Lavana Shorter, 47, is rewriting her story on her own terms, leading with strength, faith, and the heart of a survivor. As a proud recipient of the FHC Sports Education Scholarship, she is one of three students to benefit from this initiative, which supports students with financial need who maintain a minimum ‘B’ average and engage in community development. A Sound Mind in a Sound Body
At the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, Shorter has completed her associate degree and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in coaching and sports administration, with a minor in sports management. Her restart at G.C. Foster was sparked by her experience as a coach, which exposed her to children with special needs. This experience led her to pursue online certification through Walden University, specializing in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

“Some of my distinct personality traits are that I am outgoing, straightforward, determined… and a philanthropist. When I first enrolled in 1997 – a 19-year-old single mother – I wasn’t settled, mentally, physically or financially,” she shared candidly.

From Surviving to Thriving
Shorter’s journey wasn’t a smooth sprint on a freshly marked track, but a winding path filled with hurdles. Her brother’s suicide during her first-year exams left a lasting impact, but she found solace in her faith and the support of her lecturers. She recalled, “All my lecturers came to me that day. I said, ‘If you crowd me, that will break me.’ I sat my exams and it was after, that I broke down.”
A Champion on and off the Field
Despite the challenges she faced, Shorter persevered and eventually became a successful coach, sports announcer, and high jump technical official. She has witnessed and pushed the evolution of women in sports, lobbying for more females in the field and now seeing a balance in numbers. Mental Health is Central to Her Mission
Mental health is central to Shorter’s mission. Her brother’s suicide left a lasting impact, and she has become a mental health advocate, using her platform to raise awareness and support for those affected. A Call to Action
Shorter believes more must be done to support sports educators and provide resources for mental health. She advocates for investment in the field of sports education and mental health, recognizing the importance of these areas. Advice to Future Scholars
To future FHC scholarship hopefuls, Shorter’s advice is direct. She says, “Don’t second guess it. Apply. You won’t regret it. I used to say that if I didn’t stop back then, I would be a professor now. But I’ve stopped questioning the timing. I am needed in a time like this.”
A Final Message
Shorter’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. She says, “Finish what you start,” because in a race, what matters is that you finish with your head held high.

Lavana Shorter, a 47-year-old mother of two, has taken control of her life and written a new story, one that is filled with strength, faith, and the heart of a survivor. As a recipient of the FHC Sports Education Scholarship, she is making a name for herself in the field of sports education. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, and she continues to inspire others with her story. A mother of two and a mother figure to many, Shorter has seen the impact of sports on her community and has dedicated her life to promoting inclusivity and accessibility. Through her foundation, Firstclass Tutoring, and as an ASD specialist, she is designing inclusive, sport-based interventions to build motor and cognitive skills. Her work is a testament to her passion for sports education and her commitment to making a positive impact in her community. Despite the challenges she faced, Shorter has remained focused on her goals and has continued to push forward, inspiring others to do the same. Her message of perseverance and determination is one that resonates with many, and her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Shorter’s journey is a winding path filled with hurdles, but she has remained committed to her goals and has continued to push forward. She is a true champion, not just on the field, but off the field as well. Her dedication to her craft and her passion for sports education are an inspiration to many, and her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. In conclusion, Lavana Shorter’s journey is a remarkable one, filled with challenges and triumphs. Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and that with perseverance and determination, anything is possible. She is a true champion, and her legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come.