The Betty van der Smissen Leadership Award is presented to an individual who is recognized for leadership and vision in the study of legal aspects of sport and physical activity. The 2025 winner is Dr. Natasha Brison.
Natasha T. Brison, JD, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina. In 2009, Dr. Brison co-founded Athletic Marketing & Management, a sports marketing firm based in Atlanta, GA, whose clients included NFL and NBA players, as well as U.S. Olympians. Her practical experience was the impetus for her research interests in athlete brand management and the legal aspects of sport marketing. Dr. Brison has written over 50 research articles, along with eight book chapters, and has given over 100 presentations at national and international conferences. In acknowledgement of her dedication to academia, in 2017, Dr. Brison received the Sport and Recreation Law Association (SRLA) Lori K. Miller Young Professional award and the Texas A&M University Center for Teaching Excellence Montague Scholar award. In 2020, the Texas A&M University Department of Health and Kinesiology as the Sport Management Teacher of the Year selected her, and in 2022, she was inducted into the 2022 SRLA Research Fellow class. Dr. Brison is the current President of the Sport and Recreation Law Association (SRLA) but also has served on the Board as President-Elect and the Marketing Member-at-Large. In addition to her service to SRLA, Dr. Brison is the Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Legal Aspects of Sport, the organization’s flagship journal.
The Herb Appenzeller Sport and Recreation Law Association Honor Award is presented to an individual who has given outstanding service to the Association. The 2025 winner is Dr. Colleen McGlone.
Dr. McGlone has been a member of SRLA since 2004. In these past 21 years, Colleen has played pivotal roles in advancing the mission and goals of the Sport and Recreation Law Association through her extensive involvement. She has sought out and accepted countless opportunities to serve our great association, including:
- Serving as President (2012-2013), where she provided vital leadership during an important period for the Association and its conference.
- Acting as Finance Officer (2006-2008), ensuring financial stability.
- Co-chairing the Teaching Resources Committee (2007-2011), where she contributed to the development of educational resources and pedagogical tools for members.
- Contributing as a Marketing Committee Member (2006-2009), aiding in the association’s sponsorship efforts.
- Participating in the Conference Planning Committee (2005-2008), shaping impactful events that foster collaboration and pedagogy.
- Providing her expertise as an Abstract Reviewer (2006-Present), upholding the high academic and professional standards of the Association.
As she currently serves as the founding Dean of the Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance at Coastal Carolina, the nature of her service has shifted to coincide with her changing role. She remains active in SRLA, including as an active member of the Past-President’s Group, helping to enshrine the Association’s institutional knowledge. This year, Dr. McGlone was able to utilize the resources of her office to formalize a partnership between Coastal Carolina and SRLA to host the conference and ensure that members enjoy the experience of SRLA and Myrtle Beach to the fullest.
The Lori K. Miller Sport and Recreation Law Association Young Professional Award recognizes a young professional who demonstrates commitment to the study and instruction of the legal aspects of sport and recreation; service to the field and SRLA; as well as the potential for future growth and excellence in those same areas. The 2025 winner is Dr.Natalie Bird
Dr. Natalie Bird has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the advancement of understanding sport and recreation law through her teaching and research endeavors, and continued service to SRLA. As an Assistant Professor at Pittsburg State University, Natalie excels in teaching and inspiring sport law and risk management students. Her passion for this work extends from her time as an Assistant Professor at Emporia State University, and her 12+ years of experience across the golf industry.
In sport law research, Natalie has made considerable contributions that are enhancing the sport and recreation law body of knowledge. Natalie finds time to explore her scholarly efforts despite her considerable teaching responsibilities. These efforts stem from her dissertation research on buffer zones and negligence cases in recreational golf, which she has shared as her research developed at SRLA conferences and in published scholarship outlets like the Journal of Legal Aspects of Sport and the Journal of Applied Sport Management.
Natalie also leverages her golf playing and coaching experiences and her legal expertise to provide independent strategic consulting services in multiple outlets across the sport and recreation sector. Natalie’s work informs sport organizations like parks and recreation organizations, golf course and cart firms, and municipalities on best practice planning, strategic management, facility safety, and policy development.
The Bernard Patrick Maloy Graduate Student Research Award is given annually to the graduate student who submits the best research paper to the Honors and Awards Committee. Award winners are encouraged to work towards future publication in Journal of Legal Aspects of Sport. The 2025 award winner is Michael DiLiello from UNC, faculty advisor Barbara Osborne.
Michael DiLiello is a third year dual-degree Law and Masters in Sports Administration student at the University of North Carolina. Michael graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and competed as a varsity athlete on the school’s wrestling team. He commissioned into the United States Army in 2014 as an Artillery Officer and served on active duty for 7.5 years, including a combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2019-2020. His career highlights include receiving the Bronze Star Medal and graduating the Army’s Ranger, Airborne, and Air Assault Courses. Michael has accepted an offer to work in the Labor and Employment Practice Group of the Maynard Nexsen law firm upon his successful graduation in 2026.
The SRLA Research Fellow designation recognizes scholars by honoring their achievements in legal aspects of sport and recreation-related scholarship. None were awarded for 2025.