The NCAA annually hosts the Student Immersion Program, inviting 40 minority students from Division III institutions across the country to explore careers in coaching, athletics administration, and NCAA governance. The goal of this program is to increase diversity within intercollegiate athletics leadership, exposing student-athletes to opportunities they may have never considered before.
This year, I had the privilege of attending the NCAA 2025 Convention in Nashville, Tennessee from January 14-17. Going into the experience, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but from the moment I arrived, I was surrounded by an incredible cohort of student-athletes, dedicated mentors, and top professionals in collegiate athletics. Every conversation, panel, and session reinforced why I am so passionate about the future of athletics and why I want to be part of shaping that future.
Throughout the program, we attended sessions designed to educate, inspire, and prepare us for careers in sports. Workshops like the DISC Leadership Assessment, Maximizing Your Resources, and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) in Athletics provided us with real world insights and tools to grow as future leaders. These sessions weren’t just about learning the technical aspects of the industry, they challenged us to think about the impact we want to make in athletics and how we can use our voices to bring change.
A standout moment for me was attending the Women of the Year Awards, a ceremony honoring outstanding female student-athletes for their achievements in academics, athletics, leadership, and service. As a woman in sports, seeing these incredible women being recognized for their hard work and dedication was incredibly inspiring. It reinforced my belief in the importance of representation and the impact women can have in shaping the future of athletics.
One of the biggest takeaways was realizing just how impactful Division III athletics really is. Often, as DIII athletes, it feels like we don’t get the same level of recognition as other divisions. However, being in that space surrounded by leaders who are deeply invested in advocating for the DIII student-athlete experience was empowering. It reminded me that Division III athletics is just as meaningful, offering unique opportunities for both personal and professional growth. I also gained a new appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into advocating for student-athletes. We tend to focus so much on our sport, practices, games, training that we don’t always recognize the countless decisions being made at the administrative level that directly affect our experiences. The program gave me a clearer understanding of how policies are developed, how decisions are made, and how leaders in intercollegiate athletics fight to enhance the student-athlete experience every single day.
Attending the NCAA Student Immersion Program was a truly eye-opening experience. Not only did I explore potential career paths in coaching and administration, but I also gained a deeper appreciation for the dedication and effort that goes into shaping collegiate athletics. This experience reinforced my commitment to supporting student-athletes and ensuring that their voices are heard. I left feeling more inspired than ever to take on a meaningful role in the future of sports.
For any student-athlete looking to make an impact beyond competition, I highly recommend exploring opportunities like this. It’s more than just a networking event, it’s a chance to learn, grow, and be part of the ongoing evolution of collegiate athletics.
