Publications+Commentary
As a thought leader in higher education and the sporting world generally, Betsy appreciates the opportunity to connect with others in similar and disparate fields to discuss the massive impact that sports have on our society from all angles including morally, recreationally, educationally, economically and more. In 2024, Betsy is launching two book projects.
The first, More than Medals, is a memoir-esque set of lessons learned on her journey from YMCA swimming to collegiate dominance and Olympic medals in 1984 and 1988. Betsy shares these lessons in an inspirational commentary on the state of youth sports today and how we need to find and keep the joy in amateur sports. Targeting youth sport parents, coaches and athletes, Betsy’s mission as a collegiate athletic director and thought leader in college sports is to hold meaningful conversations on how to refocus our amateur sports culture on development, character and fun.
As of May 20, More Than Medals is available in three formats: paperback, e-reader, and an audio book, which Betsy narrates herself! Please pre-order today and check below for upcoming conversations, readings and signings. Please reach out to arrange an engagement for your organization.
Purchase More Than Medals at betsymitchell.us/buy
Betsy’s next book, Swimming Upstream, is a thought leader set of essays regarding Youth, College and Olympic Sports and the ruinous path we are on. Betsy’s perspective is unique, fresh and unafraid to surface the many things gone wrong in our sporting culture today, despite having achieved and enjoyed participating and winning at every level, in two sports.
Publications:
“More Than Medals,” CG Sports Publishing, Seattle, WA, May 2024
“Creating a Change Culture” Athletic Management, February, 2017
“Athletic Recruiting” Presenting Yourself to Colleges. Greene, Howard. January 2002
“To be fair pay for performance,” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, OH, February 18, 2000
“Amateur means ‘one who loves’,” The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, OH, August 6, 1999
“Olympic Games’ discarded ideals must be restored,” USA Today, Washington, DC, Feb. 1999
“The Olympics’ Lost Glory,” The Wall Street Journal, New York, NY, February 2, 1999
Co-author, Swimming: Character and Excellence, Arche Press, Silver Spring, MD, 1994
January 26, 1999
I am embarrassed. I am shamed. I am an Olympian....
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September 1, 1994
"The purpose of any athletic endeavor is to challenge human limits both on and off the playing field."...
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January 26, 1999
Olympic Leaders Fail the Test (Plain Dealer)
I am embarrassed. I am shamed. I am an Olympian....
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