Athletes in Communications/Journalism Connect

LAWRENCE, Kan. – This past Monday, present and former Kansas student-athletes as well as faculty members joined together for the second series of KU’s Career Development initiative. This initiative was created in order to connect Jayhawks past and present with similar career interests.   

“I realize that I need to be open-minded about my opportunities and this gave me confidence in knowing that I can have success after I’m done playing sports,” said Stephen Villines, a current right-handed pitcher on the KU baseball team.

During the night, current student-athletes formed into small groups and talked to various faculty members from our campus and former student-athletes.

“It was eye-opening for student-athletes to realize that they have great strengths, that they can leverage when looking for jobs,” said former track athlete David Johnston. “They need to compete as professionals as they would in their sports.”

Ultimately, the goal of Kansas Athletics is to, not only make student-athletes succeed in their respective sports, but also assure life after college is a success as well. Luckily, many qualities wanted in the work force are qualities that Jayhawk athletes practice on a daily basis.

Scott Huffman, a former KU pole vaulter said, “These student-athletes need to understand that all of the skills they have from their sports are transferrable to their careers down the road.”

At the conclusion of the night, Bunny Williams agreed.

“This gave me comfort going into the real world knowing that I have qualities as a student-athlete that employers want to hire,” said the senior women’s basketball player.

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