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����ֱ�� student athletes Katie Beaudoin (Applied Exercise Science, ’20) and Paul Guglietta (Sport and Recreation Management, ’21), have been selected by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to participate in the organization’s , a leadership program for students to explore potential careers in sports, particularly college athletics.

Just 200 student athletes for the highly competitive program. The forum, originally scheduled to take place in Indianapolis, will take place May 27–29 and will be held virtually due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
 
The forum will consist of online panels, presentations, and breakout sessions to prepare attendees for success in navigating their futures. Topics that will be explored include self-awareness, professional development and career planning, job search techniques, personal branding, and management as sports industry professionals.

, of Coventry, Rhode Island, said she is honored to have been selected for the experience.

“I look forward gaining a broader insight into professional opportunities in college athletics,” said the women’s soccer forward. “Working in the athletic industry has always been my goal, and I'm so thankful that ����ֱ�� can help lead me in that direction."

Women’s soccer head coach Carly Gettler applauded Beaudoin for her selection as well as her success on the soccer field.

"Katie just finished off a fantastic career with our women's soccer program and has been an exemplary representative of our team, our athletics department, and our University," Gettler said. "I'm thrilled to see her included in this program and taking the next step towards a career in college athletics."

, a running back for the football team, said he was disappointed to learn he could not travel to Indianapolis for the forum, but is excited to virtually connect with student athletes from around the nation and network with industry professionals.

"I think this is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime networking experience," said the Ellington, Connecticut native. “I am excited to virtually meet and hear from several professionals with diverse backgrounds across the sports industry. I'm also excited to learn about the professional and career development strategies that will help me transition into the world of sports.”

The experience will benefit Guglietta, who hopes to one day become a collegiate athletic director or work in public relations for the sports industry.

Kiernan Gordon, Ph.D., assistant professor of sport and recreation management, congratulated Guglietta. 

"Paul is an outstanding representative of ����ֱ��," Gordon said. "I am thrilled that his commitment to academics and athletics — and his potential for future success — has been recognized by the NCAA in this way."

����ֱ�� Director of Athletics Heather Davis said she is glad the NCAA is able to hold the program virtually to allow student athletes like Beaudoin and Guglietta to attend.

"I am so pleased that Katie and Paul will have this tremendous opportunity to learn from professionals in the field while exploring a future career in sports," she said.