The Binghamton Athletic Department's Student-Athletes of Color for Success (SACS) was formed in 2020. Now in its fifth full-year, SACS is reaching out to alumni to share their experiences as a student-athlete and person of color both during their years at Binghamton and in the years since graduation.

For the month of October, SACS reached out to 2020 alum Kai Moon

Background on Kai Moon - Women's Basketball Guard (2016 -20)

- Named the 2020 America East Women's Basketball Player of the Year

- Led the conference and ranked No. 18 in the nation with 19.6 points per game her senior

year

- Named the America East Player of the Week a program-record five times during the 2019-20 season

- Finished her career with 1,456 career points (which was fifth all-time when she graduated in 2020)

Beyond the Court: Navigating the Balancing Act of Being a Student-Athlete 

Kai Moon has left a lasting legacy on Binghamton's women's basketball team. As one of the most highly accomplished athletes in the program's history, she set a standard both on and off the court. From her freshman year, Kai made an impact, playing and starting in all 31 games and steadily working her way to the top of the conference. Across her 112-game career with 109 starts, she accumulated 1,456 points, ranking fifth in program history. Beyond her athletic talent, her resilience and drive made her a remarkable student-athlete. We sat down with Kai to learn more about her experiences and journey during her four years at Binghamton.
 
**Q:** "Your senior year was an incredible season where you were named America East Player of the Year and led the conference in points per game. Looking back, what was your most memorable moment from that season, and how did you handle the pressure of being a standout player on and off the court?"
 
**A:** "We started the season 9-0 and were one of the last teams in the country undefeated at that point. The last game we won during that streak was a close one on the road. I remember playing Albany—we had never beaten them until my senior year. That was a huge goal of ours and a big moment of pride for me and my teammates. One of my most memorable experiences was during the 2020 season when we made it to the semifinals of the America East championship. That was the last game we played for the season, and it was one of the last games for the whole conference because of COVID-19."
 
**Q:** "What were some sacrifices you made to become as talented as you were during your time as an athlete?"
 
**A:** "I made a lot of sacrifices—most of my summers were spent in gyms and at camps. As I got into high school, I spent even more time traveling and training. Basketball was growing, and I needed to be visible to recruiters. There was a time when my siblings felt like they didn't know me well because I was always away. With summer training and traveling for games, I felt like I was missing out on the social aspects of life. I even spent Christmas at the airport and skipped Thanksgiving because I was always on the move. It wasn't easy, but I had a goal, and that kept me going."
 
**Q:** "Throughout your college career, you balanced rigorous academics and high-level basketball. How did you evolve in your ability to manage this workload, and what advice would you give to current student-athletes trying to find their balance?"
 
**A:** "Coming in as a freshman, it's overwhelming—it's a completely new environment, and it's unavoidable. Being organized and having a support system is vital. I was the only one on the team in the School of Management, so I had to seek out my own resources. My advice to current student-athletes is to make connections with other students and professors. Building those relationships helped me when I missed class or assignments, and it made people understand my schedule. Once you establish that support system, it will help you for the rest of your life."
 
**Q:** "An article from 2021 mentioned you struggling to find a balance between Division I basketball and academics. How did you work through that initial difficulty, and what mindset changes helped you manage the demands of both?"
 
**A:** "There were definitely moments when it felt overwhelming, especially at the beginning. I had to learn to prioritize and make sure I was giving enough time to both areas of my life. The biggest change for me was realizing that balance didn't mean equal time for both—it meant being fully present in whatever I was doing at the time. That mindset helped me manage my schedule and stress levels."
 
Navigating Life as a Person of Color (POC) at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) **
 
Kai Moon was aware from an early age that her race would shape certain aspects of her experience. As a student-athlete of color, she navigated various systems and environments differently. We asked Kai to share her experiences as a person of color at a predominantly white institution and what lessons she learned that could guide future student-athletes.
 
