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66-Emily Kruger, on white privilege and culture in sports

July 01, 2020 by Kendall Johnson in Podcast

In today’s episode I interview former Portland Thorns goalkeeper and racial justice activist Emily Kruger. 

Emily is someone I really admire because as a pro athlete, she went all in on the social causes that she  was passionate about, even if it wasn’t “popular.” I am constantly learning from Emily about how I can be of better service to the world and educate myself about my privilege. 

Emily attended UC Berkeley, where she first became really aware of her privilege. From there, she unexpectedly joined the Portland Thorns and continued learning and standing up for social issues. 

In today’s episode, Emily talks about: 

  • The backlash she received from teammates and coaches when she proposed linking arms during the national anthem

  • How our unwillingness to be uncomfortable or feel like a “bad” person prevents us from dealing with problems like racism

  • How to expand sports to be more inclusive

  • How her interactions with police officers was very different than black people in the same city

  • Advice for someone to take when they’re first unpacking their white privilege

  • Race being the “great connector” of so many other important issues (LGBTQ, capitalism, climate change)

and more!

Listen on iTunes HERE 

Resources:

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A list of the 11 books that have had the biggest impact on my life as an athlete HERE

 

July 01, 2020 /Kendall Johnson
NWSL, Womens soccer
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Praise

“There isn’t anything Kendall does without pouring everything she has to offer into it. She cares enough to not be scared to say what you might not always want to hear. She’s already been a great mentor. She is someone I admire so much. She doesn’t make excuses and will achieve what she is after.”
— Allie Long, USWNT World Cup Champion
“Few people have positively impacted me on or off the field as much as Kendall. She has a unique ability to help elevate all of the lives she comes in contact with. Through her own pursuits, triumphs, and trials, she has accumulated a wealth of different approaches to professional and personal growth. It is impossible to spend time with her and not walk away as a better version of yourself.”
— Michelle Betos, NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year
“In the world of professional athletes, you are surrounded by self-motivated people who are all working to a varying degree of “obsessive” to push themselves as hard and far as they can physically, mentally, and psychologically go. This doesn’t even begin to describe Kendall’s approach to all aspects of life. She lets nothing slip through the cracks and has a natural ability to put her passion to practice. Anyone who sits down in a conversation with Kendall will leave smarter, challenged, and with their perspective on life considerably altered.”
— Emily Menges, NWSL Champion
“I met Kendall at a challenging time in my life, and from the start, I felt comfortable sharing those challenges with her. After I first opened up to her about it, it was easy from then on out because she always helped me see my feelings are valid; my experiences and my story are my own, and I can make them to be what I want. She helped me find the beauty in times of struggle and she somehow managed to respond to my life hurdles, and her own, with an open mind and a good laugh. She has helped me to believe life works for us, not against us, and my life has become better for that. She is an amazing teacher.”
— EJ Proctor, Duke goalkeeper

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