Meet Our Leadership

Driven by purpose.
Grounded in experience.

Meet the leaders helping athletes turn the lessons, discipline, and resilience built through sports into a strong next season.

SPHeadshot of Shaneka Parker

Shaneka Parker

Treasurer and Interim Secretary

Complete profile available

Read biography ↓
JCHeadshot of Jonathan Cooper

Jonathan Cooper

Board Member

Biography coming soon

TBHeadshot of Ta-Letta Bryant

Ta-Letta Bryant

Board Member

Biography coming soon

Headshot of Rufus H. Wilson Jr.

Rufus H. Wilson Jr.

Founder & Executive Director

Second Season of Life
Owner, SorTek, LLC

Rufus H. Wilson Jr. is a former high school quarterback and four-year college baseball starter who understands firsthand the challenge of building a new identity and purpose beyond sports. Today, he uses his experience in recruiting, workforce development, business ownership, leadership, mentoring, and community engagement to help athletes prepare for what comes next.

What is your role with Second Season of Life?

As Founder and Executive Director, I help guide the organization’s mission, programs, partnerships, board development, and overall strategy. I also oversee the development of our pilot program and work to build relationships with athletes, mentors, schools, community leaders, and supporters.

What is your professional background or area of expertise?

My professional background includes recruiting, workforce development, business ownership, leadership, mentoring, and community engagement. I have experience building teams, developing partnerships, connecting people with career opportunities, and helping individuals recognize their strengths and prepare for their next chapter.

What inspired you to become involved with Second Season?

Second Season is personal to me because I have been an athlete for most of my life. I played baseball and football growing up, served as the quarterback of my high school football team, and helped lead us to the best record in school history during my junior year. I later played college baseball at Barton College, where I started all four years, and continued playing baseball after college. I experienced success at every level, but I also understand how difficult it can be when the game is no longer the center of your life. That experience inspired me to create an organization that helps athletes prepare for what comes next.

Why is supporting athletes during and after their transition from sports important to you?

Athletes dedicate years of their lives to training, competing, and building their identity around sports. When that chapter ends, many are left trying to determine who they are without the uniform, the team, or the competition. I know firsthand how important sports can be to a person’s identity. I want athletes to understand that the end of their playing career is not the end of their purpose. It is the beginning of another season.

What unique experience, skill, or perspective do you bring?

I bring the perspective of a former high school quarterback, a four-year college baseball starter, a business owner, recruiter, mentor, community leader, and father of a student-athlete. I understand the mindset of an athlete, the pressure to succeed, and the challenge of transitioning into life beyond sports. I also bring experience in relationship building, leadership, workforce development, and helping people turn their skills into new opportunities.

What advice would you give an athlete preparing for life beyond sports?

Begin preparing for your next season before your final game. Your value is not limited to your statistics, position, or uniform. The discipline, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and work ethic that helped you succeed in sports can also help you succeed in your career, family, and community.

“The end of your playing career is not the end of your purpose. It is the beginning of another season.”
What is one fun or interesting fact about you outside of work?

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me mentoring young athletes, serving at my church, or cheering on my son’s football journey. Investing in the next generation is something I genuinely enjoy.

Headshot of Dr. Bernadette Correa

Dr. Bernadette Correa

Chairperson

Therapist

Dr. Bernadette Correa serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Second Season of Life. A therapist with a doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology, she brings expertise in mental health counseling, trauma recovery, resilience, and athletic performance. She has supported athletes at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels as they overcome mental barriers, navigate personal challenges, and transition into life beyond sports. Inspired by her own experience leaving athletics without adequate guidance, Dr. Correa is passionate about providing athletes with the support and resources she once needed. Her clinical knowledge, performance psychology background, and personal perspective help advance Second Season’s mission of empowering athletes to discover purpose and build fulfilling lives beyond competition.

What is your role with Second Season of Life?

Chair, Board of Directors

What is your professional background or area of expertise?

My professional background is in sport psychology and mental health counseling. As a therapist, I help individuals heal from trauma, navigate life challenges, and build resilience while managing mental health concerns. As a sport psychologist, I work with athletes to overcome performance-related mental barriers, navigate transitions in and out of sport, and address personal challenges that impact their well-being and athletic performance.

What inspired you to become involved with Second Season?

Transitioning out of sport, at any level, can be one of the most difficult and life-changing experiences an athlete faces. I became involved with Second Season because I am passionate about supporting athletes as they navigate that transition and discover purpose beyond competition.

