Elexis Edwards
Women's Gymnastics | Cohort 1, Program Coordinator in the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute
NEXT GEN PROGRAM
The NextGen Program, designed to prepare student-athletes for a career within intercollegiate athletics. The program is the latest within the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute, furthering its mission to provide leadership, character, and career development for all Ohio State student-athletes in order to best prepare them for life after graduation.
Student-Athletes will perform two 1-year rotations across various units within the Department of Athletics. There are a total of 13 student-athletes across 10 different sports in the program.
Why Next Gen?
"I decided to apply to NextGen to explore my career aspirations and interests, develop skills as a working professional, and to work at a prestigious university. I am very grateful for this opportunity from the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute and look forward to what the future will bring. "
What are your Future Career Aspirations?
"Currently, my career aspirations include continuing to serve the student-athlete population in reaching their personal and professional goals. I would like the opportunity to stay within collegiate athletics."
Alexis Hankins
Women's Gymnastics | Cohort 2, Program Coordinator in the Business Office
Why Next Gen?
"I decided to apply for NextGen because I saw it as an opportunity to grow and expand my knowledge and experiences. It's a great transition for life after sport and from being a full-time student-athlete."
What is your favorite part of the NextGen program?
"My favorite part of NextGen so far is meeting and connecting with new people and former student-athletes. Everything I've learned as well has really opened my eyes. I've never been more grateful and appreciative for what Ohio State has to offer. It truly is the best of the best."
Nina Andrianos
Dance | Cohort 2, Program Coordinator in Digital Media
Why Next Gen?
"I chose NextGen because it allows me to explore various aspects of the athletic department that I may want to pursue as a career. It provides an opportunity to learn from the individuals who made a significant impact on my experience as a student-athlete and to gain insight into the behind-the-scenes work at one of the nation's top athletic departments."
What are your Future Career Aspirations?
"Looking ahead, I hope to build a career in collegiate athletics or the NFL. While I'm still exploring differnt roles, I’m confident that the experience I gain from the NextGen program will guide me in discovering my career path."
Hannah Bach
Women's Swimming | Cohort 2, Program Coordinator in Development
Why Next Gen?
"I saw the NextGen program as an incredible opportunity to make an impactful transition into the professional world. Since the internship is at Ohio State, I already understood how to uphold the high standards and meet the expectations surrounding The People, The Tradition, The Excellence.”
What are your Future Career Aspirations?
"My future career aspirations involve working in either the athletics or healthcare realm. Currently, I am gaining invaluable experience in the Athletics Development office, and I feel that development is a path I could see myself pursuing further, especially in the world of athletics. "
Kamryn Babb
Football | Cohort 1, Assistant Director of Annual Giving
Why Next Gen?
"This program gives me the opportunity to grow while also getting more professional development outside of football, and I still get to stay connected with the Ohio State community. This program has led me into my first full time job as a Development Associate Director."
What is your favorite part of the NextGen program?
"My favorite part about the NextGen program is the opportunities I have been given to grow professionally and personally. It has challenged me in different ways which has truly changed me for the better as a person"
Brooke Shields
Cheer | Cohort 1, Program Coordinator in Name Image and Likeness
Why Next Gen?
"I applied to gain valuable experience and expand my knowledge of the differnt operations within collegiate athletics. It also serves as a starting point for my career in the sports business industry."
What is your favorite part of the NextGen program?
"I love how I have been able to work with several different units and staff members within our athletic department, even outside of my two rotational units. I am able to learn about different roles and jobs that are being done to better the student-athlete experience at Ohio State."
Ali Gordon
Field Hockey | Cohort 2, Program Coordinator in Marketing
Why Next Gen?
"I chose the NextGen program for a smooth transition from playing field hockey at Ohio State into a career in sports and my interest in marketing. I knew the program would offer valuabe experiences that couldnt be found anywhere else, and to work for one of the best schools in the country."
What are your Future Career Aspirations?
"My career aspirations are to build a successful career in marketing, where I can continuously learn and grow. I aim to gain diverse experience by working with various fields and professionals, which will help me develop a well-rounded skill set and deep understanding of market dynamics."
Kathleen Jones
Women's Tennis | Cohort 1, Program Coordinator in Trademark and Licensing
Why Next Gen?
"I have wanted to work at Ohio State ever since my first internship with Bucks Go Pro 1.0 in Summer of 2021."
What is your favorite part of the NextGen program?
"Next Gen has been a game changer having a group of people to lean on who are in the same boat as me. Often when you start a new job, you are the only new one there. But with NextGen, we all started the same day and were the “new kids” together."
Delaney Lawler
Field Hockey | Cohort 2, Program Coordinator in Event Management
Why Next Gen?
"I have wanted to work at Ohio State ever since my first internship with Bucks Go Pro 1.0 in Summer of 2021."
What is your favorite part of the NextGen program?
"Next Gen has been a game changer having a group of people to lean on who are in the same boat as me. Often when you start a new job, you are the only new one there. But with NextGen, we all started the same day and were the “new kids” together."
Andrew Moore
Football | Cohort 2, Program Coordinator in Creative
Why Next Gen?
"I joined the NextGen program to develop myself into the best person I can be in a very dedicated environment."
What is your favorite part of the NextGen program?
"My favorite part of the program is the collaboration between the different departments and observing how everyone works together towards one common goal."
Ashley Turner
Women's Lacrosse | Cohort 1, Special Events and Facility Operations Coordinator
Why Next Gen?
"The NextGen program gave me an opportunity to transition from a student-athlete to working in athletics allowing me to explore different areas of sport in such a unique way. The different rotations offered valuable insights and lessons into how various departments operate and work together to support the student athlete experience and campus events."
What are your Future Career Aspirations?
"I love my new role within our Scarlet and Gray Venues sales. This position has connected with me so many great people and I have learned so much. In the future, I hope to stay within athletics and continue to learn and grow."
Marcus Ernst
Baseball | Cohort 1, Donor Experience Officer
Why Next Gen?
"I wanted to explore a career in athletics, this program was the perfect opportunity to find my interst within college athletics and allowed me to understand what this career could look like. It helped me to find my passion for athletics development, and I am grateful for the opportunity."
What is your favorite part of the NextGen program?
"My favorite part of NextGen has been the people. While exploring various areas in the department, you get the chance to meet a lot of great individuals who help make this one of the best athletic departments in the country."
Emily Armstrong
Synchronized Swimming | Cohort 2, Program Coordinator in Compliance
Why Next Gen?
"I chose to apply to NextGen because I wanted to gain more experience in collegiate athletics and learn from one of the best athletic departments in the country. NextGen gave me the opportunity to explore potential career paths while working on professional development."
What are your Future Career Aspirations?
"In the future, I aspire to work within a collegiate athletic department, focusing on supporting student-athletes. I’m particularly interested in roles related to student-athlete support services and athlete development, where I can help athletes achieve success in all areas of their lives."
