ALUMNIDigital Book
STUDENT PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY
SOCIAL SCIENCES (PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIAL WORK)
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to prepare you for life after sports?
I would better utilize networking resources that were already offered at U of M
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
Being a student-athlete has prepared me for the real world by instilling in me a higher standard of personal accountability, fostering a strong work ethic, and cultivating resilient mental strength
What General Advice would you give to current student-Athletes?
Appreciate your time and be grateful in the moment
What Are skills you look for in a New Hire? Work ethic, communication skills, self-discipline
Sarah Lee
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
Los Angeles, California sleeblue@umich.edu
M&A AND PARTNERSHIP & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
ANAYLST, FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS
ACCOUNTING & FINANCE | WEALTH MANAGEMENT
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
It really opened doors, as many employers are well aware and impressed by the dedication it takes to be a D1 athlete and care about your education as well The connections I have made through Michigan athletics alone have led to inspiring conversations and amazing networking opportunities
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Grades are important but really try to hone in on learning tangible skills in your classes that you can apply in a job If it means taking a class that you might not get a an easy A in but you really learn something from, take the hard class and maybe the worse grade but set yourself up for success down the road
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Make as many friends in your community as you can, give it your all on the court/field and in the classroom. Hard work pays off in ways you might not initially expect it to. But most impact you have fun and try to be as present as possible. Each moment at UofM is a gift
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
Time management, attention to detail, going above and beyond the job description, not afraid of learning something new, ability to work well with others, being okay with failure but not afraid to try again
San Francisco, California
elenavl@umich.edu
Elena “Lanie” Van Linge
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY PHD STUDENT UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO SOCIAL SCIENCES
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
My experience has equipped me with skills such as time management, discipline, and the pursuit of balance, all of which have been instrumental in shaping my graduate career
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
My advice would be to prioritize your current team and education, maintain a strong support network, and engage in self-d beyond the confines of sports
What are skills you would look for in a new I would prioritize candidates who exhibit excellent communication, problem-solving, and a willingness to and grow
I wish I had known the importance of prioritizing my well-being and exploring various values/interests to better transition into life after sports. Toledo, Ohio
teonav@gmail.com
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
Teona Velehorschi
EXECUTIVE DELIVERY MANAGER APEX SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
As a student athlete, I learned and developed essential life skills: leadership, time management, the ability to handle pressure/meet deadlines, working with others to achieve a common goal, how to take feedback, the list goes on :)
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Athletics does not define your identity It's something that you do and it's a part of who you are but recognize it does not define all that you are Discover other interests and passions and find mentors who will push you while also providing guidance, support and advocacy
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Being a student athlete is both an honor and a privilege
Prioritize academics and your personal development and growth
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
Strong work ethic and drive, resilient, solutions oriented, positive attitude and the ability to collaborate/be a team player.
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Richmond, Virginia
lmhoward22@gmail.com
Lindsey Staples
O N T A C T
N F O R M A T I O N
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
Managing Time, Resourcefulness under pressure, and being an individual competitor as part of a team
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Don't take your body for granted and keep up the daily workout; find a passion.
Work Hard off-court and give yourself enough time to do the work; Find your path through finding a passion; look after each other; Carpe Diem
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes? Albany, California nancylouisekb@gmail.com Frederika Adam
Curiosity and initiative; analytical abilities that value reason first; knows that they need to listen to make wise decisions
A C T A T I O N
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
FOUNDER & OWNER, GAME ON! SPORTS 4 GIRLS SPORTS, MEDIA, AND ENTERTAINMENT
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
My time competing on behalf of Michigan was such as source of pride As my long career involving passing on the gift of sports to girls has evolved, my experience on the team has provided a source of inspiration to thousands of young girls, letting them know they can and should dream big!!!! (And dreaming BLUE is always an add on when I share stories!)
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
There never has to be a "life after sports!" To this day, sports, fitness and active endeavors remain a constant in my life
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
passion with your career, you will never "work" a day in your life!
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
Curiosity and initiative; analytical abilities that value reason first; knows that they need to listen to make wise decisions
Chicago, Illinois
barb@gameonsports4girls.com
Barb Lazarus
O N T A C T R M A T I O N
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
Being an athlete helped me in two key ways: 1) By giving me the work ethic, ability to set and reach goals, tenacity and competitiveness needed in the professional sphere, and 2) By providing a key differentiator for me in the eyes of prospective employers, managers, customers, and peers throughout my career.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to prepare you for life after sports?
Relationships matter, so meet lots of different people and stay connected to them! And don't be afraid to stray from the path you set for yourself, you never know what you might find
What General Advice would you give to current student-Athletes?