Why is supporting athletes during and after their transition from sports important to you?

When I experienced my own transition out of sport, I did not have the guidance or support I needed. That experience motivates me to be the resource I wish I had, helping athletes navigate this significant life change with confidence and support.

What unique experience, skill, or perspective do you bring?

I hold a doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology and have worked with athletes across the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels. My clinical and performance psychology background allow me to bring both evidence-based expertise and practical insight into the unique challenges athletes face during and after their athletic careers.

What advice would you give an athlete preparing for life beyond sports?

Ask for help. If you aren’t ready to ask, accept it when it is offered. Sport may have shaped your identity and changed your life, and transitioning away from it is another significant life change. You don't have to navigate that journey alone.

“You don't have to navigate that journey alone.”
What is one fun or interesting fact about you outside of work?

I've always wanted to own a camper, and I recently made that dream a reality. I'm looking forward to exploring new places and creating lasting memories.

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Shaneka Parker

Treasurer and Interim Secretary

Chief Financial Officer
Freedom House Recovery Center, Inc

Shaneka Parker serves as Board Treasurer and Interim Secretary. A North Carolina–licensed CPA, she is Chief Financial Officer of Freedom House Recovery Center, Inc., and holds degrees in finance and accounting from East Carolina University. As a mother of three sports-loving sons, Shaneka is especially committed to helping young athletes develop financial stewardship, connect with valuable resources, and recognize the many paths available to build a successful future.

What is your role with Second Season of Life?

I am currently serving as the Board Treasurer and Interim Secretary

What is your professional background or area of expertise?

My professional background is finance and accounting. I graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Finance and later received my Masters in Science of Accounting.

What inspired you to become involved with Second Season?

The opportunity to help transitioning athletes with financial stewardship and getting them connected to resources.

Why is supporting athletes during and after their transition from sports important to you?

It is important to me because so many young athletes start playing sports at a very young age and it’s all they know with the hopes of making it professionally. Some not having a backup plan if things do not pan out as expected. My hope is to be another voice to let the youth know their life has purpose beyond sports. Also, help them to see there are many vehicles to create financial success outside of sports.

What unique experience, skill, or perspective do you bring?

As a mother of three young boys (who all love sports), I have them in mind as I help in building the foundation of Second Season from a financial perspective.

What advice would you give an athlete preparing for life beyond sports?

God has a purpose for your life and it’s bigger than you can imagine, trust Him with it.

“God has a purpose for your life”
What is one fun or interesting fact about you outside of work?

I love to laugh, spend time with my family and watch my sons play sports.

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TyRiece Parker

Board Member

Entrepreneur and Youth Athletics Coach

TyRiece Parker serves as a Board Member and brings experience as an entrepreneur, former criminal justice professional, youth athletics coach, and former athlete. His own challenging transition from sports inspires his dedication to ensuring athletes receive the mentorship, encouragement, and guidance he once needed. He believes the skills and relationships developed through sports can strengthen communities and cultivate future leaders.

What is your role with Second Season of Life?

Board Member

What is your professional background or area of expertise?

Former criminal justice professional and athletics coach of all levels.

What inspired you to become involved with Second Season?

I wish I had a second chance. When sports were over, it was over for me. I had no idea there could be success beyond sports. Second Season could have helped me in those critical years of transition.

Why is supporting athletes during and after their transition from sports important to you?

You would have to be in sports to understand. That last night… hoping you’ll play at the next level but no more days come after that last night. There aren’t many words to explain the disappointment that comes with it; however, if we sow the right seeds, the community will continue to grow and not die out after that last night. Helping athletes transition is a part of building the community and leaders. Bonds that were created in sports can now be created in the community but mentors are needed to cultivate this. Mentorship after sports is the gift that keeps on giving.

What unique experience, skill, or perspective do you bring?

I am a former player and coach who has had high hopes and been a part of helping others attain high hopes or pivot.

What advice would you give an athlete preparing for life beyond sports?

Someone needs what you have.

“Someone needs what you have.”
What is one fun or interesting fact about you outside of work?

I am a musician and enjoy playing the piano and drums.

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Jay Hunt

Board Member

Operations Manager with CPI Security

Jay Hunt is an operations leader specializing in team development, performance management, and building high-performing cultures. As an Operations Manager with CPI Security, he is passionate about developing people and future leaders. As the father of a son who plays competitive Challenge soccer, Jay has a personal passion for developing young athletes both on and beyond the field by helping them turn the discipline, resilience, and leadership learned through sports into success and purpose in their next season of life.

