician. 2013;88(10):669-675
  8. American Academy of Pediatrics. Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Accessed January 26, 2024. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/child-abuse-and-neglect/prevention-of-child-abuse-and-neglect/
  9. Noel-London K, Ortiz K, BeLue R. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) & youth sports participation: Does a gradient exist? Child Abuse Negl. 2021 Mar;113:104924. doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104924. Epub 2021 Jan 15. PMID: 33461113.


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