Athlete Connections is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that is designed to assist universities and student-athletes, former and current, in their transition from athletics to the workforce. Our mission is to help prepare, educate and employ student-athletes once their athletic careers are over.
Athlete Connections recognizes the investment and dedication both from the university and student-athlete. We also relate to the different emotions a student-athlete might go through once his/her athletic career is over. A "what now?" feeling is natural for athletes who have been playing sports the majority of their lives, and must now try to transition and enter the workforce. At the end of their college career the transition into the business world for most athletes will be the biggest adjustment he/she will make; bigger than any shot made, any ball caught or thrown.
The NCAA reports that, in the 2004-05 academic year there were nearly 385,000 student-athletes participating in collegiate sports in the United States - an average of 373 athletes per NCAA member institution. Data from the 2004-05 Academic Progress Rate shows that 839 student-athletes in 2004-05 left for the professional ranks. This translates to nearly 62,000 student-athletes entering the workforce every year who will not play at the professional level.
Student-athletes possess all the necessary qualities to make them very valuable employees/employers in the workforce. They have already acquired attractive skills through involvement in their sport that would be a great asset to any employer. Qualities like time management, teamwork, competitiveness, loyalty, discipline, leadership skills are needed in any business.
Athlete Connections is dedicated to helping current and former student-athletes make a successful transition from sports to the workforce. We will bring athletes together with the public/private sectors and potential employers for the purpose of mentoring, networking, financial advising, internships and employment opportunities. This is a designed system that can benefit the student-athlete, the coach, the university and affiliates for years to come.
AthleteConnections.org provides the online tool to compliment its services. This site is designed for the student-athletes to search job listings, create resumes, and get interviewing tips. Employers use the website to post jobs and internships. Sponsors use the website to advertise their services. Other functions of the website include an electronic portfolio, social forums and entire host of necessary applications to help the student-athlete prepare and transition into the workforce.
The goal of Athlete Connections is to address the future of the 99% of student-athletes who do not go on to play professional sports and insure that they receive all the assistance they need to obtain meaningful employment after their athletic career is over.
Dan Cross
Founder & CEO
“To complete the athlete’s career he or she has to have something greater than the sport itself. A championship is great but the life of a champion is greater! Winning is great but the life of a winner is greater.”