University of Minnesota Athletics
Student-Athletes Gather at April Sophomore Summit
4/25/2023 10:09:00 AM | Athletics, Student-Athlete Development, Leadership U
Golden Gopher sophomore student-athletes across twelve sports gathered for a day of programming at McNamara Alumni Center on Sunday, April 16th. 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.
Director or Leadership U, Dr. Justin Anderson, had this to say about the Sophomore Summit; "We continue to be extremely impressed with the energy and attention the student-athletes show up with on a Sunday late in the semester. We had such positive feedback about our student-athletes from all the professionals that attended our networking and mentoring sessions. They represented the maroon and gold incredibly well!"
The day began by hearing thoughtful insights from four former Gopher student-athletes - Taylor Vander Aarde, Alexis (Russell) Kochanski, Taylor Williamson, and Winston DeLattiboudere III. The panel discussed their transition from being a student-athlete to taking the next step in their careers with an emphasis on being intentional with career development and keeping an open mind.
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 30 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 speed networking connections and build stronger relationships with those guests who aligned with their industry of interest.
The second half of the day consisted of a case study facilitated by Leadership U and a discussion of their 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. During the case study, students worked with their peers from across sports and were tasked with identifying a current leadership challenge before working together to find solutions. The case study was facilitated by Leadership U staff and current Leadership Council members.
"We are dedicated to supporting our Gopher student-athletes throughout each stage of their professional development. The Sophomore Summit is an essential component of that development," said Callinan. "Through self-reflection in the Leadership U case-study sessions, evaluating their interests and exploring careers with the Strong-Interest Survey, and building their network during our networking luncheon with vital members of our Gopher community, our sophomore student-athletes will step forward into their next year with the tools necessary to continue growing into successful Gopher alumni."
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.
