Albany, NY–Sage's women's soccer player, junior Samantha Schmidt (Schenectady, NY/Mohonasen) has been selected to participate in the 2020 Career in Sports Forum by the NCAA. Now a virtual forum, the 2020 Career in Sports Forum will bring together selected NCAA student-athletes to learn about and explore potential careers in sports, particularly college athletics. This unique virtual programming experience will help student-athletes chart their career paths, while presenting copious opportunities for attendees to learn from current industry leaders. The event will take place now virtually May 27-29.

With her selection, she becomes the third Sage student-athlete to participate in this program over the recent few years and is the first female student-athlete tapped to participate.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend the NCAA Sports Forum. Sports have always been a huge part of my life and I envision my future revolving around the sports field," noted Schmidt. She added, "I am grateful to have been selected to attend the NCAA Sports Forum. I look forward to exploring a potential career in sports."

Notable speakers will cover the following topics and more to prepare attendees for success navigating their futures: self-awareness and its role in professional development; practical approaches to the sports job search; personal branding; developing a career plan; managing yourself as a professional in the sports industry. Through online panels, engaging breakout sessions, keynote presentations and facilitated discussions, program participants will complete their experience with a thorough understanding of athletics as a career path and where they fit into the industry's landscape.

Through the innovative use of an online platform, participants will undergo a transformative experience that will equip them thrive in life after their playing days.

What participants learn

The forum platform allows attendees to network with peers and decision-makers at the campus, conference and national level of college athletics.  Content will meet the following program objectives:

Educate participants on how personal strengths intersect with career opportunities. Provide participants with tangible experiences that will push them forward in their aspiration for a career in sports. Explore professional and career development strategies to help the transition to a career in the sports industry. Learn about the role of a college coach or athletics administrator.

Schmidt stated, "Being selected to attend the NCAA Sports Forum is a huge honor. I look forward to the interactions I will have and the relationships I will develop from this opportunity."