What is your role with Second Season of Life?

I serve as a Board Member for Second Season of Life, bringing my experience in leadership, operations, team development, and community engagement to help advance the organization’s mission. I’m especially passionate about helping create meaningful pathways for athletes as they prepare for their next chapter.

What is your professional background or area of expertise?

I have more than a decade of experience in operations and leadership, with expertise in team development, performance management, process improvement, strategic execution, and customer experience. Much of my career has centered on building high-performing teams and developing people into confident, capable leaders.

What inspired you to become involved with Second Season?

I was drawn to Second Season because I believe who you are should never be limited to what you do. Athletes dedicate years of their lives to developing discipline, resilience, teamwork, and a competitive mindset. I wanted to be part of an organization that helps them recognize that those qualities have tremendous value long after their playing days are over.

Why is supporting athletes during and after their transition from sports important to you?

For many athletes, sports becomes a major part of their identity. When that chapter ends, the question of “What’s next?” can be difficult to answer. I believe athletes deserve the same level of preparation for life after sports that they received for competition. With the right mentorship, resources, and opportunities, the end of an athletic career can become the beginning of an even greater season of life.

What unique experience, skill, or perspective do you bring?

I bring the perspective of a people-first operational leader. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to identify potential, develop talent, build teams, and help people grow beyond what they initially believed was possible. I understand how to take qualities such as discipline, accountability, competitiveness, and teamwork and translate them into skills that create value in the professional world.

What advice would you give an athlete preparing for life beyond sports?

Start preparing for your next season before your current one ends. The discipline, resilience, leadership, and work ethic that made you an athlete are transferable skills. Your sport may be part of your story, but it doesn't have to be the final chapter. Take everything the game taught you and use it to win at what comes next.

“Start preparing for your next season before your current one ends.”
What is one fun or interesting fact about you outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy strength training and cycling, and I’m always looking for a new challenge. Whether it’s in the gym, on a bike, or in life, I enjoy setting a goal and seeing how far I can push myself.

Headshot of Tony Bullock

Tony Bullock

Board Member

Owner, TMB Technology Consultants LLC

Tony Bullock is an information technology professional with more than 20 years of experience in software development, systems administration, project leadership, and IT consulting. He is the owner of TMB Technology Consultants LLC and a disabled U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Tony also supports the Dorothy Mae Hall Women’s Center (The Center), other nonprofit organizations, and churches by contributing his expertise in technology, digital communications, leadership, and community outreach. He is passionate about empowering others to confidently navigate change and embrace new opportunities.

What is your role with Second Season of Life?

I serve as a Board Member, using my expertise in information technology, website development, digital communications, and social media to support the organization’s mission.

What is your professional background or area of expertise?

I bring more than 20 years of experience in software development, database systems, systems administration, cybersecurity, IT consulting, and project leadership. During my military service, I served as a Noncommissioned Officer with the Joint Automation Management Office.

What inspired you to become involved with Second Season?

I was inspired by the organization’s commitment to helping athletes successfully navigate the next chapter of their lives. I believe people are more successful during major life transitions when they have access to mentorship, encouragement, practical resources, and a strong support system.

Why is supporting athletes during and after their transition from sports important to you?

Athletes dedicate a significant part of their lives to developing discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience. When their athletic careers end, they may struggle to determine how those strengths translate into a new purpose or profession. It is important to help them recognize that their skills remain valuable and that life beyond sports can be another rewarding season.

What unique experience, skill, or perspective do you bring?

I bring extensive experience in technology, leadership, problem-solving, and organizational development. My military and professional experiences have taught me how to adapt to change, work collaboratively, and remain focused during challenging transitions. I also bring the ability to use technology and digital communication to strengthen the organization’s outreach and operations.

What advice would you give an athlete preparing for life beyond sports?

Prepare for your next chapter with the same purpose you brought to your sport. Explore your interests, build relationships beyond the game, and recognize that your identity is bigger than being an athlete.The skills and mindset that helped you succeed in sports can become the foundation for success in whatever you pursue next.

“Prepare for your next chapter with the same purpose you brought to your sport.”
What is one fun or interesting fact about you outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy creating helpful online content for veterans and connecting people with valuable resources. As an active Google Local Guide, my photos and contributions have received more than 2 million views. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, gardening, and landscaping.