INDIANAPOLIS — Last month, Head Women’s Soccer Coach Peter Krech ’09 and Flor Katz-Starr ’25, a women’s soccer alumna from The College of William and Mary, participated in the NCAA Career in Sports Forum in Indianapolis. The four-day event, hosted by the NCAA leadership development team, gathered over 150 student-athletes to explore career paths in sports. The forum provided networking opportunities, professional development strategies, and insights into diverse roles within the sports industry.
Ashley Jocelyn, assistant director of leadership development, programs, and initiatives, said, “The Career in Sports Forum provides student-athletes with invaluable opportunities to network with peers and decision-makers at various levels of college athletics. The program educates participants on the intersection of personal strengths and career opportunities, provides tangible experiences to propel their aspirations in sports careers, explores professional and career development strategies and offers insights into careers available in sports.”
Katz-Starr, who graduated with CSC Academic All-District and United East Fall All-Academic Team honors as a team captain, aims to pursue a career in collegiate coaching. She said, “This forum allowed me to reflect on my own journey—my values, my goals, and the kind of impact I hope to make in the sports world. I left feeling empowered, informed, and more confident in my ability to take the next step in my career.”
Krech was a dedicated facilitator, attending keynote speeches, presentations, and leading networking drills to prepare participants for a networking night event. He said, “It’s always a special honor to represent the NCAA, and it was a great experience to facilitate at the recent Career in Sports Forum. My personal ‘why’ is to help inspire positive change in the lives of others and help people to be the best version of themselves. It’s great to see the student-athletes come together in such a short period to network and develop relationships that extend beyond the duration of the forum.”
The forum featured prominent speakers, including Joey Graziano III, executive vice president of strategy and new business ventures for Pacers Sports and Entertainment, and Lacee’ Carmon-Johnson, director of basketball advancement for the Toronto Raptors. Jennifer Lynne Williams, chief development officer at USA Basketball, emceed the event. Sessions covered industry-specific topics such as coaching, internal relations, external athletics, and professional sports, broadening participants’ understanding of available career paths.
Participants engaged in activities designed to enhance self-awareness and adaptability, key traits for success in sports careers. The forum emphasized professional development, equipping attendees with tools to navigate the industry effectively. The experience clarified her career goals for Katz-Starr, while Krech’s facilitation helped foster lasting connections among attendees.
The NCAA Career in Sports Forum, held annually, aims to prepare student-athletes for diverse roles in athletics. By connecting participants with industry leaders and peers, the event supports the development of future coaches, administrators, and sports professionals. Krech and Katz-Starr’s involvement highlights the forum’s role in shaping the next generation of sports leaders.
