Washington State University Athletics announced three staffing updates this week and updated promotions to the Cougar Pursuit program, WSU Athletics' student-athlete development program.
Nick Garner has transitioned to the role of Director of Student-Athlete Innovation. Having previously worked as the unit's Student-Athlete Development and Alumni Engagement Coordinator, Garner was responsible for the coordination of career development and community engagement as part of the Cougar Pursuit program. He also coordinated engagement with Cougar alumni, oversaw employer relations, and advised the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Garner's new role will focus on developing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum for personal branding, entrepreneurship, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) education. Through workshops, in class lectures, special events, and storytelling, this role will significantly contribute to the personal and professional growth of WSU student-athletes. Garner will continue to be involved in community engagement for the Cougar Pursuit program and advise SAAC.
"Our passion for WSU has been fed from a lifetime of positive experiences, and our intent with the gift is to contribute in some way that truly 'makes something happen' that wouldn't happen without our gift," said Dan Castle. "We want to help create a leading-edge experience for student-athletes."
Janelle Nguyen has been promoted to the Director of Student-Athlete Development, after previously serving as a Student-Athlete Development Coordinator for the past year. Nguyen will provide oversight and strategic leadership for the Cougar Pursuit program, and develop goals, programming, assessment, and evaluation for the unit. She will continue to advise the Black Student-Athlete Association (BSAA) and Cougar Pride Student-Athlete Alliance (CPSAA).
Gabrielle Charles joins the team as the Student-Athlete Development Graduate Assistant. Charles spent the past year as the WSU Voiland College Career Services Graduate Assistant, where she conducted resume reviews and mock interviews for 50+ engineering students. Additionally, Charles planned employer recruitment information sessions on-campus and virtually while communicating events and updates to students. This summer, she was selected into the inaugural class of the Lee Elder Internship, established by The Country Club in partnership with the United States Golf Association. Charles is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Sports Management, and earned her undergraduate degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she was a track and field student-athlete.
"WSU Athletics continues to invest in the future of student-athletes. The hard work and dedication of the Cougar Pursuit team will continue to elevate student-athletes. We look forward to this new academic year with a complete team," said
Dr. Shelby McKay, Senior Associate AD for Staff & Student-Athlete Development.
Established in Fall 2020, the Cougar Pursuit program is an innovative and holistic program that prepares WSU student-athletes for life after sport.
