Athletics Life Design Mentorship Program

The Athletics Life Design Mentorship Program founded in 2022 is a comprehensive initiative at BGSU, that fosters academic and personal growth for student-athletes. Through mentorship, Life Design courses, and career guidance, the program maximizes potential, emphasizing holistic development and successful transitions for student-athletes, underpinning a legacy of excellence.

BGSU Athletics strives to meet the unique needs and identities of student-athletes as they navigate the pressures of athletic and academic life. We work to build bridges from BGSU student-athletes to the on-campus resources that will help them succeed in the classroom and in their sport. We develop student-athletes personally and professionally as they prepare for lives after sport.

In the news: BGSU Athletics bolsters support and mentorship of student-athletes through a new partnership with Life Design

Life Design prepares students for success in college both in and outside the classroom. We believe this program separates and distinguishes BGSU from our peers in college sports. It looks holistically at the skills, relationships, aptitudes, and aspirations of each individual and begins to support growth and preparedness for life.

Derek van der Merwe
BGSU Director of Athletics

Through the Athletics Life Design Mentorship Program, student-athletes will learn to:

Maximize Academic Experiences

Goal: Foster a collaborative academic environment that leverages mentorship and life design principles to maximize learning experiences.
Outcome: Students will excel academically, supported by mentors who guide them through tailored academic pathways, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching education

Prioritize Well-Being

Goal: Integrate well-being into the fabric of the program, emphasizing mental, emotional, and physical health.
Outcome: Students will develop a holistic sense of well-being, supported by mentors who prioritize their mentees' personal growth, resilience, and overall wellness

Make Connections

Goal: Facilitate meaningful connections among students, mentors, and other campus resources to enhance the collegiate experience.
Outcome: Students will build a robust network of connections that extends beyond their academic and athletic journey, providing a supportive community for personal and professional development.

Jump-start your Career

Goal: Provide students with early career exposure, guidance, and connections through mentorship, Falcon Professional Network, and other relevant workshops.
Outcome: Students will enter the workforce with a jump-start on their careers, armed with practical insights, industry connections, and a clear understanding of their career goals.

Live with a sense of Purpose

Goal: Infuse purpose-driven & life design principles into every aspect of the program, helping students discover and align their personal goals.
Outcome: Students will graduate with a profound sense of purpose, empowered by mentors who inspire them to make intentional choices that align with their values, passions, and long-term aspirations.

A Life Design Experience Just for BGSU Student Athletes:

BGSU Athletics, the Radbill Center, and the Kuhlin Career Hub have partnered to offer two Life Design courses specific to the needs of students-athletes throughout their college journey.

BGSU 1910 - First-year student-athletes are introduced to design thinking skills, learning to navigate challenges and discovering workable solutions.
UNIV 3310 - Addresses the unique transitional needs of student-athletes preparing for life after graduation. Student-athletes are challenged to understand the transition out of sport and how to prepare for future academic, sport, and career opportunities, while learning the confidence necessary to achieve their goals.

Learn more about the Athletics Life Design Mentorship Program

Bryan Mestre, MBA
Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development
Mentorship & Life Design
bmestre@bgsu.edu

BGSU Student-Athlete Services

Updated: 08/14/2024 12:54PM