Washington State University Athletics
Cougs to Careers Trip to Seattle
April 10, 2026 | WSU Athletics, Student-Athlete Development, Academic Services, Student-Athlete Development
PULLMAN, Wash. (April 10, 2026) – Six Washington State student-athletes recently visited various organizations in the Seattle area as part of Cougs to Careers organized by WSU Student-Athlete Development.
Lauren Willie (Swimming), Addyson Lewis (Swimming), Emily Lundgren (Swimming), Nicole Bissell (Track), Savannah Sennott (Rowing) and Melina Christoudolou (Volleyball) all attended the event with WSU administrators.
The trip gave student-athletes the opportunity to network with professionals across different industries over two days in Seattle. The trip started with a panel from the Seattle Seahawks organization discussing their backgrounds and what working in professional sports looks like. Later that day, student-athletes got a tour of Climate Pledge Arena before attending an NHL Seattle Kraken game.
Speaking with a recruiting specialist at Google allowed student-athletes to step out of the sports space and learn what hiring managers look for in an applicant. Ryan, Swanson, & Cleveland PLLC invited three former Division I athletes in their firm to speak to the current student-athletes about the transition out of college and into the workforce.
The Gray W Varsity Club also hosted an event in Seattle that allowed the current student-athletes to connect with former Cougar student-athletes. Bank of America provided more information about how work can also provide employees with an opportunity to serve the community around them. The CEO at Inn at the Market, a WSU graduate himself, was able to give our athletes advice on skills needed to succeed at high levels in the workforce and even skills to start their own businesses.
Student-athletes gained a range of knowledge from each group of professionals they spoke with. This could not have been accomplished without the generous support of Dan Castle and all the professionals who served as mentors to these students.
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The program will continue with a one-day trip to Spokane in the fall for those who are interested.
Lauren Willie (Swimming), Addyson Lewis (Swimming), Emily Lundgren (Swimming), Nicole Bissell (Track), Savannah Sennott (Rowing) and Melina Christoudolou (Volleyball) all attended the event with WSU administrators.
The trip gave student-athletes the opportunity to network with professionals across different industries over two days in Seattle. The trip started with a panel from the Seattle Seahawks organization discussing their backgrounds and what working in professional sports looks like. Later that day, student-athletes got a tour of Climate Pledge Arena before attending an NHL Seattle Kraken game.
Speaking with a recruiting specialist at Google allowed student-athletes to step out of the sports space and learn what hiring managers look for in an applicant. Ryan, Swanson, & Cleveland PLLC invited three former Division I athletes in their firm to speak to the current student-athletes about the transition out of college and into the workforce.
The Gray W Varsity Club also hosted an event in Seattle that allowed the current student-athletes to connect with former Cougar student-athletes. Bank of America provided more information about how work can also provide employees with an opportunity to serve the community around them. The CEO at Inn at the Market, a WSU graduate himself, was able to give our athletes advice on skills needed to succeed at high levels in the workforce and even skills to start their own businesses.
Student-athletes gained a range of knowledge from each group of professionals they spoke with. This could not have been accomplished without the generous support of Dan Castle and all the professionals who served as mentors to these students.
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The program will continue with a one-day trip to Spokane in the fall for those who are interested.
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