The University of Shippensburg’s Women’s Football graduate, Maddie Stichter ’24, attended the career forum in sports in sports last week in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The four-day event organized by the NCAA leadership development team brought together more than 150 students-athletes. With a Campfires to Careers theme, the forum was aimed at helping participants successfully sail their career trips after their student-athlete career.
“(The career forum in sport) was simply incredible. I learned so much in four days, made personal growth and so many new connections and friendships,” said Stichter.
The forum presented a diverse range of speakers, including Joey Graziano III, executive vice-president of the strategy and new businesses for sports and entertainment of Pacers, and Lacee ‘Carmon-Johnson, Director of Basketball Progress for the Raptors of Toronto. Jennifer Lynne Williams, development director at USA Basketball, changed the event.
Each session has widened the understanding of the participants of the various roles available in the sport sector, helping them to imagine their future more clearly. The learners participated in pushes specific to industry, in particular coaching, internal relations, external athletics and professional sports.
The sport career forum focuses on professional development, equipping participants with the tools to navigate effectively in their careers. The forum has also stressed the importance of self -awareness and the desire to adapt and grow, essential features to succeed in the sports industry.
Stichter, a precious student worker for the sports information department of the University of Shippensburg and Shiprec, in addition to her time in the field, is the first student-athlete of Su to attend the forum from Gabriella Johnson in 2020.
Stichter added: “It was unforgettable! It was very inspiring to hear former students-athletes who worked hard to now have such success in their careers. In addition, it was a privilege to meet with students-athletes from the whole campaign. I strive to work in the sport industry, so it was the not perfect in the right direction!”
Trejon Dinkins, director of Seaber Raiders Academic Center, represented the University of Shipipensburg at the Forum as a presenter.
“I had 37 students athletes in my group and we met once or twice a day to discuss career / staff development subjects,” said Dinkins. “Structured programming subjects aimed at helping students-athletes identify their forces, understanding how to transfer their skills to the sports industry, developing networking skills and establishing action plans to attack their career goals. It was really an impressive experience and a transformer for all those involved.”
Stichter obtained his undergraduate diploma in Marketing (Digital Marketing and Analysis) from Shippensburg in May 2024. She completed her higher education courses and should receive her master’s degree in strategic communication.