Simran Kaur Sethi

Dr. Simran Kaur Sethi is an Assistant Professor of Sport Leadership in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky. Her work focuses on equity, inclusion, and systemic challenges faced by international college athletes (ICAs), informed by her experiences as a former ICA and professional tennis player. She examines issues such as athlete migration, U.S. immigration policies, NIL equity, and labor exploitation in collegiate sports.

Dr. Sethi holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, an M.Ed. in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration, and a B.A. in Psychology, all from the University of Oklahoma. Her career includes academic and athlete development roles at Oklahoma Athletics and a D-I tennis career at OU.

Her research bridges sport sociology, management, and labor migration studies. Key themes include career readiness for ICAs, NIL policy inequities, and institutional barriers to inclusion. Her work has been published in journals like International Review for the Sociology of Sport and Journal of Sport Management, and she presents at conferences such as the North American Society for Sport Management.

Dr. Sethi collaborates with the NCAA Office of Inclusion, developing resources like the ICA Handbook and Action Steps for Athletic Departments. Her advocacy extends to legal firms and athletic organizations, shaping federal policies on ICA inclusion. She also trains stakeholders on ICAs’ needs through workshops nationwide.

Funding for her research comes from the NCAA and UNITE RPA. Her media features include The Conversation and Global Sport Matters, amplifying her insights on athlete rights and policy reform.