Akisanya Selected to Attend NCAA Career in Sports Forum

BALTIMORE, MD – Timi Akisanya, a rising senior on the men's basketball team, recently returned from the NCAA Career in Sports Forum, a prestigious event that brings together 200 selected NCAA student-athletes to learn about and explore potential careers in sports, particularly college athletics. The goal of this experience is to assist student-athletes in charting their career path through networking and career exploration. Akisanya viewed this forum as both personally and professionally enlightening.

One of the forum's unique features is the campsite breakout sessions, which divided the attendees into smaller groups that met throughout the week. As a member of the Purple Team, Akisanya participated in sessions about networking, personal growth, and professional interests.

Being in the campsite breakouts, "… gave me an opportunity to connect with other student-athletes in a smaller and more personal setting," shared Akisanya. "We even got to compete against the other campsites in a group version of rock-paper-scissors called "Giants, Wizards, Elves," which was a lot of fun and definitely brought out everyone's competitive side."

Among the lessons emphasized throughout the forum, the message of self-worth was one that stood out above others. Forum leaders continually reminded participants that they had been selected from a large national applicant pool, reinforcing the significance of the opportunity and the value that each student-athlete brings.

"That showed me that other people see something in us," Akisanya reflected. "Whether you think you lack experience, qualifications, or something else, it's important not to underestimate yourself. And even if things don't go your way… You have to keep putting yourself out there and continue trying."

Networking was another central theme throughout the forum. While many aspiring sports professionals naturally focus on building relationships with established industry leaders, a key perspective shift from Akisanya came from recognizing the value of peer connections.

"There were 200 other student-athletes experiencing the same opportunity alongside me," Akisanya said. "Right now, we are all student-athletes, but in 5, 10, or 15 years, many of us will be leaders and professionals throughout the sports industry. The connections we make today have the potential to become valuable personal and professional relationships."

The experience also helped Akisanya sharpen his professional interests. While event operations and championship management had been areas of prior interest, the time at the forum deepened an interest in student-athlete development and leadership development. This field came to life through one-on-one conversations with professionals working in the field.

A standout professional who inspired Akisanya was Matisse Lee, who served as one of the campsite counselors. Lee currently serves as a Senior Associate Commissioner at the CIAA, following her stretch in student-athlete affairs and athletic administration at Claflin University. Her willingness to invest in student-athletes is what left a lasting impression on Akisanya.

"The NCAA Leadership Development team was incredibly inspiring. Hearing about their work at their institutions and with the NCAA was valuable, said Akisanya. He continued praising the positive and valuable experience this was.

The importance of being a student-athlete was a common theme, but outside of this, they expanded to reinforce that these individuals are more than just athletes.

"I have always understood that there is more to life than my title as an athlete, and that idea was reinforced throughout the forum," said Akisanya. When discussing his experience as a student-athlete, he said he believes his perspective can bring a valuable perspective to a career in sports,, as he would bring numerous viewpoints that can help him better serve and support student-athletes.

Looking ahead, Akisanya plans to pursue a graduate assistantship within a college athletics department while pursuing his master's degree. In the meantime, he plans to absorb as much as he can, being a "sponge" and continue to learn, grow, and develop.

To any other student-athlete who may have the opportunity to attend the NCAA Career in Sports Forum, his advice is simple.

"Make the most of every opportunity, conversation, panel, and session because there is so much that can be learned in just four days," said Akisanya. "The forum will give you back what you put into it. Talk to people, have fun, and be where your feet are."