鈥淪ports is a male-dominated industry, and one without many women of color in leadership,鈥� Morton said.

Recognized for her aspiration to change the sports industry, Morton has received the Savannah Walker Award for Social Justice. The award recognizes a graduating senior from CEHD鈥檚 Department of Health and Sport Sciences who has demonstrated a commitment to social justice, equity and inclusion.

鈥淚 wanted to become an advocate for Black girls, so they could know this is possible for them, too鈥� said Morton, who has combined her sports affinity with a passion for mentoring and representation through the CEHD鈥檚 Sport Administration program.

Morton is a Woodford R. Porter Scholar, J. Blaine Hudson Scholar, Dean鈥檚 List Scholar,聽 member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honor Society member. She graduates May 14 with Summa cum Laude honors.

She has also volunteered with the TRIO Upward Bound Secondary School Outreach Program, the Cardinal Cupboard, the Louisville Men鈥檚 Soccer team and as a tutor for participating Jefferson County Public Schools.

Matched with a mentor as part of the Porter Scholar Program during her freshman year, Morton realized she could give back to other students through a mentoring relationship. She became involved in the Caring of New Students Experiencing College Transition (CONECT) Peer Mentorship program, which seeks to help minority students feel welcomed and supported.

鈥淚鈥檝e been blessed with support at UofL, so I wanted to give back 鈥� it鈥檚 been a great journey.鈥� Morton said. 鈥淚 want to be someone who shows other people that, once you put the work in, you can do it. You鈥檒l excel in it.鈥�

Morton currently works as an intern for the Louisville Sports Commission, with hopes of continuing with the organization following graduation. She plans to pursue a master鈥檚 degree or graduate certificate in the future.

Below, Felton provides answers to the most-asked questions about sport physicals:

What is a sports physical?

A sports physical is a comprehensive history and physical exam. In Kentucky, the sports physical form comes from the . In Indiana, the form can be obtained from the . Information about Catholic school athletics is available from the . All leagures require that the form is signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, physician鈥檚 assistant or chiropractor (within scope of practice).

Who needs a sports physical?

In both Kentucky and Indiana, any middle school or high school student who plans to participate in a sport under the athletic association for that state will need a sports physical. You can always get a sports physical. It is better to have one and not have to use it than to miss out on playing.

How often do I have to get a sports physical?

A sports physical form is good for one calendar year. If you have your sports physical done in the spring semester, then it will still be good in the fall of the next school year.

I had a school physical; is that the same thing?

No. In Louisville, the Jefferson County Public Schools鈥� physical form is different from the sports physical form. If you need a sports form, then you must ask for it specifically.

When should I have my sports physical?

You should give yourself plenty of time before your physical is due. The doctor鈥檚 office gets busy as everyone is getting ready to go back to school, so make your appointment early. Most people don鈥檛 think about it at the end of the school year or early summer, but this is a great time to beat the rush. Also, if your doctor finds an abnormality in the physical, then you may need additional work-up before you are cleared to play sports, so you want to give yourself plenty of time.

Is there anything I can do to be ready for my sports physical?

The Kentucky sports physical form is long and has approximately 60 questions to answer before you see your doctor. You can download your form from the KHSAA website prior to your appointment and have it already filled out. The forms for other leagues are similarly lengthy. If you don鈥檛 have a form, ask for it as soon as you get to your doctor鈥檚 office. You can fill out the form in the waiting room and it will save you some time once see the doctor.

Where can I find out more information about sports physicals?

Contact UofL Pediatrics at 502-588-0700聽 or visit the websites of the , , or the .