Episode 7

ACEs in Athletics: Building Trauma Informed Sports Environments with Crystal Grimsley & Dr. Kemba Noel-London &

Published on: 24th November, 2025

Public health scholar Dr. Kemba Noel London and Therapist Crystal Grimsley bring their expertise and lived experience to a critical conversation on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their effect on youth athletes. They explain how trauma in childhood can show up in unexpected ways on the field, in the classroom, and in long term health outcomes.

This episode breaks down the science behind ACEs, the role coaches and healthcare providers can play in early intervention, and the community level strategies that can build resilience in young athletes. It is a must listen for anyone who works with youth in sports and wants to understand the connection between emotional health and physical performance.

AT L.A.S.T.

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Email: adam.cady@weareatlast.org

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Artwork by Jason Eisenberg 

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Music by Willie B the Ichiban Don

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Production / Engineering / Editing / by Gerson Sandoval

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Guests

Crystal

Website: https://www.fablescec.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-grimsley-ma-451b06a0/


Kemba

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kembanl/

X: https://x.com/kcnolo


References

  1. https://www.acesaware.org/learn-about-screening/benefits-of-ace-screening/
  2. Miller GE, Chen E, Parker KJ. Psychological stress in childhood and susceptibility to the chronic diseases of aging: Moving toward a model of behavioral and biological mechanisms. Psychological Bulletin 2011; 137: 959–97.
  3. Liu SR, Kia‐Keating M, Nylund‐Gibson K, Barnett ML. Co‐Occurring Youth Profiles of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Protective Factors: Associations with Health, Resilience, and Racial Disparities. American Journal of Community Psychology 2019; published online Sept 6. DOI:10.1002/ajcp.12387.
  4. Felitti VJ. The Relation Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Health: Turning Gold into Lead. Perm J. 2002 Winter;6(1):44-47. doi: 10.7812/TPP/02.994. PMID: 30313011; PMCID: PMC6220625.
  5. Sarah Loveday, Teresa Hall, Leanne Constable, Kate Paton, Lena Sanci, Sharon Goldfeld, Harriet Hiscock; Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences in Children: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics February 2022; 149 (2): e2021051884. 10.1542/peds.2021-051884
  6. US Preventive Services Task Force, Barry MJ, Nicholson WK, et al. Primary care interventions to prevent child maltreatment: us preventive services task force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2024;331(11):951.
  7.  Kodner C, Wetherton A. Diagnosis and management of physical abuse in children. Am Fam Physician. 2013;88(10):669-675
  8. American Academy of Pediatrics. Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Accessed January 26, 2024. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/child-abuse-and-neglect/prevention-of-child-abuse-and-neglect/
  9. Noel-London K, Ortiz K, BeLue R. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) & youth sports participation: Does a gradient exist? Child Abuse Negl. 2021 Mar;113:104924. doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104924. Epub 2021 Jan 15. PMID: 33461113.


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About the Podcast

The AT Last Podcast
Sports medicine practitioners recognizing, addressing, and catalyzing change.
Sports medicine practitioners recognizing, addressing, and catalyzing change within their spheres of influence. Hosts Christopher Bates and Adam Cady focus on advancing health equity and DEIA in sports medicine, exploring how issues of race, representation, and systemic barriers shape the care and opportunities available to athletes and healthcare providers. Through candid conversations with leaders, practitioners, and changemakers, the podcast highlights both the challenges and the transformative possibilities of building a more just and inclusive future in sports medicine and beyond.
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About your hosts

Christopher Bates

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Christopher Bates is a proud family man and has passionately worked in sports medicine and human performance for over a decade. He is both a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), as well as a Registered Strength & Conditioning Coach (RSCC). Bates' experiences and paradigms for excellence have led to the creation and establishment of several holistic sports medicine and athletic-performance skill development programs across all levels of athletics including Olympic, University, High School and youth.

Currently, Bates serves as the Sports Medicine Manager and Head Athletic Trainer for USA Water Polo’s Men’s Olympic team. Bates also directs the athletic-performance skill development for the team along with the team's dedicated strength and conditioning coach.

Adam Cady

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Adam C. Cady holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology/Athletic Training from California State University-Fullerton, and a Master of Health Science from Duke University. He is also a graduate of the sports medicine fellowship program at The Steadman Clinic, in Vail, Colorado. He currently works as a Physician Assistant at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, where he specializes in sports medicine.

His current passions/research interests include improving health equity in underserved communities and Functional Medicine.