A recent NCAA Career in Sports Forum in Indianapolis connected 200 student-athletes, including GW's Maya Peters and Sydney Carroll, with industry leaders. The initiative aims to guide athletes toward professional careers beyond playing sports. Attendees learned about the importance of personal strengths, networking, and developing essential life skills through sports. Both students expressed how the experience refined their career ambitions and provided actionable insights for future pathways in the sports industry.

By the Numbers
  • 200 student-athletes attended the 2026 NCAA Career in Sports Forum.
  • Two representatives from GW participated: Maya Peters and Sydney Carroll.
State of Play
  • The forum featured various speakers from the sports industry, offering insights on career paths.
  • Attendees emphasized the significance of skills such as adaptability, communication, and resilience.
What's Next

Peters and Carroll will return to GW for their senior seasons, equipped with new knowledge and networks to pursue their aspirations. Their experiences could inspire them to return as speakers to future forums, positively impacting upcoming athletes.

Bottom Line

The forum provided GW student-athletes with invaluable insights into career development within the sports industry, augmenting their readiness to transition into professional roles. This experience reinforces the critical intersection of sports and career preparation, highlighting their potential for success beyond athletics.