Dr. Brandy Runyan is a PhD in Sport Leadership and a professor at East Texas A&M University-Commerce, where she oversees the undergraduate Sport & Recreation Management program and directs multiple research initiatives focused on athlete mental health, leadership development, and performance resilience. With over two decades of experience in athlete representation and sport public relations as CEO of Black Diamond Sport & Entertainment Group, LLC, Dr. Runyan uniquely bridges academic research with lived industry expertise.

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Her primary research explores the psychological landscape of athletes competing beyond traditional opportunity windows—notably her dissertation “What Motivates Undrafted Football Players to Pursue NFL Careers Five or More Years Beyond Their Draft Class?” She further leads nationally recognized studies using self-assessments she personally developed: The Iceberg Assessment, Control Assessment, and Character Development Frameworks, all which are designed to uncover the hidden mental, emotional, and social burdens that athletes carry beneath the surface of performance.

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Dr. Runyan is the author of multiple books, guides, and journals for football players and high-performance individuals, including Diamond in the Rough: The Free Agent’s Guide to Being Lost and Getting Found , When to Hang Up the Cleats, and more.

 

She also dabbles in other writing genres, as evidenced by her upcoming book: Dead to Me – A Christian’s Guide to Toxic Family, Biblical Boundaries, and Sacred Peace. Her written work spans athlete development, resilience coaching, leadership psychology, and faith-based healing.

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A sought-after public speaker, Dr. Runyan delivers workshops, team symposiums, and keynote messages on topics such as:

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• Developing Football Character

• Mental Resilience in High-Stakes Competition

• Leadership Under Pressure

• Athlete Identity, Transition & Purpose Beyond the Game

• Women Leading in Male-Dominated Sports Spaces

• Faith, Boundaries & Personal Peace in High-Performance Environments

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Whether in boardrooms, locker rooms, classrooms, or church halls, Dr. Runyan speaks with equal parts candor, compassion, and conviction—equipping individuals and organizations to lead with clarity, protect their peace, and perform with purpose.

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Available for:
✔ Keynote Speaking • ✔ Athlete & Coach Workshops • ✔ Leadership & Character Development Clinics • ✔ Women in Sport & Faith-Based Events