Enjoy the ride! Your time as a student-athlete is short so don't sweat the small stuff, give it your all, and have fun!
What Are skills you look for in a New Hire? Commitment to excellence, can-do attitude, innovative, resilient, kind, and good sense of humor
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
STRATEGIC ACCOUNT MANAGER LINKEDIN SALES AND MARKETING Atlantic Highlands, NJ tina@tinabasle.com
Tina Basle
What do you wish you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Leadership, good teamwork and communication from my experience have helped in my career.
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
Get an internship or two during college! Challenge yourself with some tough classes.
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Don’t take your experience for granted
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
Communication, team player, not shy to ask questions
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michellesulahian12@gmail.com
Michelle Sulahian
REAL ESTATE ADVISOR JLL REAL ESTATE
O N T A C T
N F O R M A T I O N
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Denver, Colorado
TEACHER CONSULTANT, GREATER ESSEX COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD EDUCATION
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to prepare you for life after sports?
It has made me a more resilient person, as well as someone who can time manage effectively and work as part of a team
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
Your sport is not your identity
What General Advice would you give to current student-Athletes?
Try new things! Get involved! Meet lots of people from lots of different backgrounds and expand your perspectives and horizons.
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
Teamwork, perseverance, ability to cope, curiosity, and a healthy understanding that they do not know everything, along with a willingness to admit that
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N Windsor, Ontario, CAN kdelicata85@gmail.com
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
I wish I was more aware of the different career opportunities when I was in school so I could explore more options and talk to people who worked in those fields.
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
Being an athlete at Michigan has helped me be able to work with many different kinds of people It has also taught me how to persevere and work hard at something I want
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
When you are practicing and competing, appreciate all the moments (even the hard ones and when your teammates are annoying you). Give everything you possibly can. It really is over before you know it.
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
Looking for someone with a great attitude who works well with others and always tries to keep learning
TENNIS PROFESSIONAL (PART TIME) , BOOKKEEPER (PART TIME)
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N Granger, Indiana sorayoon@gmail.com
SOUTH BEND RACQUET CLUB, ADVANCED OPHTHALMOLOGY OF MICHIANA HEALTHCARE | SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
I never thought of my post college life as life after sports - life outside of tennis was full, so no adjustment was needed
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Be curious and explore your curiosities If you're not already, become your best friend
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
A person who is curious, willing to explore, can communicate, and has a collaboration mindset.
Initially it provided a sense of identity In the long run it helped me feel comfortable in capabilities and voice Seattle, Washington akwunderlin@gmail com
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C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O
LOGISTICS SPECIALIST UNITED STATES ANTARCTIC PROGRAM ACCOUNTING & FINANCE, SALES AND MARKETING
OPERATING PARTNER | STARTUP ADVISOR FAMILY OFFICE | REPUBLIC ACCOUNTING & FINANCE, TECH
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
Being a varsity athlete is respected by everyone. It helped me get my 1st job at a wall-street bank, not because of my tennis skills per se, but the perceived work-ethics and playfulness I've learned from it. Be proud of the work you exerted as a student-athlete and leverage these experiences to learn the next thing.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Never stop learning Growth mindset is key in all areas and phases of life
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Build and maintain your network Keep in touch with your favorite friends, teachers and coaches from UofM These networks will serve you in unaccepted ways
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
Result-focused, humble, quick-study
C O N T A C T
I N F O R M A T I O N
Rancho Santa Fe, California
szandra.ford@gmail.com
Szandra Ford
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS HOPPER SALES AND MARKETING, TRAVEL TECH
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
Yes, it helped me immensely... with prioritization, work/life balance, navigating difficult situations, and focusing on my strengths amongst many other elements.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Set yourself up for your future career and make some amazing friends along the way. You never want to look back and wish you should've done something.
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Internships during college summers helped shaped my career.
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
Navigating difficult situations, proactiveness, work ethic, ambitious, and time management
Highland Park, IL
lindseybgoldstein@gmail.com
Lindsey Ross
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
Team work, time management
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Travel while you're young!
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Grind it out in school to get a great job, make connections - networking is so underrated
What are skills you would look for in a new hire? Positivity, authenticity, self-starter attitude
Boston, Massachusetts
alisonbsinclair@gmail.com
Alison Sinclair
C O N T A C T
N F O R M A T I O N
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ATTORNEY / CONSULTANT LOCKTON CONSULTING
RETIRED
NATIONAL CATHEDRAL SCHOOL EDUCATION
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
I was a physical education teacher and tennis coach
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Always keep in shape!
