University of Minnesota Athletics
Student-Athletes Gather at January Sophomore Summit
1/23/2023 9:45:00 AM | Student-Athlete Development, Leadership U
Golden Gopher sophomore student-athletes across seven sports gathered for a day of programming at McNamara Alumni Center on Sunday, January 15th. During the Sophomore Summit, the L.I.N.K. staff facilitated programming surrounding networking, leadership development, and career exploration. The day was filled with learning, growing and making many connections.
Regarding the Sophomore Summit, Senior Associate Athletics Director of Leadership and Inclusion, Peyton Owens III states, "Through facilitated dialogue, self reflection, and the perspectives of campus and community leaders; our young scholars participated in a powerful experience rich with leadership, learning, and exploration. The L.I.N.K. Sophomore Summit is a shining example of Golden Gopher Athletics vision of Champions For Life, in motion."
The day began by hearing thoughtful insights from four former Gopher student-athletes - Jake Glickstein, Mark Alt, Riley Johnson, and Kat Hetico. The panel discussed their transition from student-athlete to business professional with an emphasis on transferable skills, and the importance of leadership throughout their career. Following the Gopher alumni panel, the student-athletes dove into a session with Jen Callinan, Director of Career Services, where they learned how to network with potential employers. The student-athletes were then able to practice their newly developed skills through participation in a speed networking event. This activity was made possible by more than 20 Twin Cities professionals, including W.I.L.L. mentors, the Leadership U Advisory Group, and former Leadership Council members. Over the lunch hour, student-athletes had the opportunity to expand on their speed networking connections and build stronger relationships with those guests who aligned with their industry of interest.
The second half of the day kicked off with a case study facilitated by Leadership U. Working with their peers from across sports, student-athletes were tasked with identifying a current leadership challenge and working together to find solutions. The day wrapped with a discussion of their individual Strong Interest Inventory Assessment results. With the results, the student-athletes were able to explore a variety of career options that they might not have originally thought of that align with their interests.
"The L.I.N.K. staff enjoyed working with so many wonderful Gopher student-athletes," said Leadership U Consultant, Dr. Chrissy Holm Haider. "They were so eager to learn and grow throughout the programming and took full advantage of the opportunity to connect with one another outside of their sport. It was wonderful to see and hear them take risks, get out of their comfort zone, and leave the day feeling like they made a meaningful step toward preparing themselves for when they enter the professional world. It requires a great level of self-awareness to be able to prepare and plan ahead for life beyond athletics and our student-athletes demonstrated that during this event."
The Sophomore Summit helped the student-athletes prepare for their next steps in their career, and provided them the tools, support, and resources to become the best leaders they can be during their time in the maroon and gold, and beyond.
Regarding the Sophomore Summit, Senior Associate Athletics Director of Leadership and Inclusion, Peyton Owens III states, "Through facilitated dialogue, self reflection, and the perspectives of campus and community leaders; our young scholars participated in a powerful experience rich with leadership, learning, and exploration. The L.I.N.K. Sophomore Summit is a shining example of Golden Gopher Athletics vision of Champions For Life, in motion."
The day began by hearing thoughtful insights from four former Gopher student-athletes - Jake Glickstein, Mark Alt, Riley Johnson, and Kat Hetico. The panel discussed their transition from student-athlete to business professional with an emphasis on transferable skills, and the importance of leadership throughout their career. Following the Gopher alumni panel, the student-athletes dove into a session with Jen Callinan, Director of Career Services, where they learned how to network with potential employers. The student-athletes were then able to practice their newly developed skills through participation in a speed networking event. This activity was made possible by more than 20 Twin Cities professionals, including W.I.L.L. mentors, the Leadership U Advisory Group, and former Leadership Council members. Over the lunch hour, student-athletes had the opportunity to expand on their speed networking connections and build stronger relationships with those guests who aligned with their industry of interest.
The second half of the day kicked off with a case study facilitated by Leadership U. Working with their peers from across sports, student-athletes were tasked with identifying a current leadership challenge and working together to find solutions. The day wrapped with a discussion of their individual Strong Interest Inventory Assessment results. With the results, the student-athletes were able to explore a variety of career options that they might not have originally thought of that align with their interests.
"The L.I.N.K. staff enjoyed working with so many wonderful Gopher student-athletes," said Leadership U Consultant, Dr. Chrissy Holm Haider. "They were so eager to learn and grow throughout the programming and took full advantage of the opportunity to connect with one another outside of their sport. It was wonderful to see and hear them take risks, get out of their comfort zone, and leave the day feeling like they made a meaningful step toward preparing themselves for when they enter the professional world. It requires a great level of self-awareness to be able to prepare and plan ahead for life beyond athletics and our student-athletes demonstrated that during this event."
The Sophomore Summit helped the student-athletes prepare for their next steps in their career, and provided them the tools, support, and resources to become the best leaders they can be during their time in the maroon and gold, and beyond.
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