This summer, University of Maryland student-athletes will gain unique career experience in the InTERPship Academy, the athletic department's summer internship program that is part of the Gossett fellowship. In its fifth year, the program educates, develops, and prepares student-athletes for life after competition through internship experiences and career readiness initiatives.

"I applied to the InTERPship Academy to gain insight and explore a career in college athletics," said softball's Taylor Wilson, who is working with the Maryland Made student-athlete development team. "I am excited to learn about the process and challenges creating successful programs that engage and serve a diverse population of student-athletes."

There are 18 student-athletes across 10 unique sports participating in this summer's InTERPship Academy, which began on May 28 and will conclude on July 19. Some student-athletes will be interning within the Maryland's Intercollegiate Athletic department, while others are interning with corporate organizations, non-profit agencies, and fitness facilities.

"I decided to apply for the InTERPship Academy because I wanted to be a more competitive job applicant in my future endeavors," said Cheyenne Jones who is working with Cintas Inc. "While in the Academy, I hope I can develop managerial and leadership skills. Additionally, I hope I further learn and demonstrate effective communication, adaptability, and work ethic that will indeed trailblaze my future career in business."

Student-athletes will work 20 hours per week around their academic and athletic commitments.  

The InTERPship Academy, led by Tim Bryson, Program Director for Student-Athlete Career Development, is a signature experience in the Maryland Made student-athlete development unit.

"The academy is designed to help student-athletes explore their interests, develop professional skills, and cultivate mentorship relationships," said Bryson. "Graduation will always be an important milestone we celebrate, and I believe this program supports our mission to help place student-athletes in internships, full-time jobs, and graduate/professional school post-graduation."

The Maryland Made team facilitates opportunities for student-athletes to develop personally and professionally through six pillars: Career Development, Community Outreach, Leadership and Character Education, Mentorship, Personal Development, and Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy.

"I'm excited to see the growth and development of our student-athletes through these internships," said Resa Lovelace, Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Development  These internships will help them successfully transition into their career paths once their collegiate athletic career has ended."

The student-athletes participating in the InTERPship Academy are listed below:  

• Charlotte Lafourcade, Women's Golf
• Bayli Smith, Women's Track and Field
• Anthony Sountis, Wrestling
• Niven Hegeman, Women's Soccer
• Jasmine Tiamfook, Women's Track and Field
• Emma Johnson, Gymnastics
• Taylor Wilson, Softball
• Peter Tedesco, Wrestling
• Deon Jones, Football
• Zoe Kulkarni, Women's Tennis
• Jack Wagman, Football
• Cheyenne Jones, Women's Track and Field
• John Zoellner, Baseball
• Kathryn Gearhart, Women's Track and Field
• Aaron Robinson, Men's Track and Field
• Jared Loadholt, Men's Track and Field
• Paige Novak, Women's Track and Field
• Justin Brown, Football
• Kameron Jones, Men's Track and Field