SAN DIEGO – In an unprecedented year of challenges within athletics, many Aztec student-athletes found success off the playing field by embracing what life will be like after San Diego State University.
In preparation for this next step, graduating student-athletes participated in over 64 hours of content related to civic engagement, personal growth and career development through the Aztecs Going Pro (AGP) program.
"One of the key pillars of our department is providing our student-athletes the opportunities to develop life skills that will not only assist them while in college, but more importantly will assist them in finding success as they graduate and move into the next phase of their lives," SDSU Director of Athletics John David Wicker said. "Danielle Kelly , one of our Student-Athlete Development Coordinators, and our team do a great job of providing appropriate content and our student athletes do their part by being actively engaged in the program."
Of the graduating seniors, 17 student-athletes were already employed full-time before they gradated at companies such as Aerotek, Apple, Fox Sports and the San Diego Police Department.
"I am very proud of what our graduating seniors have accomplished during their time at San Diego State," Danielle Kelly praised. "They have worked hard both in and outside their respective sports, taking advantage of our Aztecs Going Pro program to help prepare for life after SDSU. They have developed many skills and resources they will be able to use to become leaders and excel in the workplace and their communities, including a strong network of Aztec Alumni and supporters that have helped them start their careers. We are grateful for our nearly 100 different Aztec alumni, professionals and supporters who have helped our student-athletes prepare for a successful transition to life after SDSU."
Out of the graduating seniors, 40 student-athletes completed an internship or career related work experience during their time at San Diego State. Reflecting on the importance of this preparation, one senior track & field student-athlete commented, "Aztecs Going Pro helped me land my first internship at a news station, write a great resume and get into multiple graduate programs! I definitely would not be as prepared without it."
"Thanks to Aztecs Going Pro, I was able to build a career and find great mentors. I was lucky enough to receive a position working for LaChica Sports/Players Coalition where I received some exposure to the corporate environment. I now work for Aerotek as a full-time recruiter. I hope to provide the same level of support and mentorship to my fellow Aztecs coming down the pipeline," a senior volleyball student-athlete explained.
Many of our Aztecs are in pursuit of a professional sports career – nine students plan to play in the NFL, NBA or the PGA. Another thirty percent of seniors are looking ahead at medical school, law school and graduate school programs across the country.
What Aztec student-athletes are saying:
"I found Aztecs Going Pro to be a big help for my future." - men's tennis senior
"Aztecs Going Pro helped me really see what I need to do to help shape my career and future." – football, senior
"Aztecs Going Pro was useful because building connections is the biggest thing you can do in today's world." – men's basketball, senior
Aztecs Going Pro is a one-of-a-kind, four-year required curriculum designed to reach all student-athletes and impact their development outside of sport. To support our Aztecs Going Pro program, please visit our LinkedIn page.
SDSU Graduates Entering Work Force
