Within the first few weeks of starting my internship my perspective of intercollegiate athletics changed dramatically. As a student-athlete in a Division III athletics department I was blissfully unaware of all that it takes to run a team and a department. The eight weeks of summer class had prepared me for this dramatic change, but taking part in the difference has been very illuminating.
The vast majority of our class information and discussions focused on Division I athletics. After our eight week summer intensive I believe Division I athletics are most in need of change; however, I also believe the change that is coming for Division I will not help serve the best interests of the student-athlete. The most significant personal outcome for me after “boot camp” is my realization that I have no desire to work in Division I athletics. The culture is such that progress will be extremely difficult and right now I don’t believe I have a thick enough skin to handle the likely disappointment.
During my internship I hope to gain a greater understanding of the world of Division I athletics. I hope to observe those in leadership positions in order to continue to grow my leadership skills and hone my leadership style. I believe changes can come from proper leadership that harnesses the skills of all those involved. I hope to learn what it takes to be a good leader or, more importantly, how to achieve success as a leader.
Laura - nicely done. It will be interesting to hear more as the year continues about how you begin making sense of the DI setting and how you integrate theory to practice.
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