WASHINGTON — Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore addressed a crowd of high school coaches and athletic directors from across the country at the inaugural Inner Circle of High School Athletics Leadership Summit at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on June 23.

The summit featured a collection of guest speakers, including former professional athletes, professional sports executives and community leaders.

“HSI Baltimore was pleased to participate in the high school leadership summit,” said HSI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris. “We had the opportunity to address the men and women responsible for guiding the next generation of leaders. As law enforcement officials, we share with these coaches a responsibility to set an example for young people. It is truly an honor to be able to contribute in such a forum.”

The summit focused on providing these coaches and athletic directors with information and tools they can use to prepare their student athletes for the next phase in their athletic and professional careers.

Speakers addressed a variety of topics that coaches don’t usually have the opportunity to address during practice, including financial management, mental health, physical fitness, academics and internet safety. The special agents from HSI Baltimore spoke to the crowd about the potential pitfalls of social media.

“Many of the topics discussed are not necessarily lessons that athletes learn in practice or by competing in games,” said HSI Baltimore Assistant Special Agent in Charge Freddie Taylor. “Still, they address challenges that young competitors will have to face off of the field. Coaches hold a position of trust among their young athletes, and often times, they are best suited to have these conversations with their players.”

The summit was an invitation-only event. Attendees were coaches and athletic directors of high schools from across the nation whose programs had won sports championships within the last six years.

According to the hosts of the summit, its primary goal was to present content that tackles foundational elements that can determine the current and future quality of life for…