George Washington University Athletics
GW Athletics Well-Represented at NCAA’s Career in Sports Forum
6/25/2026 11:32:00 AM | General, Gymnastics, Women's Rowing, Academic Services
Last month in Indianapolis the NCAA welcomed student-athletes from across the country for a four-day forum on a career in sports, which sought to aid current college athletes on a path to the pros other than playing. The annual Career in Sports Forum brought selected student-athletes together to learn from industry leaders about potential careers in sports, as the college athletes begin to chart their career paths. Networking with athletics professionals and their peers across the nation, thought-leaders and decision-makers in athletics shared their insights on how personal strengths and career opportunities intersect, particularly for those learning invaluable life skills in college through sport competition.
GW gymnastics' Maya Peters and rowing's Sydney Carroll were among the chosen, and shared their takeaways from the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Sydney Carroll on the experience:
Being selected to represent GW at the NCAA Career in Sports Forum in Indianapolis was an incredibly rewarding experience. Over four days at the NCAA Headquarters, surrounded by 200 fellow student-athletes, I gained a much deeper understanding of the sports industry and what it takes to build a career in athletics. A major highlight was hearing from GW alum Anna Savino Granger, Player Development Program Manager at the NBA. Hearing her journey from being a walk-on on our women's basketball team to working at the league level was incredibly inspiring, especially as I look toward my own goal of pursuing sports law within the NBA. Additionally, the closing keynote speaker, Jonathan Sprinkles, made a massive impact by sharing his "Connection Code." He challenged us with the idea that what separates us from achieving our biggest goals is how we see ourselves and the world, reminding us that "once you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." Applying that perspective to my own goals strengthened my confidence and gave me a new way of thinking about my future.
The forum provided a space to explore how the skills we develop daily as student-athletes, like adaptability, communication, and resilience, translate directly into professional leadership. Through hands-on activities, networking, and hearing from industry leaders, I was forced to look closely at my own strengths and how they translate to professional settings. Leaving Indianapolis, I had a clearer vision for my path into sports law, supported by an amazing network of peers, industry professionals, and alumni shaping the future of sports.
Maya Peters on the experience:
I had the honour of attending the 2026 NCAA Career in Sports Forum at the NCAA Headquarters in Indianapolis as one of 200 student-athletes selected from across the country. I was grateful for the opportunity to represent the George Washington University and learn alongside so many driven athletes, leaders, and future professionals in sports. My biggest takeaway from the forum was the importance of moving with intention - not just thinking about where I want to go, but actively building the habits, relationships, and self-awareness that will help me get there. As I begin my summer internship and continue exploring a future in the sports industry, I am committed to approaching each opportunity with more clarity, curiosity, and purpose.
Throughout the forum, I had the chance to hear from incredible speakers and professionals across the sports industry. I left Indianapolis with my cup full and a clearer understanding of the kind of person, professional and leader I want to become. Every conversation and session pushed me to aim higher and think more intentionally about the impact I hope to make in sports. Thank you to the NCAA, the facilitators, speakers and fellow student-athletes who made this experience so meaningful.
Armed with new insights that will support their aspirations for a career in sports, Carroll and Peters will return to GW in the fall for their senior seasons, better positioned for the transition from Foggy Bottom to a career in the sports industry, and perhaps one day as featured speakers at future forums for the next generation of industry executives.
GW gymnastics' Maya Peters and rowing's Sydney Carroll were among the chosen, and shared their takeaways from the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Sydney Carroll on the experience:
Being selected to represent GW at the NCAA Career in Sports Forum in Indianapolis was an incredibly rewarding experience. Over four days at the NCAA Headquarters, surrounded by 200 fellow student-athletes, I gained a much deeper understanding of the sports industry and what it takes to build a career in athletics. A major highlight was hearing from GW alum Anna Savino Granger, Player Development Program Manager at the NBA. Hearing her journey from being a walk-on on our women's basketball team to working at the league level was incredibly inspiring, especially as I look toward my own goal of pursuing sports law within the NBA. Additionally, the closing keynote speaker, Jonathan Sprinkles, made a massive impact by sharing his "Connection Code." He challenged us with the idea that what separates us from achieving our biggest goals is how we see ourselves and the world, reminding us that "once you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." Applying that perspective to my own goals strengthened my confidence and gave me a new way of thinking about my future.
The forum provided a space to explore how the skills we develop daily as student-athletes, like adaptability, communication, and resilience, translate directly into professional leadership. Through hands-on activities, networking, and hearing from industry leaders, I was forced to look closely at my own strengths and how they translate to professional settings. Leaving Indianapolis, I had a clearer vision for my path into sports law, supported by an amazing network of peers, industry professionals, and alumni shaping the future of sports.
Maya Peters on the experience:
I had the honour of attending the 2026 NCAA Career in Sports Forum at the NCAA Headquarters in Indianapolis as one of 200 student-athletes selected from across the country. I was grateful for the opportunity to represent the George Washington University and learn alongside so many driven athletes, leaders, and future professionals in sports. My biggest takeaway from the forum was the importance of moving with intention - not just thinking about where I want to go, but actively building the habits, relationships, and self-awareness that will help me get there. As I begin my summer internship and continue exploring a future in the sports industry, I am committed to approaching each opportunity with more clarity, curiosity, and purpose.
Throughout the forum, I had the chance to hear from incredible speakers and professionals across the sports industry. I left Indianapolis with my cup full and a clearer understanding of the kind of person, professional and leader I want to become. Every conversation and session pushed me to aim higher and think more intentionally about the impact I hope to make in sports. Thank you to the NCAA, the facilitators, speakers and fellow student-athletes who made this experience so meaningful.
Armed with new insights that will support their aspirations for a career in sports, Carroll and Peters will return to GW in the fall for their senior seasons, better positioned for the transition from Foggy Bottom to a career in the sports industry, and perhaps one day as featured speakers at future forums for the next generation of industry executives.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Rowing
UB, BB
/ GymnasticsThursday, June 18
Thursday, May 21
Thursday, May 21
Thursday, May 21