Graduate Kinesiology Student Spotlight: Tidiany Diarra MA '19

Chicago native, Tidiany Diarra MA ‘19, is a current Graduate Kinesiology student and Lasallian Scholar with the Mission and Ministry Center on campus. Upon completing an undergraduate degree in Sports Management from Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., Tidiany became a Lasallian Volunteer and served as a Recreational Coordinator at the Lasalle School in Albany, N.Y. The Lasalle School is a therapeutic residential treatment center that also provides day education, outpatient counseling, and an alternative to detention for adolescent males and their families experiencing trauma, mental illness, and abuse.

“Everything we taught them revolved around safety, responsibility, sustainability, and maintaining positive attitudes. Our goal was to help these young men grow as individuals and hope they have some fun in the process.”

The experiences Tidiany had during his time at Lasalle inspired him to pursue his master’s degree in kinesiology with a sport management emphasis at Saint Mary’s College. “I loved what I read about the Graduate Kinesiology program and seeing the opportunities and positions that alumni had made me more interested. After visiting the campus I knew I really wanted to be a Gael.” In his second semester in the program, Tidiany reflects that “the program so far has challenged me to think outside the box and think of more ideas that can prepare me in my workplace.” 

Through his position with the Mission and Ministry Center, Tidiany helped nine students over winter break visit different government and activist organizations that have ties with the immigrant community in Tijuana, Mexico. Soon after and through his affiliation with Adonal Foyle Enterprises, with whom he is doing an internship, he attended the NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles. While there, he spent the weekend assisting the Basketball Without Borders camp, a NBA and FIBA global basketball development and community outreach program that promotes positive social change in the areas of education, health, and wellness for youth. 

After graduation, Tidiany plans to work with an NBA team, NBA Cares, NBA Academy, or Basketball without Borders.