University of Minnesota Athletics
L.I.N.K. Hosts Pair of Sophomore Summits
4/14/2025 12:43:00 PM | Student-Athlete Development
During the 2024–2025 academic year, the L.I.N.K. staff hosted two Sophomore Summits on January 19 and April 6. This signature event is designed to support second-year Golden Gopher student-athletes in their personal and professional development. These full-day experiences centered on learning, growth, and connection, and served as powerful reminders of our department-wide commitment to developing the total person.
Rooted in the theme "External Presentation of the Internal Work," the Summit programming challenged student-athletes to reflect on the skills, values, and experiences that shape who they are—and to explore how to communicate those elements with authenticity to the world around them.
The day began with an interactive session from the Leadership U team focused on personal branding. Using insights from the student-athletes' DISC assessments, facilitators helped participants understand how their individual leadership styles and strengths can form the foundation of a compelling and authentic brand.
The morning continued with "Who Am I Beyond Sports?"—a dynamic session led by Big Ten Diversity & Inclusion Fellow Meg Messer. Student-athletes explored their digital presence and evaluated how their online identities align with who they are off the field. They were encouraged to identify the qualities they contribute to their communities and craft a personal impact statement that reflects their purpose beyond sport.
Both Summits featured a Gopher Alumni Panel composed of former student-athletes, including Adam Weber (Football), Philip Howard (Football), Chris Halvorsen (Men's Basketball), Brianna Mastey (Women's Basketball), Harry Plowman (Men's Golf), Rikita Davis (Women's Track & Field), Randon Dauman (Baseball), and Alexis Kochanski (Women's Gymnastics). Panelists shared their journeys transitioning out of athletics, the intentional steps they took in their careers, and the value of remaining open to growth and change.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to professional networking. After a brief workshop on how to approach networking with confidence and clarity, student-athletes participated in a speed networking session. This unique opportunity was made possible thanks to more than 40 professionals from across the Twin Cities, including W.I.L.L. mentors, former Leadership Council members, and other industry leaders.
The student-athletes embraced the opportunity to learn from professionals who were once in their shoes. Max McEnelly (Wrestling) recognized the importance of this experience:
"We have one more year and we are upperclassmen—and then we got to start to think about what we want to do with the rest of our lives. So for these networking guests to come in here and give their time to us, to talk about their careers and their transformations and life after athletics—it's very cool to see."
Carmen Kurdziel, Associate Director of Student Support & Transitions at the University of Minnesota and one of the networking guests, echoed this impact from the other side of the table:
"Events like this really help student-athletes think about what they learned from their first year and think about what they need to continue to do to make the rest of their experience a success."
One of the most powerful elements of the day was the presence of campus and departmental leaders who showed up, leaned in, and affirmed the value of holistic development. A special recognition goes to Julie Manning, Deputy Athletics Director/SWA, for her continuous leadership and willingness to advocate for the development of the total person. Having an executive leader of her caliber in attendance to champion complete excellence speaks volumes about the significance of this work.
Events like the Sophomore Summit would not be possible without the unwavering support of our Gopher coaches. Their belief in the importance of developing the whole person is what makes opportunities like this possible—and we're deeply grateful for their partnership. It's their continued trust and advocacy that allow us to bring meaningful experiences like this to life.
One of the core commitments of Golden Gopher Athletics, United Are We strategic plan is to develop and graduate our student-athletes. The L.I.N.K. aligns, and anchors this commitment through transformational experiences preparing them for lifelong success beyond sport. The Sophomore Summit is a shining example of this mission in action. These efforts reflect L.I.N.K.'s holistic commitment to Leadership & Learning, Inclusion & Innovation, Networking, and Knowledge—each a cornerstone of our work to develop the total person.
We invite all staff to learn more about L.I.N.K. and the student-athlete development work being done every day across Gopher Athletics. Visit gophersports.com/sports/student-athlete-development to learn more.
