Intro by King Musa
"Yo, what’s good, CheatSheet fam? Welcome back to the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I’m your host, King Musa, and today we’re diving into the world of athletics—where mentorship and academic success are the ultimate goals.
Joining us today is an inspiring guest who’s helping student-athletes balance sports and studies. Meet Demontez Coleman, Athletic Academic Advisor at Stephen F. Austin State University. Let’s get into his journey and learn how he’s guiding students toward success!"
Sports Beginnings
KM: "Tez, welcome to the CheatSheet! Before we jump in, I’ve got to know—what’s your sports background?"
Demontez Coleman: "Thanks for having me! I grew up playing football and basketball—started around age six and played all the way through high school. I was lucky enough to play football on scholarship at Kentucky Christian University, where I spent four years on the field."
Getting to Know Tez
KM: "Now, introduce yourself and tell us about your role at SFA."
Tez: "I’m Demontez Coleman, but most people call me Tez. At SFA, I’m the Athletic Academic Advisor for men’s and women’s basketball and bowling. My job is to ensure these student-athletes are on top of their academics—study halls, scheduling, tutoring, meeting teachers, you name it. The goal is simple: keep them on track to succeed in both school and sports."
Background and Family Influence
KM: "Where are you from, and how did your family influence your journey?"
Tez: "I’m from Dixon, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. My mom worked as a manager, and my dad was a truck driver. Neither of them went to college, but they emphasized education, especially my dad, who always reminded me, 'Sports won’t last forever.' That stuck with me and pushed me to earn my degree."
The Road to Advising
KM: "How did you find your way into advising?"
Tez: "It wasn’t part of the plan! After graduating with a business administration degree, I was a bit lost. I landed a job as an academic advisor at a small junior college in Iowa. That’s where I discovered my passion for mentoring student-athletes. Eventually, I made my way to SFA—it’s been a dream to live and work in Texas."
Advising Philosophy
KM: "What’s your vision for advising, and how do you approach your role?"
Tez: "I see myself as a big brother to these students. Beyond academics, I check in on their mental health, offer life advice, and make sure they know someone cares. I tell them the truth—even if it’s hard to hear—because my goal is to set them up for success in life, not just sports."
Challenges in Advising
KM: "What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?"
Tez: "Every student’s situation is different. Some days I’m juggling schedules, ordering books, and helping students with classwork. Other days, I’m managing eligibility requirements, certifications, or resolving issues like dropped classes. It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work, but seeing the students succeed makes it all worth it."
Advice for Students
KM: "What advice would you give students trying to balance school, sports, and life?"
Tez: "Get help early and learn to advocate for yourself. Take time to understand your schedule, your classes, and why they matter. A little effort in understanding the system can make a huge difference."
Outro by King Musa
"Tez, thanks for dropping gems and giving us a glimpse into the world of athletic advising. Your dedication to these students is inspiring.
To our listeners: Remember, success is about more than just winning. Stay tuned for more episodes of The CheatSheet, where we help you level up. It’s your host, King Musa, signing off. Stay blessed, stay grinding, and keep winning!"
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