By: Nolan Alexander
KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State Student-Athlete Success Services department hosted its fifth annual Networking Scrimmage, an interactive professional development event designed to help student-athletes build confidence and practice essential career conversation skills in a supportive environment inside the Carmichael Student Center.
Modeled after the structure of athletic competition, the Networking Scrimmage provided student-athletes with the opportunity to "practice before the game" by engaging with external employer partners. Student-athletes navigated through conversations, simulating real-world scenarios such as career fairs, interviews, and professional introductions. Henssler Financial, Southern Company, Wellstar, Milwaukee Tool, Waffle House, Lakepoint Sports, the GBI, and others participated.
The event emphasized preparation, repetition, and feedback. It allowed student-athletes to refine how they communicated their experiences, translated the value of their athletic background, and developed meaningful professional connections.
"Our goal was to create a space where student-athletes could practice develop these skills in a way that did not have the pressure of the 'real thing'," said Megan Stoltzfus, Director of Student-Athlete Development. "Networking Scrimmage gives our student-athletes a chance to build that confidence before stepping into high-stakes professional settings. Many student-athletes worry that the demands of their sport limit their access to internships and networking. This event helps them recognize that the skills they've built as athletes align with what employers are looking for."
Student-athletes walked away with actionable insights they can immediately apply to future opportunities.
"The event exceeded my expectations! I made so many cool connections and got so many pieces of advice that I will take with me into my professional career," said Lilly Chouinard, a senior track and field student-athlete. "I would recommend this event 10000 times over!"
The Networking Scrimmage was part of the department's broader Flight Plan which is committed to preparing student-athletes for life beyond competition, focusing on career readiness, leadership development, and personal growth.
