Last week, the NCAA hosted the Career in Sports Forum, a four-day event in Indianapolis that brought together nearly 175 student-athletes. With a Campfires to Careers theme, the forum aimed to help college athletes successfully navigate their career journeys after their playing days end.
The forum provides student-athletes with opportunities to network with peers and decision-makers in athletics. The program helps student-athletes understand how their personal strengths and career opportunities intersect.
Each session broadened learners' understanding of the diverse roles available in the sports sector, helping them to envision their futures more clearly. Learners participated in industry-specific breakouts, including coaching, creative industries, internal relations, external athletics and professional sports.
The college athletes heard from a diverse array of speakers, including Lacee' Carmon-Johnson, director of basketball advancement for the Toronto Raptors; Justin Patton and Jonathan Sprinkles as keynote speakers; and Felicia Martin, senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement at the NCAA. Ahmad Boyd, assistant athletics director of student-athlete success at the Pingry School, emceed the event.
What they're saying
"They're getting us to put ourselves out there, not only with mentors but with our peers. This has been the most comfortable space I've been in because it's a lot of like-minded people, so I feel more comfortable saying things because I know it won't get shut down. As an athlete, I've adapted to being open to everybody, and I can see that energy from everybody else in here, as well."
Jay Garcia, Bridgewater State
"There was a quote in a session that said, 'The comfort zone is a beautiful place, but no growth happens there.' I've gotten out of my comfort zone these past four days. We learned about vertical connections — networking with people above you — but also horizontal connections — networking with your peers. The amount of horizontal and vertical connections I've made these past three days has been beneficial."
Josiah Marshall, Anderson (Indiana)
"I've learned how to put myself out there. We've had speakers say, 'Don't think you can't apply for the job. Don't think you're not qualified because until someone tells you no, you shouldn't tell yourself no.' Going into my senior year, I'm going into the season knowing I'm capable and I'm going to put my best effort forward every time."
Rhyan Parkin, Coker
"We created a growth plan of where we want to go in the next year, looking at the different avenues of how we want to achieve those goals. For my goal, I said I want to get a full-time job after graduation. Then we brainstormed ideas of how I can make that goal possible."
Sam Carlson, Hope
"It's been impactful experiencing events and careers outside of my sport. I'm going to be a senior, so navigating that route has been cool to hear different perspectives."
Faith Luckey, Maryland
"If you're looking for a career in sports, I recommend you come to this program. The camp counselors are well trained and know what they're talking about. Plus, the energy has been electric. It's been a lot of fun, similar to being on my college team."
Fabian Rosales, St. Mary's (Texas)