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Organize your time to allow for studying, sports and social activities
What are skills you would look for in a new hire? A teaching degree
Takoma Park, Maryland
laurieoconnor3@gmail.com
Laura O’Connor
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
ASSOCIATE, ALVAREZ & MAR ACCOUNTING & FINANCE, CON
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
My student athlete experience helped me learn grit to work hard, be resilient, and show up every day to do my best no matter what In my career this mindset has helped me stand out for my work ethic and push through difficult situations to work hard and be successful I believe student athletes have an extra gear to work hard and manage a lot on their plate compared to those who did not play sports in college and compete in high pressure situations
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Don't wait until school or tennis is over to start thinking about what you may want to pursue after sports. Although tennis is your primary focus in college, there are ways to develop yourself as an individual and spark outside interests along the way. The best way I was able to transition was attending career webinars on campus in earlier years, staying in touch with Ross professors who taught classes that inspired me, and utilizing the career resources Ross provided (case interview prep for consulting not only helped me learn, but got me excited for the next step, it felt like training for another challenge like we train on the court for a big match) I viewed my career search as a challenge like I viewed training to improve my tennis, and now I still think of it this way as I work on each case in my consulting career
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Be sure to find time to enjoy all that Michigan has to offer, whether it be an elective class that aligns with a potential interest, a club or internship experience, friends with different interests, or an association on campus These aspects will help you develop yourself outside your sport and prepare you for your next path after tennis Although tennis will always be a huge part of your life, when you are looking for a next career path, it will be easier for you to find something that aligns with your values and interests if you know yourself well outside your sport and know what you want your life to look like outside your sport
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N Chicago, Illinois
kathrynmwangler@gmail.com Kara Hall
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
Learning the discipline of teamwork in high emotion environments helped prep me for being a good colleague and leader in the workspace. The time management skills acquired to be a successful student-athlete at Michigan showed me the recipe of hard work and dedication leading to success.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
I wish I knew more about internships to explore different work opportunities Also, the importance in gaining knowledge on investing early
What general advice would you give to current stu
Don’t be too hard on yourself Enjoy and make the most out of It’s a unique experience in your life with some of the best mem
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
Confident, go getter, willing to learn, humble
Denisemu89@gmail.com
Denise (Muresan) Cotard
EXECUTIVE TERRITORY MANAGER BIOTRONIK HEALTHCARE, SALES & MARKETING Chicago, Illinois
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
PHYSICIAN, BETH ISRAEL HEALTHCARE
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
Developed resilience, grit and work ethic
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
To start networking in college
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Study more, party less
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
Work ethic, honesty, teamwork, leadership
Boston, Massachusetts
nina.yaftali@gmail.com
Dr. Nina Yaftali
O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OVERSEAS PRESS CLUB OF AMERICA
SPORTS, MEDIA, AND ENTERTAINMENT
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
It helps me bond with colleagues or sources who also were athletes. I was a business journalist 36 years and now run a club for foreign correspondents
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Never be afraid of trying something unfamiliar or challenging
Bronx, New York
e would you give to current student-athletes?
orry about a career. Enjoy your sport and take any course that interests you
at are skills you would look for in a new hire?
who has exhibited leadership, but also knows how to work well with others
patricia.kranz@gmail.com
Patricia Kranz
ANESTHESIOLOGIST HEALTHCARE
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
Yes, it really helped me with time management and being able to study and play competitive tennis, which was a skill I used my graduate and medical school
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Would have taken advantage of NIL!
at general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Getting your degree is very important. Nobody can take that away from you, who knows where tennis will take you but you can always fall back on your education.
What are skills you would look for in a new hire? .
Hard working, motivated, independent
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N San Antonio, Texas michellatte22@yahoo.com Michelle DaCosta
PRO PICKLEBALL PLAYER
PROFESSIONAL PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION
SPORTS, MEDIA, AND ENTERTAINMENT
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
Knowing how to train like a high level athlete
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
The big moments really aren’t that big in the grand scheme of things
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Enjoy every second Even the tough moments are incredible memories later on
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
Work ethic, initiative, punctuality, team player
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
North Carolina
Concord,
bucknerbm@gmail.com
SENIOR TECH PRODUCT MANAGER AMAZON TECHNOLOGY
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
It clarified what I wanted to pursue A core aim of mine is to help empower female athletes after they retire This goal has led me to leading trips for female athletes, partnering with a co-founder to develop a coaching program for former pro and collegiate athletes, and more!
