Brehanna Daniels and Nicole Lynn make sports ‘shestory’

Brehanna Daniels, NASCAR pit crew member. Photo courtesy: Today.com

Brehanna Daniels and Nicole Lynn have received national attention for making history as Black women in the sports industry.  

Daniels is the first-ever African American woman to work as a NASCAR pit crew member. Who would have thought of this type of history ever being made? Apparently, not Daniels, as People’s magazine states. 

Daniels was introduced to NASCAR in her senior year at Norfolk State University for a program called “Drive for Diversity.” This program strives to recruit and train minority women racecar drivers and pit crew members.

As the only woman out of a couple of men trying out, she was later asked to join the NASCAR pit crew member program. In 2019, Daniels made history as the first Black woman to tire change in one of the most famous NASCAR races, the Daytona 500. 

However, her victories did not stop there. In 2020, Daniels received the crew member award at the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards. She also mentors and coaches upcoming athletes interested in a career with the National Pit Crew Combine organization. According to ABC News, “Daniels would make history again as part of the first female duo in a NASCAR pit crew.” 

Nicole Lynn, Sports Agent of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, makes history as the first African American woman agent to represent a quarterback in the Super Bowl. 

Lynn impressed Hurts by boldly sliding in his ‘DM’ via Instagram. She was determined to represent the quarterback and took a leap of faith. 

According to Essence, her “determination has led Lynn to make history in a sector made and run by men, white men specifically.” 

Making history is not new to Lynn, as she is the youngest ever sports agent to sign an athlete at 26 years old. 

According to her portfolio site, Lynn faced challenges when she was young but had bigger dreams.

“The adversity I experienced as a child definitely shaped my mindset as an adult,” Lynn said. “I knew that I wanted to escape that life, and I had to work hard to do it. So I have always done just that. I owe every bit of success I’ve achieved to my extremely dedicated work ethic and my unwavering faith in God.”

So what does this mean for African American women in sports? Tyler Brown, a FAMU track athlete, is happy to see the women making sports history.

“As a female student-athlete, it is really inspiring to see women reach such high achievements and pave the way for other women in sports,” said Brow. “I really hope we continue to dominate this atmosphere and change the culture in the sports world.”

These two women’s accomplishments are more than just numbers and statistics. Daniels and Lynn serve as a stepping stool for Black women in sports. 

History is made and will stay forever as two of the most aspiring women in sports, and their legacy will continue.