McDonald participates in Career in Sports Forum
6/23/2020 11:25:00 AM | Softball
Sam Houston State graduate Megan McDonald recently took part in the virtual 2020 NCAA Career in Sports Forum with close to 400 student-athletes which offered career guidance and network opportunities with athletics administrators and sports industry experts.
The three-day forum prepared junior and senior student-athletes for a career after graduation. The forum helps student-athletes learn more about themselves as leaders by exposing them to projects that require critical thinking as well as practical experiences that will strengthen their personal and professional skills and competencies. Through their participation, attendees gained a deeper understanding of roles within the athletics industry and how their personal and professional interests align with potential career paths.
"Participating in the Forum was an incredible experience," said McDonald, who is a graduate student and was a four-year starter on the Bearkat softball team. "I had the opportunity to connect with student-athletes from all over the country. I enjoyed getting to talk with everyone and learn about their career goals and getting tips on how to further my career.
"The Forum had an amazing group of speakers who all have such a passion for sports. Hearing their stories lit a fire in me to pursue the career I want, even if it isn't always easy."
McDonald had a decorated playing career at Sam Houston State. She was selected as the 2020 Southland Conference softball Student-Athlete of the Year.
A 2020 preseason first-team All-SLC selection, McDonald was hitting .398 before this past season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. She led the Bearkats in average, RBI (15), hits (35) and slugging percentage (.455) and was named the SLC Hitter of the Week after hitting .520 with a .640 slugging percentage and .538 on-base percentage in six games versus Texas A&M, North Dakota State and Louisiana Tech earlier in the season.
She was a first-team All-SLC outfielder and all-academic honoree in 2019, and was honorable-mention all-conference in 2018.
Forum sessions included how student-athletes can become more aware of their inner strengths, how to develop a career plan, practical approaches to the job search, how to navigate as a young professional in the athletics industry, the role of an athletics administrator and head coach and other motivational and key messaging from speakers. The athletes also had opportunities to engage in breakout sessions where they engaged in guided discussions to further curriculum understanding and build community with other student-athletes. A student-athlete task force also was created to identify and develop specific sessions where student-athletes expressed particular interest.
"The main benefit I received from the Forum regarding my future career is learning of all the different opportunities in sports," McDonald added. "There are many different paths one can take to have a career in sports. I learned about jobs I did not know existed, some of which match the areas I have a passion for. Connecting with different student-athletes and building a vast network was extremely beneficial as well.
"I would like to thank Mrs. (Chris) Thompson (senior associate athletic director for student services) for nominating me for the Forum and helping me have this opportunity. She is an incredible person to have in my corner and has always gone above and beyond to help me be successful."
The diverse lineup of student-athletes represented colleges and universities from all three divisions, numerous academic majors and many sports. The forum, typically held at the NCAA headquarters for close to 200 student-athletes, was expanded this year to provide more guidance and education, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forum speakers included directors of athletics, representatives from athletics academic services, athletic conference offices, head coaches and officials in business and professional sports.