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
I wish I had known that it will be difficult to move on from your sport. It's been such a huge part of your life for so long, so that is completely understandable. And, it's incredibly relatable for other athletes who are also figuring out what's next after sport Reach out to your network and get the support you need to not only get through this period of time, but to take the time you need to get excited for what's ahead of you!
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Enjoy it! Explore anything and everything. College is such a wonderful opportunity to learn about yourself, learn what it means to be on a team, develop into a leader, and work together towards ambitious, exciting goals.
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N San Diego, California
Ruder-Hook
mirarh@umich.edu Mira
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
I think that the best part about the student athlete experience is the relationships you make. Whether that’s with your coaches, teammates, or other student athletes. Forming these relationships helps you figure out how to work together, solve problems, and just be there and support each other and those are skills that you will need when you continue your journey outside of school Yeah all of the specific things you learn in class are helpful and beneficial but people and relationships and building and maintaining those are something that you will always need when you step into whatever is next
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Unfortunately still in sports can I read everyone else’s answers to also help me when I’m done plz
Listen to Ronni and Teryn always duh. But be open to learning and growing and criticism. Even though we always think we are right…….or I always did at least oops. We mostly likely very much aren’t. Let the people around you help you and support you because there are a lot of people that would love to be by the best teammates and
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes? Indianapolis,
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYER WTA/ITF SPORTS, MEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT
Indiana embektas11@gmail.com
MARKETING CONSULTANT SELF EMPLOYED SALES AND MARKETING
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
Michigan academics and name, tennis, competitiveness -- so many important elements in opening doors and giving me confidence to be successful in getting my MBA, business and life
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Try your hardest and enjoy the ride
r advice you have been given?
Become a well-rounded student athlete -- work hard, play hard
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
Hard work, drive, work to completion,
O N T A C T
N F O R M A T I O N
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Atherton, California hagermans@gmail.com
DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL COUNSELING
OUR LADY OF PROVIDENCE HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
Always an asset to have multiple skill sets as an educator and as a school counselor! My tennis background has certainly been an attribute and a way to stand out! As I have gotten older it is the one thing that "might" impress teenagers-haha!
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
That is a long convoluted list-the things I did not know that looking back, I wish I had! In general, I would have liked more focus on my career after tennis-more counseling in that area-personality and career assessments-if those opportunities were around in the 90's, I did not take advantage of them
st career advice you have been given?
I think they are probably doing just fine without my advice. :) I have deep respect and gratitude for the education I received at MICHIGAN, the opportunities I had, and the people I met. So my advice would be to recognize and embrace the people/things/opportunities that they are grateful for and find ways to express that gratitude
Curiosity and a willingness to learn.
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N Louisville, Kentucky jaimiemcrae@yahoo com
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
Employer's seem to find it fascinating; most realize the time commitment/dedication it required to be a student-athlete
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Sample a variety of courses in your first year before deciding what to major in
What's the best career advice you have been given?
Enjoy the hard work, the competition; it's a journey Even though it's hard and challenging; you'll miss it when it's over and you'll look back on those years with fond memories
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
hard, who are honest, who care about bers), people who don't shy away from challenges
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
leanne.rutherford@gmail.com Leanne Rutherford
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N MANAGEMEMT CONSULTANT SELF EMPLOYED CONSULTING
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
The combination of having graduated from a great university and lettered in tennis has always been a huge positive The business world respects the education gained at Michigan and the mental toughness and willingness to take on tough tasks that is ingrained in people who compete at a high level
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
Your student-athlete experience has built confidence, resilience and the ability to succeed. lows. These attributes will prepare you for all sorts of life experiences.
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
What's the best career advice you have been given?
edentials that fit the position, I would look for ositive attitude, willingness to learn, ability to m solve and work collaboratively with others.
Work hard at school and tennis. Be a great teammate. Have fun along the way. Plano, Texas val weidlich@gmail com Valerie Weidlich
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
GLOBAL SERVICES SALES DIRECTOR AT&T RETIRED ALES AND MARKETING, TECHNOLOGY
TRANSPORTATION PLANNER WALKER CONSULTANTS URBAN PLANNING
How has your student-athlete experience helped you in your career?
Time management and teamwork
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in school to best prepare you for life after sports?
It might take a little time and patience to find a professional position and company that aligns with my interests and goals
What general advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Enjoy your time! It goes by so quickly.
What are skills you would look for in a new hire?
Willingness to learn new skills Ability to meet deadlines
Willingness to collaborate
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Rolling Hills Estates, California
taniamahtani@gmail.com
Tania Schleck
O N T A C T
N F O R M A T I O N
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