MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – RMU women's hockey junior defenseman Kaitlyn Schooley took a major step in shaping her future beyond the ice by attending the NCAA Career in Sports Forum, held recently in Indianapolis. The annual event, hosted by the NCAA, is designed to provide student-athletes with the tools, resources, and network to pursue a successful career in sports, whether on the field or behind the scenes.
 
The forum, which gathers selected student-athletes from across the country, featured a diverse range of sessions aimed at enhancing leadership skills, exploring career opportunities, and developing a deeper understanding of the sports industry. The program also emphasized the importance of personal growth and identifying one's purpose - key themes that resonated with Kaitlyn throughout the week.
 
"It was honestly the most eye-opening and transformational week of my life," Kaitlyn reflected. "I learned so much more about who I am, my purpose, and how to utilize that to make an impact and serve others."  
Throughout the forum, Kaitlyn had the opportunity to learn from industry experts and leaders who have made significant contributions to the world of athletics. Featured speakers included Dr. Lacee Carmon-Johnson, Joseph Graziano, Steve Davis Jr., Mike Smith, Will Baggett, Felicia Martin, and Charles L. Bailey. Their presentations and discussions covered a wide range of topics, from personal branding and leadership to the importance of diversity and inclusion within sports.
 
One of the highlights of the forum was the emphasis on using one's athletic platform to create positive change and to inspire others. Through workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, Kaitlyn gained valuable insights into how she can leverage her experience as a student-athlete to build a meaningful career in athletics.
 
The forum also provided a unique environment for student-athletes to connect with peers from different sports and backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. "Being able to learn from not just the speakers, but also from other student-athletes who share the same passion for sports, was incredible," Kaitlyn shared. "The energy and drive that everyone brought to the table was contagious."
 
Kaitlyn's participation in the NCAA Career in Sports Forum highlights RMU Women's Hockey's commitment to developing student-athletes who excel both on and off the ice. Head Coach Logan Bittle emphasized the importance of opportunities like this:
 
"Kaitlyn's dedication to growing as a leader and preparing for life after hockey embodies the values we strive to instill in all of our student-athletes. We're incredibly proud of her for representing RMU at such an impactful event."
 
As Kaitlyn continues her journey as a Colonial, the knowledge and experiences she gained at the forum will undoubtedly enhance her leadership within the locker room and beyond.
 
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