Kubasik First Impact Program | 2026-27 Cohort Announcement
Get to know the 27 members of the latest Kubasik First Impact Program Cohort.
Brady Ruth, Staff Writer
9/4/2026
Maryland Made is welcoming a new cohort of 26 student-athletes who will spend the 2026–27 academic year exploring who they are, developing their strengths and preparing to make an impact beyond sport in the Kubasik First Impact Program.
The Kubasik First Impact Program is designed to help student-athletes better understand their identities, strengths, values, interests and goals while building skills and experiences that support their personal, professional and career development.
It’s incredibly rewarding to lead the Kubasik First Impact Program because I get to watch student-athletes move beyond simply asking, ‘What do I want to do?’ and begin asking, ‘Who do I want to become?’ My hope is that through this experience, each student leaves with a deeper understanding of themselves, the confidence to define success on their own terms and the tools to make an impact well beyond their time at Maryland.Maryland Made's Sydney Anderson
The program creates dedicated space for student-athletes to explore their identities and strengths, define personal success and connect their experiences in sport to future academic, professional and personal opportunities.
The 2026-27 cohort underwent orientation in May prior to student-athletes leaving for the summer. They’re now preparing to take part in a year-long experience that includes monthly sessions, mentorship, networking, and exposure opportunities. The program is open to all student-athletes, and is designed for those that may be the first in their family to attend college, hasn’t declared a specific major yet, or is interested in developing their identity outside of their sport.
This year’s cohort will be the fifth in a program that has helped dozens of student-athletes find their passions and start down their professional career paths. The 2026-27 cohort is the largest the program has had so far, and it’s sure to be a tremendous year in College Park, both on and off the field.
