Latashia Key

Key’s journey in industry has led her back to education, where she is fulfilling her lifelong goal of becoming a university professor. As a professional practice professor, her goal is to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in the sports industry. She is excited to teach and mentor students in this highly competitive field.

Key has had an expansive and exciting career prior to joining LSU. She began as a Division I Track & Field scholar-athlete at Morgan State University (HBCU). After obtaining her master’s degree, she embarked on a career spanning more than 25 years in the sports, fitness, and wellness industry. Her experience includes serving as an Aquatics Director, and for over 35 years, she has taught swimming and water safety classes.

She has dedicated about 10 years each to other roles, including serving as an adjunct instructor at a community college, president of USA Track & Field (USATF) Indiana, and an NFL team services specialist with Reebok and the NFL. Additionally, she has been a track & field meet director (including at the 2012 Paralympic Trials) and the fitness & wellness director of a 70,000-square-foot private club.

When time permits, her research interests include African American women and girls as they relate to recreation, physical activity and sports. She also explores topics such as women in sports and the relationship between African American youth, their communities, and engagement in physical activity, recreation and sport.

Her personal hobbies include competitive running, international travel, outdoor activities, and going to the movies. She also loves teaching group fitness classes such as Pilates, where she is a certified instructor, and she is passionate about helping others live a healthy lifestyle. A fun fact: she enjoys unique art mediums and is a car enthusiast; muscle cars are her favorite.

In her classes, students can expect a “quote of the week,” including one she penned and lives by each day:
“Both opportunities and obstacles exist…which one will you take?”