VILLANOVA, Pa. – Bridging the gap between college athletics and life after sports can be a daunting conversation while student-athletes are still in the midst of their college career. The Black Student-Athlete Summit has become an annual setting where Villanova student-athletes have been able to lean into those conversations.

This year’s trip to the Black Student-Athlete Summit from May 20-23 took seven Wildcats and Assistant AD for UNITAS - Community, Culture and Engagement Leashia Lewis to Eugene, Oregon for the four-day event. The summit equips student-athletes with tangible skills, strategic connections and pathways to leadership in business, culture and community. Everyone in attendance is presented with engagement and programming opportunities to connect the athletes with professionals and innovators across various platforms to prepare them for life beyond sports. Some of the programming included career development sessions, financial literacy workshops and wellness activities.

Before the summit got underway, the Wildcats had a chance to tour the NIKE Headquarters in Beaverton and connect with Villanova alumni at a networking event.

“After taking students to the Black Student-Athlete Summit for the past four years, I continue to be inspired by the incredible support from our Athletics staff, coaches, Alumni Office and alumni who help make this experience so meaningful for our student-athletes,” Lewis said. “The networking opportunities, caliber of speakers and collaboration with professionals and student-athletes from across the NCAA landscape create a professional development experience unlike any other I have encountered."

The Wildcats shared some of their takeaways from this year’s summit.

WHAT MADE THE BLACK STUDENT-ATHLETE SUMMIT IMPACTFUL FOR YOU?

“The Black Student-Athlete Summit was an impact experience for me because I was able to form connections with fellow student-athletes from across the country through unique conversations that are not always had on Villanova's campus. I was also able to network with professionals who were once in my shoes whose stories furthered my confidence in a future career in medicine.” – Campbell McKinnon, Volleyball

“This summit was impactful for me because I could connect with other Villanova athletes outside of my circle. Additionally, I met athletes around the country at the summit. I also made strong connections with black professionals who played sports and are pursuing incredible careers. This shows me it is possible to play my sports at a high level and even pursue them professionally and I will still be able to accomplish my goals post-retirement as well.” – Ambyr Baker, Women’s Soccer

WHAT MESSAGES OR EVENTS STOOD OUT TO YOU FROM THE WEEK?

“The message of being true to yourself stood out to me the whole week. The art of being authentically yourself both in sport and the workplace can lead you down many different paths and to find your true identity outside of sports.” – Kennedy Henry, Women’s Basketball

“The most memorable parts of the week were the sessions focused on communications, media, branding, apparel design, and content creation, as well as discussions on financial literacy and long-term success. Learning about the evolving opportunities within media and marketing, along with strategies for building financial stability, stood out. Touring a major industry headquarters and connecting with alumni also added to the overall experience.” – Janelle Daniels, Cheerleading

HOW CAN ATTENDING AN EVENT LIKE THIS INSPIRE STUDENT-ATHLETES?

“Attending an event like this inspire student athletes because it helps shape who they are mentally and it helps them know that other professionals in the field they want to be had to start somewhere.” – Ajanae Thompson, Track and Field

“It can be inspiring to be community with people who have similar experiences as you, specifically for white dominated sports.” – Quincy Jones, Men’s Tennis

“I think it can inspire student-athletes because they will be in spaces with people that look like them and have similar experiences. This will allow them to truly feel seen and heard. Furthermore, the exposure allows student-athletes to see what a flourishing life can look like.” – Djoonicka Buissereth, Track and Field

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM THE SUMMIT?

“My biggest takeaway was hearing from the executives panel. Those professionals told us that no matter how much money people have in the future, they always want to be around athletes. This inspires me even more to pursue athletics to the highest level that I can and to always stay involved with soccer throughout my life.” – Ambyr Baker, Women’s Soccer

“The biggest takeaway from the summit for me was their persistent message about standing out.” – Djoonicka Buissereth, Track and Field

“My biggest takeaway from the Summit is the importance of intentional growth and networking. The experience reinforced the value of learning from others, taking advantage of opportunities, and developing skills that extend beyond sports.” - Janelle Daniels, Cheerleading