The NCAA this week partnered with the NFL to provide an impactful educational experience for 15 rising stars in football administration.
The inaugural NFL/NCAA Administrators Academy took place Sunday through Tuesday at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis, delivering vital professional development and experiential learning for graduate assistants and interns who aspire to build careers in the administration side of football.
"We designed the academy to equip young professionals seeking opportunities in football administration at the collegiate and pro level with professional development resources and the necessary skills to plan for and attain roles within this space," said Lamarr Pottinger, associate director of NCAA leadership development. "We were thrilled to work hand in hand with the NFL to create a truly transformative curriculum that would be immediately applicable for our learners."
"The success of the NFL/NCAA Administrators Academy showcases how NCAA leadership development continues to study trends and evolve programming in order to meet the needs of our membership. The partnership with the NFL on this initiative truly enhances our ability to positively impact the careers and professional development of our learners," said Felicia Martin, interim senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement at the NCAA.
The academy kicked off with a networking reception at Lucas Oil Stadium, the beginning of a weeklong emphasis on connection-building. At the reception, learners mingled with administrators on campus and at the NFL level in their areas of interest.
"Throughout the duration of the academy, I was able to connect with many executives and leaders within the football space," said academy participant D'Gary Wallace, graduate assistant football coach at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. "Structuring the program to start with a formal, networking-centric event allowed opportunity to gain information and share space with those that began their careers in similar fashion that I did."
NCAA leadership development led the three-day program. Guest speakers delivered curriculum touchpoints and represented college football programs, NFL clubs and subject matter experts. Topics included thoughtful leadership, effective communication, strategic thinking and planning, influence and negotiation. Particular focus was placed on navigating career paths in football and the administrative roles that cohort members could aspire to in the future. The in-person experience culminated in a group presentation, where academy participants honed collaboration skills while critically thinking through a realistic professional scenario.
"This academy provided great insight to fill in what I previously did not know about navigating the sports industry as a young professional," Wallace said. "It delivered vital and imperative information, as well as the tools and resources needed to springboard my career within this profession."
"From the opening reception to the closing remarks, the academy cohort members demonstrated their commitment to learning, growing and being their best personal and professional selves," said Daniel Van Norton, senior manager of football development at the NFL. "With this academy experience launching their careers for decades to come, this group of talented leaders will be key in football's future."
Although the in-person academy has concluded, cohort members will now transition to phase two of the program experience, where they will be paired with a mentor from the college or professional ranks. This structured five-month mentorship opportunity will assist academy participants in fostering strong relationships in the football community while sparking further conversations surrounding career development that will support them in their professional journeys.
The 15 participants in the 2022 NFL/NCAA Administrators Academy are:
- Lindsey Anstine, game management graduate assistant, McKendree.
- Nicole Dennis, media relations/sports information graduate assistant, Mercer.
- Dorien Dickey, graduate assistant of student-athlete development, Clemson.
- Alec Dominguez, name, image and likeness coordinator, West Virginia.
- Kayla Dumon, student-athlete services graduate assistant, Jacksonville.
- Evan Gray, P.A.W. Journey student intern, Clemson.
- Geavonie Love, graduate assistant for director of athletic operations, California University of Pennsylvania.
- Jordan Mack, hospitality and fan services intern, College Football Playoff.
- Aliyah Newman, graduate assistant, Old Dominion.
- Ryan Ngo, graduate assistant, Ohio.
- Katie Payne, global operations management graduate assistant and manager of volleyball operations, Ohio.
- Katie Roche, athletic compliance graduate assistant, Northern State.
- D'Gary Wallace, graduate assistant football coach, Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
- Camille Wilson, student-athlete development, North Carolina.
- Taylor Wilson, postgraduate intern, Conference USA.
Attendees of the NFL/NCAA Administrators Academy also participated in the 2022 Emerging Leaders Seminar for the three-day virtual program later in the week.
