Ray Anderson (@SunDevilRay23) is Arizona State University’s Vice President for University Athletics and Athletics Director. His prior position (2006-2013) was Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the National Football League. He received both the 2015 Paul J. Tagliabue Award and the John Wooten Lifetime Achievement Award, two of the NFL’s most prestigious honors. His earlier career included practices in law and as a sports agent, capitalizing on his juris doctorate degree from Harvard Law School and his experience lettering in baseball and football at Stanford University, where he earned a political science degree.

Here, Anderson states the importance of continuing and consistent education for coaches, parents, athletes and administrators to ensure the health, safety and well-being of youth. Coach education and certification is especially key to providing a positive, character-building experience for young athletes. Anderson also advocates for everything that will keep youth mindful of the need to perform academically, both for its own sake and as a means of complying with eligibility requirements.