Tianna Crockett’s Importance Extends Beyond Athletics

Oswego, N.Y. – When Tianna Crockett began working as an athletic counselor at SUNY Oswego in October 2024, her role was just being established.

Crockett had just received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bluefield University earlier that year. Fast forward two years, and her job at the institution has become so much more than that.

Crockett now works with all students through the mental health services offered at Mary Walker Health Center on campus. Being a woman of color and the only black counselor on the full-time staff at the college, this change has allowed her to better advocate for and help students who look like her. This is a responsibility that Crockett has welcomed with open arms.

“Being the only counselor of color, I take on that role, even if it’s not my title. Students of color like to see a professional in higher education they can talk to and relate to that looks like them.”

Crockett explains that her approach through counseling is relational cultural theory, which allows her to be vulnerable while sharing her knowledge and experiences- this resonates closely with students who may have similar experiences and allows her and her client to understand each other better.

Crockett fully understands the experience of growing up in a racial minority. From Wytheville, Virginia, she remembers being one of only three people of color on her high school basketball team. The struggle of knowing that there were not many people to turn to in times of need, who could truly help and understand, is what motivates Tianna to ensure others don’t have to go through what she did.

“… Not really feeling like I had someone to talk to about these things. A lot of us go through that as we continue our education… being in certain settings that may not be as welcoming or comfortable to express how you feel, or make you feel confident to be in that room.”

Tianna values the fact that being the only one in her position means that she can make a difference in the lives of those who are not registered with counseling services either.

“I’ve also learned that as I got into this position, you automatically get the job of people wanting to see you. Students just want to talk to you because you may be one of the few on campus who is a person of color. It’s not just about mental health, but stepping into that knowing this is something I can fulfill as far as being someone that a student can talk to about certain things.”

Her work does not go unnoticed.

“I think Tianna makes really great connections with students. She sees a lot of student athletes, but she also sees students who aren’t… she balances a lot and is really dedicated to meeting those students’ needs,” says Jake Hedges, Crockett’s supervisor and a Senior Counselor at Mary Walker Health Center.

“I think she cares a great deal about the people she works with.”

Hedges understands the challenges that the health center faces- he says ideally, the professionals would match the student body in diversity, but he knows there are limitations there.

As the mental health team grows and makes changes, one thing will remain constant- they have a compassionate, unwavering rock in Tianna Crockett.