Shippensburg University lacrosse senior Sydney Fowler and field hockey graduate Savannah Silvestre attended the 2026 NCAA Career in Sports Forum held last week in Indianapolis, Indiana.
 
The theme of the four-day event hosted by the NCAA Leadership Development team was "Pathfinders: Discover Your Direction," and was designed to spark deep conversations, inspire bold action and help turn dreams into direction. 
 
"The Career in Sports Forum was a transformative experience," said Silvestre. "Between the phenomenal speakers, supportive camp counselors, and inspiring student-athletes from across the country, I felt immersed in an environment that supports not only the big goals and dreams, but the journey to get there."
 
"Attending the Career in Sports Forum was one of the most impactful experiences of my collegiate career," Fowler stated. "Being surrounded by 200 driven and like-minded student-athletes from across the country allowed me to build meaningful connections while learning from professionals working in various areas of the sports industry. The experience challenged me to think bigger about my future, strengthened my confidence as a leader and reinforced how the skills I've developed as a student-athlete can translate into a successful career beyond competition."
 
Each day of the forum had a specific focus. The first day's focus was forging your path and grounding your story – knowing who you are, what drives you, and where you want to go.
 
Day two concentrated on conquering new trails – exploring new industries, hearing from professionals, and taking on challenges that push your comfort zone.
 
Day three's activities were titled "Pitch Your Tent." Attendees were given an opportunity to apply what they have learned to tackle real-world problems, share ideas and showcase unique perspectives.
 
The final day of the forum was titled "Your North Star," and focused on what comes next – goals, growth and the support systems you can lean on.
 
During the forum, attendees were split into different "campsites" that allowed them to network and workshop in smaller groups.
 
One networking event was held in the NCAA's Hall of Champions Museum with professions from all areas, including communications, athletic training, administration, coaching, compliance, business strategy, marketing, conference leadership and student athlete development.
 
Breakout sessions also allowed attendees to hear from professionals in specific fields.
 
Fowler attended Pro Sports Panel, NBA Road Map and External Relations sessions. Silvestre took part in the Creative Panel, NBA Road Map and NFL Road Map.
 
Speakers throughout the four-day event included life coach Justin Patton, who spoke on confidence vs. ego, first impressions and body language.
 
Felicia Martin, the NCAA's Senior VP of Inclusion, Education and Community Engagement, gave attendees advice on how to use your voice confidently and uniquely, while performance leadership coach Samantha Card spoke on "success beyond game day."
 
On the final day of the forum, Dr. Lacee Carmon Johnson, a performance coach for the NBA's Toronto Raptors, spoke to attendees on the final day about athletic identity and challenged attendees to redesign their jersey to show that the athlete side is just one part of what makes a person unique, while author Jonathan Sprinkles outlined how you can achieve your dreams.
 
"I left Indianapolis with a full notebook of notes, valuable relationships, and a better understanding of the opportunities available within the sports industry," Fowler said.
 
Silvestre added, "As someone who finds the future both daunting and exciting, this experience gave me the confidence and the tools as I continue to navigate my path forward post-graduation. My overall takeaway is to always celebrate your achievements – big or small – trust that your journey is your journey and believe that your best is still ahead of you."
 
Fowler graduated from Shippensburg in May with a bachelor's degree in exercise science.
 
Silvestre received her undergraduate degree in entrepreneurship from Shippensburg in May 2025 and earned a graduate degree in strategic communications this spring.
 
SU student-athletes who have been selected to attend the NCAA Career in Sports Forum in the past include Maddie Stichter (2025), Gabriella Johnson (2020), David Brantley (2018), Emily Brown (2018), Maddie Mulhall (2017), Teri Stoner (2017), LeQuan Chapman (2016), Gabriella Brackett (2015), Liz Parkins (2015), Taylor Bender (2014), Liz French (2013), Rachel Hess (2013) and Lauren Marron (2010).

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