ESPN writer Kate Fagan to speak about experiences as an athlete coming out

ESPN columnist, panelist and now bestselling author Kate Fagan will recount her experience coming out as gay among devout Christians on her college basketball team at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, in Sheldon Hall Ballroom as a part of SUNY Oswego's I Am Oz Diversity Speaker Series.

In her memoir, "The Reappearing Act: Coming Out on a College Team Led by Born Again Christians," Fagan reveals how she lost motivation to play basketball at the University of Colorado and how close she was to walking away from her full scholarship. Self-acceptance, embracing one's inner truth, family dynamics and the role of religion, specifically Christianity, are among the book's themes.

Fagan's memoir is "a treasure, a must-read for people inside and outside the sports world," wrote Dave Zirin, sports editor for The Nation. "I bet it will also make a difference in the lives of a lot of young people coming to grips with the act of growing up."

Fagan, a columnist and feature writer for espnW, ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine, is a panelist on ESPN's "Around the Horn" and can also be seen on "Outside the Lines." Previously, she spent three seasons covering the NBA's 76ers for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The author will offer a question-and-answer session after her talk, and will sign copies of her latest book, the bestselling "What Made Maddy Run: The Secret Struggles and Tragic Death of an All-American Teen."

The college's Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management sponsors I Am Oz. The Diversity Speaker Series is one of the initiatives from the college's Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Past I Am Oz topics have included race, gender sexuality, police brutality and other issues of social justice. Receiving recognition from SUNY for Outstanding Programming, the I Am Oz campaign -- the speaker series, posters and events celebrating federal heritage months, and more -- is about inclusivity and celebrating everyone on campus equally.

Fagan's presentation is free and open to the public. Parking at SUNY Oswego requires a permit. Those without a current campus parking sticker should visit oswego.edu/parking for information on obtaining a one-day permit.