**Q:** "Binghamton is a predominantly white institution (PWI). How did your identity as a student-athlete of color shape your experience, and what support systems or challenges did you encounter during your time there?"
 
**A:** "I went to a PWI in high school, so I didn't experience a huge culture shock coming to Binghamton. But with Trump's election, the conversations happening around us were hard to ignore. Some of my teammates and I wanted to kneel in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, but we weren't supported by the community at the time. It was difficult because it wasn't just about who I was as an athlete; it affected me personally—my family, my friends. It was hard navigating those conversations."
 
**Q:** "If the Student-Athletes of Color for Success club had existed during your time at Binghamton, how do you think it could have impacted your experience, and what advice would you give to student-athletes of color navigating a similar journey today?"
 
**A:** "It's so important to have spaces where we're not the minority. Having that community makes a big difference, even just socially. Other athletes of color can relate to your experiences in a way that others might not. We might come from different backgrounds, but we can still offer support to one another. I think having a space like that would've helped me feel less isolated during my time there."
 
**Q:** "Would you go into situations knowing that you were already different from everyone else, or did you try not to let that affect you?"
 
**A:** "It's impossible not to recognize that you look different from others in the room. I didn't use that to my advantage as much as I could've. I wasn't as confident in myself. My advice is to focus on growth—people will want to help you if they see you're trying to improve."
 
Professional Life
 
Kai Moon's passion for business and marketing heavily influenced her decision to commit to Binghamton, knowing the strength of both the academic programs and athletic opportunities. Today, she excels as an Analyst at Fairway Capital Management. We asked her about the skills she developed as a student-athlete and how they have influenced her professional life.
 
**Q:** "As an Analyst at Fairway Capital Management, how have the skills you developed as a student-athlete—such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience—played a role in your professional life?"
 
**A:** "I think my perspective as a leader in basketball helped me a lot. Building relationships with my teammates and learning how to reach people were key. It wasn't just about basketball; I had to form connections with friends, professors, and the athletic department. Networking and creating relationships are crucial, and that's something I carried into my professional life. Just like in basketball, you have to work together with your team to build each other up."
 
**Q:** "Some people struggle with networking. What advice would you give to those trying to grow their network?"
 
**A:** "I didn't network much in college, and I realized later how important it was. What always helped me was being curious—asking questions and showing genuine interest in people. Curiosity can take you far, and it helps you build authentic relationships."
 
**Q:** "Are there specific moments from your time as a Binghamton basketball player that you reflect on now when navigating challenges in your career?"
 
**A:** "My freshman year was tough. I was playing 40 minutes a game and struggling in school. I was even advised to drop my major. I called my mom for advice, and she told me that I was capable of achieving whatever I set my mind to. That experience taught me to push through hardships and focus on the bigger picture."
 
**Q:** "For people of color entering the professional world, what do you feel is essential for standing out and thriving?"
 
**A:** "In many professional spaces, especially in private equity, diversity is still lacking. Being confident, prepared, and intentional with your actions and work is crucial. People will want to help you if they see you're committed to growth. Always be curious and open to learning."
 
Final Words

We are incredibly grateful to Kai Moon for sharing her story with us. As a trailblazer on the Binghamton women's basketball team and now an Analyst at Fairway Capital Management, Kai's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Her insights into balancing athletics, academics, and professional development provide valuable lessons for current student-athletes navigating their own paths.
 
Through her reflections on the challenges she faced as a person of color and as a student-athlete, Kai emphasizes the importance of building community and trusting in yourself even when the road is tough. Her experience highlights that while the journey may not always be smooth, the rewards of perseverance and confidence are immense.
 
We celebrate Kai's outstanding achievements, both on and off the court, and we wish her continued success in her professional career. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that embracing your uniqueness and stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to opportunities you never imagined.
 
P.S. Kai's recommendation for student-athletes: Always remember that even when you feel out of place, your strengths can help you make your mark. Never be afraid to stand out.