2024-25 Gossett Fellows Capstone Presentations

Maryland Made’s Gossett Fellows Capstone Presentations, held on Nov. 18 in Gossett Hall, celebrated the culmination of a semester of career development, community engagement and personal growth for University of Maryland student-athletes. 

Named after Barry and Mary Gossett, longtime supporters of the University of Maryland, the Gossett Fellows program highlights the holistic development of upperclassmen student-athletes beyond their sports, focusing on their future careers and lives beyond athletics.

Damon Evans, Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics, extended a heartfelt thank you from the Maryland Made staff and student-athletes to the Gossett family for sponsoring the program.

"Thank you for investing in what matters most — the young people,” Evans said to kick off the evening.  

Evans then explained why the Gossett Fellows program is valuable to student-athletes. 

“It connects you to the athletes in that it shows you that they're more than athletes,” he shared. "Visiting the teams and attending games are important, but seeing them in a different environment is rewarding."

The Gossett Fellows Program is one aspect of an innovative support model that focuses on a critical gap in student-athlete development.

Evans reflected on his own college experience, as such a program wasn't available for him as a student-athlete. 

"I wish I had an opportunity like this when I was a student-athlete,” he said. “What you do in sports is important, but it’s not as important as what you do with the rest of your life."

Gossett Fellows aims to teach student-athletes project management skills so they can present relevant career information and think critically about topics.

Ethan Gough, a junior redshirt long snapper on the football team, described his experience with Gossett Fellows as the best experience he could’ve had as a student-athlete regarding career development. 

His presentation focused on community service, a passion inspired by his lifelong involvement with his father and church. Expanding that passion into college has been transformative for him, he says. 

Gough and his group members highlighted their commitment to serving underserved communities during the presentation. They expressed their sincere gratitude for their support as student-athletes and explained how they want to give back to the communities that need it most.

Zoe Huang, a senior setter on the volleyball team and a former Kubasik First Impact Program participant, saw Gossett Fellows as the next step in her post-athletic career journey. She highlighted how the program encouraged her to think beyond the present.

"It gives me something else to think about other than sports or school,” Huang said. “It’s making me think about how I can enhance my career after college athletics. On top of the program itself, I have met a lot of new athletes, and it's making me think about my future.”

Huang discussed diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). With a spotlight on the role of women in the workplace, the group emphasized the importance of DEIB concepts for the future success of all professionals.

“With the implementation of the new curriculum of Gossett Fellows, it was so impressive to see the students adapt and adjust to the changes made to their presentations and topics” said Program Director for Student-Athlete Career Development, Daeze Alaeze. “I’m just so proud of them and the effort they put into these presentations. I’m looking forward to seeing their action plans executed in the spring semester!”

Other presentation highlights included information about the power of relationship building and the pressing issue of physical and mental burnout.

"I never cease to be amazed by your perspectives,” Barry Gossett said to the group of student-athletes. “They are inspiring and important."

Gossett expressed pride in the program’s growth, including the highest grade point averages recorded since its inception. Noting its impact on academic achievement, Gossett shared his hope that the program continues to help students explore life after athletics.

"Providing the opportunity is one thing, but seeing the students take advantage of it is truly gratifying," Gossett said.

The evening showcased the incredible growth of student-athletes as they prepare to excel in life after athletics. The presentations were engaging and insightful, a testament to the transformative impact of the Gossett Fellows Program.

"I want to give you the opportunity to succeed in whatever you do, but whatever business you’re in, you need to enjoy doing it," Gossett said to his student-athletes.