Empowering Futures: Maryland Made's Gossett Fellows Showcase Career Readiness and Leadership

Throughout the semester, the Gossett Fellows Program has provided student-athletes with valuable opportunities to gain real-world skills that they’ll need post graduation.

Maryland Made recently put together its annual Gossett Fellows Capstone Presentations to celebrate the semester of growth and opportunity with over a dozen student-athletes. 

“My confidence in our student-athletes being prepared for the transition into the workforce is incredibly high because programs like the Gossett Fellows give our student-athletes real, hands-on experience that builds the career skills they need long after their playing days end,” Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics Jim Smith said. “Our Terps in this year’s cohort are investing deeply in their ability to manage projects, communicate effectively, and step into the workforce fully prepared to thrive.”

Smith was on-hand for the celebration of the semester and the honoring of the student-athlete’s hard work off the field this year. 

“The Gossett Fellows presentations were outstanding, showcasing a level of preparation, professionalism, and creativity that reflects just how seriously our student-athletes take their future careers,” Smith said. “It’s clear that this program is empowering them to think bigger, communicate with confidence, and translate their ideas into meaningful action.”

Softball’s Sammi Woods was named this year’s Peer Impact Award winner, highlighting her incredible efforts in leadership in this year’s workshops voted on by her peers.

“It means a great deal to have won the Peer Impact Award,” Woods said. “It was completely unexpected and receiving it made me feel appreciated and fulfilled. Knowing that people I admire and get to work alongside throughout my collegiate journey chose to recognize my efforts is incredibly meaningful. This will motivate me to keep showing up, contributing, and uplifting the people around me.”

Woods was a regular contributor to meaningful group conversations and workshops throughout the semester.

“The Gossett Fellows program has given me a clear, practical understanding of what it means to step confidently into life after college,” Woods said. “Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and constant opportunities for reflection, I’ve been able to explore my strengths, build professional skills, and gain clarity on the kind of career environment where I’ll thrive. The workshops and conversations pushed me to think beyond my comfort zone, while the community around me provided support and accountability.”

Men’s soccer’s Albi Ndrenika offered his advice to other student-athletes considering getting involved in future opportunities. 

“I’d say there is nothing to lose and it helps you move out of your comfort zone,” Ndrenika said. “You learn so many skills that you will need post graduation that you would not learn in class or anywhere else. It’s all to gain nothing to lose, and it was a great experience working with everybody learning about skills I need and learning about myself as well.”

Women’s track and field athlete Nyla Cherry has worked with Maryland Made in the Gossett Fellows Program and recognizes the path it put her professional future on. 

“Maryland Made has easily had the largest impact on my career trajectory throughout college,” Cherry said. “The different programs and support offered has given me both the courage and the skills to put myself out there and create the opportunities I wanted for myself. I went to my first career exposure tour freshman year and I truly believe it paved the way for the rest of my success thus far.”

Maryland Made’s Director of Student-Athlete Development Adaeze Alaeze-Garbo helped organize the event and applauded the student-athletes’ efforts this year. 

“I’m so proud of our student-athletes and their final capstone presentations,” Alaeze-Garbo said. “This program continues to inspire the next generation to dive deeper into their career-readiness development and envision life beyond sports. This group did an outstanding job presenting and reflecting on the topics and areas of their lives they want to prioritize as they prepare for life after athletics.”