In January, 24 students from the 2022-2023 Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership (IAL) M.Ed. cohort traveled to the 2023 NCAA Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
Each year, IAL students who are on the administrative track attend the convention. This year’s convention comes at a time where the future of the NCAA structure is unclear. Current cases under review by the U.S. Supreme Court pose the possibility of more economic opportunities for student-athletes beyond the court’s 2021 ruling that led to student-athletes now being able to receive compensation for their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). IAL Faculty member, Dr. Jennifer Hoffman’s research brief summarizes how Name, Image, and Likeness is impacting collegiate athletics.
Between the increasing transformations in collegiate athletics and the convention returning to fully in-person for the first time since 2020, IAL M.Ed. students had the opportunity to sit in on several timely discussions. Throughout the week in San Antonio, students attended education sessions centered around these economic transformations and other issues facing the NCAA. They also attended honors celebrations recognizing individuals who are champions in their work both on and off the field. Outside of these events, students networked with people working across all levels of the NCAA. In addition to the convention events, IAL classes were held throughout the week in San Antonio. Several senior staff athletic members, Athletic Directors and Conference Commissioners volunteered their time to serve as guest speakers throughout the week. Students heard directly from these leaders about the transformations impacting the NCAA and ask them questions about how they handle challenges like these and other issues on top of their day-to-day responsibilities.
The NCAA Convention provides an immersive learning and networking opportunity for IAL students. “I think it’s just been so cool to see people from so many different schools representing so many different divisions,” IAL student Quinn Roche shared. “My highlights of the week have definitely been the receptions I’ve gone to,” IAL student Emily Solomon chimed in. “Just getting to hand out business cards and meet new people.”
Watch a recap video with more student reflections here.