About this episode
In this episode of Scaling the Summit, Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims welcome “Radio Gold” listeners to a special conversation with Hasaan Hawthorne, one of the NAHPL 2026 Summit keynote speakers!Hasaan shares the powerful story behind his “Never Quit” attitude, from refusing to be limited in sport and life to stepping onto the wrestling mat against able-bodied competitors in high school and college. You’ll hear how his drive led to a high school state championship, a collegiate career, and a long list of academic and athletic honors, including being a 3-time Collegiate Academic All-American and a recipient of the National High School Spirit of Sport Award.The conversation also dives into Hasaan’s passion for giving back through coaching from his time as a volunteer wrestling coach at Hastings College in Nebraska to his current role coaching with Warrior Wrestling Club in Alabaster, Alabama. Plus, Hasaan breaks down the work he’s doing at UAB as Program Manager for the Inclusive Well-Being Translational Science Collaborative, and what inclusive well-being truly looks like in action.And of course because it wouldn’t be Scaling the Summit without it, Sandra asks her favorite question about the most influential person in Hasaan’s life, followed by a fun round of rapid-fire questions.Don’t miss this inspiring episode—and make plans to join NAHPL in Orlando, Florida, March 2–5, 2026 for the NAHPL Health and Physical Literacy Summit. Learn more at NAHPL.org.
