Galloway, N.J. – Stockton University track & field student-athletes
Susann Foley (Tabernacle/Seneca) and
Darren Wan (Egg Harbor Twp./EHT) were among a group of 200 college student-athletes who attended the
2022 NCAA Career in Sports Forum at the NCAA National Office in Indianapolis on June 2-5.
The NCAA Career in Sports Forum brought the student-athletes together to learn about and explore potential careers in sports. The program included keynote speakers, panels and breakout discussions on a variety of topics designed to present a thorough understanding of athletics as a career path.
The forum also provided opportunities for attendees to network with their student-athlete peers as well as professionals in fields related to sports.
Upon their return, Foley and Wan reflected on the experience.
Can you describe your experience at the NCAA Career in Sports Forum?
Foley: Walking into the NCAA Career in Sports Forum, I was excited and nervous. It was daunting to be in a room of 200 student-athletes and be unsure of what we would talk about or take part in. However, over the course of four days, I networked and was astounded by the openness, honesty, and willingness to help by the professionals who attended.
Each speaker and panel provided insight into what it really takes to succeed in the athletics field. We were also placed into groups where more self-development took place. We talked about our strengths and weaknesses, as well as completed self-reflections to work on our personal and professional development.
Wan: At first, I was overwhelmed by the forum given I was not sure what I was walking into. But then, I was about to network and make friends amongst the other student athletes. And now, I can say I have walked away from the forum with more knowledge in leadership development, networking, career insight, and diversity and inclusion.
What was your favorite part of the NCAA Career in Sports Forum?
Foley: My favorite part of the forum was making connections with fellow student-athletes and meeting members of a collegiate-level sports medicine team. Each athlete had a different goal as to why they attended the conference. Some were there as graduate students in hopes of finding a job, while others were young into their search and were looking to get a better idea of career options.
Personally, I have an interest in chiropractic and exercise prescription. Working with Brian Gerlach (University of Indianapolis), he was able to shape my career idea and help me to create a new form of injury prevention through chiropractic adjustments and exercise prescription. I am currently applying to chiropractic programs and studying in hopes of passing the CSCS exam for strength and conditioning coaching.
Wan: My favorite part of the forum was hearing from the keynote speakers and panelists. They offered unique insight and experiences about a career in athletics as well as offered motivational speeches that empowered individuals
What did you learn from the NCAA Career in Sports Forum that may influence you in the future?
Foley: The forum provided me with new knowledge of my strengths, embracing my individuality, and the unapologetic confidence it will take to succeed. As a woman pursuing a career in sports, it's obvious that there will be barriers as it's a male-dominant field. Listening to Dr. Lacee' Carmon-Jones' experiences as the only female in her position in the NBA (Manager of Basketball Advancement, Toronto Raptors), I was inspired by what she has had to overcome.
Listening to the other keynote speakers, panels, and facilitators of our self-reflections, I have a better understanding that what makes me stand out will only aid in my future success. By conforming to what others do, you lose who you truly are and what makes you unique. I am proud to have been selected to be a part of this experience and moving forward, I feel prepared to create change in a career in athletics.
Wan: I learned a lot about new career paths and opportunities for me specifically that I previously did not know about or did not see myself in. For example, I am now interested in roles that pertain to student-athlete and/or athlete development as well as student-athlete academic advising.
