PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State University Student-Athlete Development Department has launched "The Cougar Pursuit" initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at gearing student-athletes with the tools and skills needed to be prepared for life after college,
Shelby McKay, Assistant Director of Athletics, Student-Athlete Development, announced Wednesday.
"Over the past six months, our team worked vigorously to redevelop and strengthen our student-athlete development program," said McKay. "Our goals are to provide innovative, top-tier programming to enhance the student-athlete experience while equipping Cougs with resources and tools to succeed beyond their time at WSU."
The mission of the Student-Athlete Development Department is enriching the overall student-athlete experience at Washington State University by providing tools and opportunities to equip student-athletes for successful careers. Designed to fulfill that mission, "The Cougar Pursuit" highlights the Student-Athlete Development department's core values of Community, Enhancing Leaders, Excellence, Innovation, and Respect, honoring the goals of the WSU Athletics Strategic Plan, UNLEASH, released in September 2019.
"Ensuring our student-athletes are prepared for life after WSU is a critical component in fulfilling the goals we established within the UNLEASH strategic plan," said Director of Athletics
Pat Chun. "'The Cougar Pursuit' initiative will provide our student-athletes the tools needed to achieve success when they leave WSU."
"As someone who has taught a professional development course to our students in the School of Hospitality Business Management for many years, I am thrilled to see the launch of "The Cougar Pursuit" for our student-athletes," said
Nancy Swanger, Faculty Athletics Representative and Director and Associate Professor at the Carson College of Business. "I know, firsthand, how important it is to provide mentorship to those entering the job market; I can't wait to get involved!"
"The Cougar Pursuit" features three pillars: Career Development, Leadership Development, and Personal Development. To graduate from "The Cougar Pursuit" a student-athlete must participate in programs from each pillar.
"We will track student-athletes' involvement in career, leadership and personal development programming throughout their time as a WSU student-athlete," said McKay, adding that it was Leonard who came up with the idea to make this an achievement program for student-athletes' to participate in career, leadership, and personal development programs.
A breakdown of the three "The Cougar Pursuit" pillars are as follows:
Career Development
The Career Development program will provide student-athletes with opportunities to explore career options, increase career competencies, and create a professional career plan while building network connections and recognizing transferable skills.
Student-athletes participate in various career development-focused programming and events that involve:
- Career Advising and Exploration
- NACE Career Readiness Competencies
- Networking
- Professionalism
"A unique feature to the program is that we will connect all career programs to
NACE Career Readiness Competencies: Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Oral/Written Communication, Teamwork/Collaboration, Digital Technology, Leadership, Professionalism/Work Ethic, Career Management, Global/Intercultural Fluency," said McKay.
Leadership Development
The Leadership Development program is designed to educate and promote student-athlete leaders through leadership positions, role models, strategic curriculums, and practical experience.
Student-athletes participate in various leadership development-focused programming and events, which include:
- Black Student-Athlete Association (BSAA)
- Credit Based Leadership Course
- National Conference representation
- Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
Personal Development
The Personal Development program supports student-athletes in self-evaluation and goal setting to develop personal qualities, skills to maximize potential, and positively impact the community.
Student-athletes participate in various personal development-focused programming and events, including:
- Branding Education (Darlow Rules)
- Civic Engagement
- Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Workshops
- Financial Literacy
- Personal Wellness
- Sexual Violence Prevention
"I believe the Cougar Pursuit Program will help develop student-athletes into well-versed people when they leave WSU," said Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President and baseball student-athlete Owen Leonard. "The CPP will assist them to accomplish their dreams after their lives as athletes, furthering their experience at Washington State University."
In addition to implementing "The Cougar Pursuit" initiative, the Student-Athlete Development staff have worked to adapt the program to meet the challenges that COVID-19 has presented.
"This fall we will offer quality programming and individual meetings in a virtual format through Zoom," said McKay. "Additionally, we teach a seminar for freshmen and a leadership course. Freshmen will receive weekly programming through the course. The leadership course is a hybrid where we will meet virtually to review leadership lessons and in person at the Student Recreation Center to practice leadership styles and theory."
