TUCSON, Ariz. -- Sophomore student-athletes had the opportunity to explore career options with the help of a diverse group of alums during Arizona Athletics' Sophomore Career Exploration Night. The new program, developed by the C.A.T.S Student-Athlete Development, addresses some common challenges second-year students often face regarding career exploration. The program's goal is to provide an opportunity for students to explore different career paths while empowering them to engage in career exploration behaviors.

"The Sophomore Career Exploration Night was a transformative experience for me," said Emma Strom, a sophomore member of Arizona Gymnastics. "My favorite part was the engaging panel discussions, where industry leaders shared their personal journeys and insights. The event not only broadened my perspective on potential career paths but also instilled in me a newfound confidence and excitement for my future endeavors."

Throughout the night, students engaged with ten letterwinners and upperclassmen representing diverse career fields, including business, education, social services, public service, healthcare, media, and engineering. 
 
Alums who attended the event included Chrissy Alexander (Softball), Crystal Akpede (Women's Track & Field), Christina Baena (Women's Golf), Barrett Baker(Football), Makenna Martin (Beach Volleyball), Rafael Quintero (Men's Swimming & Diving), Kenzie Quinn (Softball), Michelle Skog (Women's Track & Field). Two current student-athletes pursuing graduate degrees also attended and provided perspective about resources that helped them navigate their career journey: Gile Bite Starkute (Women's Golf) and Diana Ramos (Women's Track & Field).

Gile Bite Starkute, a graduate senior on the women's golf team, offered one key piece of advice that she would have given her sophomore self.

"Put yourself in situations that make you comfortable and tackle them 100 percent."

C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development's mission is to implement programs, events, and individualized support that empower student-athletes to develop as leaders, community members, and future professionals. Sophomore Career Exploration Night is one of many new programs the department is launching this school year to support student-athletes at different stages of their college careers.