The L.I.N.K. team looks forward to welcoming the next group of Sophomore Summit participants in 2026!
Rooted in the theme "External Presentation of the Internal Work," the Summit programming challenged student-athletes to reflect on the skills, values, and experiences that shape who they are—and to explore how to communicate those elements with authenticity to the world around them.
The day began with an interactive session from the Leadership U team focused on personal branding. Using insights from the student-athletes' DISC assessments, facilitators helped participants understand how their individual leadership styles and strengths can form the foundation of a compelling and authentic brand.
The morning continued with "Who Am I Beyond Sports?"—a dynamic session led by Big Ten Diversity & Inclusion Fellow Meg Messer. Student-athletes explored their digital presence and evaluated how their online identities align with who they are off the field. They were encouraged to identify the qualities they contribute to their communities and craft a personal impact statement that reflects their purpose beyond sport.
Both Summits featured a Gopher Alumni Panel composed of former student-athletes, including Adam Weber (Football), Philip Howard (Football), Chris Halvorsen (Men's Basketball), Brianna Mastey (Women's Basketball), Harry Plowman (Men's Golf), Rikita Davis (Women's Track & Field), Randon Dauman (Baseball), and Alexis Kochanski (Women's Gymnastics). Panelists shared their journeys transitioning out of athletics, the intentional steps they took in their careers, and the value of remaining open to growth and change.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to professional networking. After a brief workshop on how to approach networking with confidence and clarity, student-athletes participated in a speed networking session. This unique opportunity was made possible thanks to more than 40 professionals from across the Twin Cities, including W.I.L.L. mentors, former Leadership Council members, and other industry leaders.
The student-athletes embraced the opportunity to learn from professionals who were once in their shoes. Max McEnelly (Wrestling) recognized the importance of this experience:
"We have one more year and we are upperclassmen—and then we got to start to think about what we want to do with the rest of our lives. So for these networking guests to come in here and give their time to us, to talk about their careers and their transformations and life after athletics—it's very cool to see."
Carmen Kurdziel, Associate Director of Student Support & Transitions at the University of Minnesota and one of the networking guests, echoed this impact from the other side of the table:
"Events like this really help student-athletes think about what they learned from their first year and think about what they need to continue to do to make the rest of their experience a success."
One of the most powerful elements of the day was the presence of campus and departmental leaders who showed up, leaned in, and affirmed the value of holistic development. A special recognition goes to Julie Manning, Deputy Athletics Director/SWA, for her continuous leadership and willingness to advocate for the development of the total person. Having an executive leader of her caliber in attendance to champion complete excellence speaks volumes about the significance of this work.
Events like the Sophomore Summit would not be possible without the unwavering support of our Gopher coaches. Their belief in the importance of developing the whole person is what makes opportunities like this possible—and we're deeply grateful for their partnership. It's their continued trust and advocacy that allow us to bring meaningful experiences like this to life.
One of the core commitments of Golden Gopher Athletics, United Are We strategic plan is to develop and graduate our student-athletes. The L.I.N.K. aligns, and anchors this commitment through transformational experiences preparing them for lifelong success beyond sport. The Sophomore Summit is a shining example of this mission in action. These efforts reflect L.I.N.K.'s holistic commitment to Leadership & Learning, Inclusion & Innovation, Networking, and Knowledge—each a cornerstone of our work to develop the total person.
We invite all staff to learn more about L.I.N.K. and the student-athlete development work being done every day across Gopher Athletics. Visit gophersports.com/sports/student-athlete-development to learn more.
The L.I.N.K. team looks forward to welcoming the next group of Sophomore Summit participants in 2026!
2025 Sophomore Summits
Friday, April 11
Gopher Hockey Delivers Teddy Bears
Thursday, January 16
Sophomore Summit - April 2024
Friday, May 17
Speaker Series - Bret Weiss
Wednesday, April 17