Tucson, Ariz. – In August, University of Arizona student-athletes gathered to hear an esteemed panel of professionals share their experiences and insights on careers in the health and wellness sectors.
 
The panel featured:

• Alison Flynn Gaffney, Chief Executive Officer at Banner University Medicine
• Jim Krumpos, Associate Athletics Director of Sports Performance at the University of Arizona
• Carmen Fleming, Associate Professor of Practice at the U of A School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness
• James Ready, Associate Director of Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Banner Health
• Michelle Skog, Licensed Professional Counselor at the City of Tucson Public Safety Communications Department and Arizona Letterwinner

Panelists highlighted the unique skills, mindsets, and abilities that student-athletes develop through their sports, such as resilience, teamwork, and adaptability, and how those qualities translate into professional success.
 
"I thought this Cats Connect event was very beneficial," said Luke Haugo, a member of the football team. "It gave me the chance to learn more about topics I'm interested in but didn't know much about."
 
Student-athletes also had the opportunity to ask questions, network with panelists, and reflect on their own career aspirations.

About the Cats Connect Luncheon Series
 
To support student-athletes' post-graduation goals, the Cats Connect Luncheon Series creates meaningful connections between student-athletes and the University's powerful network of alumni, letterwinners, Wildcat Club members, and campus colleagues. The series is designed to ignite curiosity, expand horizons, and expose student-athletes to diverse career pathways.

About Edward T. Bell Jr. C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development
 
The mission of the Edward T. Bell Jr. C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development office is to prepare student-athletes to make an impact in their communities and future careers through skill development, meaningful relationships, and transformational experiences.
 
About the Wildcat Club and A-Club Alumni Letterwinner's Association
The Wildcat Club is the fundraising arm of Arizona Athletics and is a collective group of individuals who provide financial support to Arizona Athletics at a rate of $100 or more each year. Thanks to the generous support of over 12,000 Wildcat Club members, our 504 student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed at the highest level in the classroom and in competition. Learn more about how you have a direct impact on our Wildcats.
 
The A-Club Alumni Letterwinner's Association is an Association made up of any student-athlete who has been awarded a University or Arizona varsity letter, or has been voted as an Honorary Letterwinner, determined by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.