Maryland Made Mentor Program Kickoff

The Maryland Made Mentor Program will focus on building and developing strong, trusting relationships between professionals and current student-athletes. The program commits to providing an atmosphere dedicated to the positive growth and professional development of Maryland student-athletes.

At the Kickoff event held on Sept. 27, 2023, it was explained how student-athletes have a very regimented schedule that does not allow extra time to participate in the many events and activities held by professional or school organizations. This program provides them the flexibility to receive that same support. Receiving guidance from these mentors will help cultivate more knowledge in the fields they are interested in at the time and pace that fits their busy lifestyle.

Sophomore Genevieve Ebaugh of the Maryland softball team is a first-year mentee. She was injured during her freshman season and spent a lot of time trying to find who she is without the sport. 

“The Maryland Made Program will help me continue to grow into who I am made to be, as well as navigate future career paths,” Ebaugh said of Wednesday’s event.

Ebaugh could not decide on a major her freshman year, but in her time off, she felt a spark when looking into sports law. 

“I'm really just excited to find what I want to do in life and explore the field more,” she stated.

Ebuagh was paired with mentor Jeremi Duru, professor and Director of the Sport & Society Initiative at American University Washington College of Law.

Duru didn’t have opportunities like the Maryland Made Mentorship Program when he was completing his undergraduate degree. When he was asked to be a mentor, he thought it would be a great way to support and help students navigate the professional world since he was never given that same guidance.

He hopes that by sharing his experience and expertise with the next generation they will also have the opportunity to revel in their accomplishments. 

“It’s invigorating when you reach a point in your career where you feel established, and there is a sense of gratification by getting someone else to that same place,” Duru said.

Ebaugh’s goal by the end of her first year in the program is to attain a summer internship. She plans on taking advantage of all the opportunities and guidance offered by her mentor. Duru is very excited to work with Ebaugh and explore her interests more throughout the year. 

“I want to support Genevieve in her goals and show her a long-term view of what her future could possibly look like,” Duru said. 

Duru is very passionate about giving back and assisting others in their career goals. He wants to help guide Ebaugh so she can avoid missteps and succeed in whichever path she decides to pursue.

Both Ebaugh and Duru have a lot of excitement moving forward in the program. Ebaugh is looking forward to learning different skills, making connections with people, and feeling more comfortable with her career path. Duru is looking forward to teaching her those different skills, opening her eyes to the different areas of law, and narrowing down what she wants to do. 

The excitement didn’t only come from Ebaugh and Duru. The entire event was emanating with Maryland Pride. The staff were welcoming and eager to answer any questions from mentors or mentees. The mentors and mentees were all very open to sharing their experiences and connecting with everyone in the room, not just their assigned pair. 

As Ebaugh put it, there was a “spark” from the entire kickoff event. As the year progresses that spark will only grow stronger and brighter.