TTalk with Mashandra Hall

Imagine growing up with a life filled with ballet, gymnastics, and piano lessons, only to discover your true calling is the competitive world of track and basketball. That's the story of Mashandra Hall a dynamic Tulane Hall of Famer, who joins us to share her incredible journey from Memphis to collegiate sports stardom.

She tackles the contentious issue of youth sports specialization, leveraging both personal anecdotes and professional insights to weigh the pros and cons. Join us for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of following one's dreams, the impact of educators, the legacy of strict fun, and the lasting power of kindness.

(00:00) Meshandra Hall Introduction

(05:20) Youth Sports Specialization

(20:05) Transition to College Athletics Experience"

(31:52) Navigating Freshman Year in College Sports

(41:06) Track vs. Basketball

(49:52) Athlete's Struggle With Transition and Injury

(54:59) Former Athlete Reflects on Coaching Track

(58:40) Career Transition and Academic Success

(01:03:18) Life Reflections and Memorable Moments

(01:14:01) Inspiring Young People Through Kindness

Hall, was a two-sport athlete for the Green Wave from 1989-1994, and later served as a track & field assistant coach. As a standout on the Tulane women's track and field team, Hall was a two-time Metro Conference Track & Field Most Valuable Player in 1993 and 1994, the Tulane Female Athlete of the Year in 1993 and 1994 and ranked No. 7 in the nation among United States women in the long jump.

She holds the Tulane record in the long jump, ranks fourth all time in the 400-meter dash and was the Green Wave's three-time MVP of running and field events (1992, 1993 and 1994). When she wasn't performing on the track, Hall was a defensive standout for the TU women's basketball team from 1989-91. She was voted defensive MVP in 1989-90 and played her final hoops season in 1990-91.

In the classroom, she received the Sophie B. Newcomb Academic Award in 1993, served on the African-American Congress of Tulane from 1989-94, was a Tulane Student-Athlete Advisory Board member from 1991-93 and was a member of Tulane's 3.0/4.0 GPA Club in 1993 and 1994.