Sheridan Blanford (Admin Student, 2016 Cohort, Intern, University of Washington Tyee Club)
"IAL has allowed me to have one of the best summers of my life, thus far. I have not only grown as a student, but IAL has pushed me to grow as an individual, a friend, a professional and future leader. Each class has opened my eyes up to new ways thinking, interacting, presenting, and researching. In addition to all of the critical thinking that has taken place, IAL has opened up networking doors that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. I have had the opportunity to meet professionals from all facets in sports ranging from athletic directors, professors, CEO’s and everyone in between. I have made connections that will last a lifetime, and I owe it all to the IAL program. I am very excited to continue my academic year with IAL as we will be exposed to more classes/connections that will heighten my understanding and preparedness to work in intercollegiate athletics as well as have the opportunity to attend the NCAA conference. This experience has been life changing and for this, I am thankful."
Heidi Lewis (Coaching Student, 2016 Cohort, Assistant Coach, Field Hockey, The Catholic University of America)
"The IAL: Coaching program has been a wonderfully enriching experience so far. The mix of in person and online learning is a great match for the often intense and unpredictable collegiate coaching calendar. The summer session was an immersive start to the program that mixed UW’s beautiful campus with an intense learning environment. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from different experiences within our cohort, varying academic perspectives, and from sports industry professionals. As the traditional academic year starts I am excited for the mentorship component of the program to begin. The formalized mentorships not only allow me to grow my professional network, they also provide a structure for intentional and continued learning from the people around me."
Mike Swartz (Admin Student, 2016 Cohort, Intern, University of Washington Sports Information)
"Being part of the IAL program is the best decision I have made in my career. The instructors are extraordinary and provide the students with a diverse range of experience, knowledge, and perspective, training us to think criticially at all times and keep the best interests of our student-athletes at the forefront. I am honoured to have been able to listen adn learn from a who's who of collegiate athletic leaders as I continue to build my professional network, and to be part of an amazing cohort of fellow students. Spending so much time in an intense environment with a group of passionate, committed individuals who are all embarking on careers in the industry is an amazing experience itself, and I know that each one of us will be better leaders in college athletics throughout our careers as a result of the IAL program."
John Dunn (Coaching Student, 2023 cohort, now works as an Assistant Volleyball Coach at Kansas State University)
"My internship as a Graduate Assistant for the Washington Volleyball team prepared me immensely for the demands of my new role as Assistant Volleyball Coach at Kansas State University. I'm a believer that the best coaches never stop learning and growing, just like the student athletes we oversee. Washington Volleyball and IAL helped further strengthen my belief in this."
Spencer Dodd (Admin Student, 2015 cohort, now works as the Assistant Commissioner of Championships & Sport Administration at the Sun Belt Conference)
"College athletics is a small world, and it constantly surprises me how many people I run into that have been through the IAL program. There is an immediate connection when you meet someone who has gone through the program which helps to establish relationships. In addition, my classmates who we went through the program together are a great resource and true friends in the industry."
