For student-athletes, sports often become a major part of their identity. As graduation approaches and athletic careers begin to transition, many are left asking: What comes next?

For Sammi Thiele, the NCAA Career in Sports Forum, provided valuable answers while helping her gain confidence in her future career aspirations. Thiele attended the NCAA Forum on May 27-30 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana at the NCAA Headquarters. 

One of Sammi's biggest takeaways was learning how the skills she has developed as a student-athlete translate directly into the professional world.

The first takeaway was understanding all of the things she has learned and skills she has developed from being an athlete and translating them into the workforce. She said, "It helped me develop confidence and recognize the unique identity I have within myself."

Another impactful experience came through an exercise called "Redesigning Your Jersey," which challenged participants to reflect on the values that define them beyond athletics." I was able to identify the core things that are valuable to me and how I can still honor those values and create a new athletic identity after hanging up the jersey," Sammi explained.

Beyond the personal development sessions, Thiele valued the opportunity to connect with fellow student-athletes from across the country and learn from their diverse experiences. The forum's keynote speakers also left a lasting impression, particularly their messages about reimagining life after sports and having the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. "The keynote speakers really connected with me," she said. "They talked about finding the confidence and ability within yourself to set yourself apart from the crowd and pursue your dreams."

The forum also aligned closely with Sammi's professional aspirations. As someone interested in working in professional sports, she appreciated the opportunity to network with industry representatives and explore internship opportunities across different areas of the sports world. "The program was a good blend of personal development and networking," she explained. "The people I spoke to and the internships available to me aligned with my career aspirations."

For Sammi, the NCAA Career in Sports Forum was more than a career development experience. It was an opportunity to recognize the strengths she has gained through athletics, build meaningful connections, and begin shaping the next chapter of her journey with confidence.