University of Minnesota Athletics
Student-Athletes Gather at April Sophomore Summit
5/17/2024 4:16:00 PM | Student-Athlete Development, Leadership U
The second Sophomore Summit for the 2023-2024 academic year took place on Sunday, April 7th. Ten different Golden Gopher programs participated in the event, where second-year student-athletes had the opportunity to engage in a day of learning, growing, and making connections. During the Sophomore Summit, the L.I.N.K. staff facilitated programming focused on leadership development, networking, and career exploration.
To kick off the event, the Leadership U team posed a competitive challenge where student-athletes worked with their peers across Gopher Athletics programs. As they participated in the well-researched Marshmallow Challenge, the group was pushed to reflect on the greater purpose. This required them to consider how they wanted to lead themselves both during the activity and throughout the day of programming.
As the morning continued, student-athletes engaged in a Game of Life-inspired activity that prompted them to consider the next step in their professional careers and personal lives. Riddled with chance opportunities and the associated consequences, the second-year Gophers were making their way across the game board while weighing their choices and experiencing the implications of their decisions. Their reflections on their next steps served as a foundation for the day as student-athletes prepared to discuss their career goals and meet with professionals in the latter half of the day.
To further emphasize the importance of considering what opportunities lie ahead for students after athletics, the group heard from a panel of four Gopher alumni - Roxane Akradi, Joe Coleman, Jerry Gibson, and Andre Hollins. The panelists shared their experiences including their transition from being a student-athlete, the steps they've taken in their careers, and the importance of being intentional while keeping an open mind throughout their journeys.
After the Gopher alumni panel, the student-athletes dove into a brief professional networking informational session where they learned how to network with potential employers. The student-athletes then practiced their newly developed skills by participating 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, former Leadership Council members, and other professionals throughout the cities. Over the lunch hour, student-athletes had the opportunity to expand on their networking connections and continue to reflect on what may be next for them following their athletic career.
The Sophomore Summit helped the student-athletes prepare for the next steps in their career and provided them with the tools, support, and resources to become the best leaders they can be during their time in the maroon and gold, and beyond. The L.I.N.K. looks forward to hosting two more Sophomore Summit events in 2025!
