BATON ROUGE, La. – On October 22, members of the LSU National “L” Club met current student-athletes during an event called The Vision in the Maravich Center to discuss the importance of networking and professional development.
The LSU National “L” Club is an organization formed to support former student-athletes, athletic trainers, equipment managers, and cheerleaders. The purpose behind the LSU National “L” Club is to promote and preserve the friendships and loyalties enjoyed by all former letterwinners of LSU, connecting different sports, generations, and geographical locations.
Current members of the organization are familiar with the transition of going from a collegiate athlete to a business professional. The transition has often been described as tough and rocky, but it seems to be a makeable transition. “L” Club members were looking to provide more insight to the student-athletes during The Vision.
“My thing was to give my experience and what I went through. I was a collegiate athlete and sometimes it’s hard to make that transition from a collegiate athlete to the professional world,” former LSU track athlete and CEO of Next Phase of Life Investments, Siedda Herbert said. “I kind of had a rocky road after college, so I just wanted to get with current athletes and share my experience with them.”
Participants and session leaders saw The Vision as an opportunity to give back, and help others grow. Members wanted to make sure that student-athletes have an opportunity to learn what they need to be successful.
“I like coming and giving back. When I was a student-athlete here [at LSU] we didn’t have functions like this, but I was able to learn and listen to people that came before us,” former LSU first-baseman and owner of Horizon Wealth Management, Pete Bush said. “It’s the right thing to do, come and give back and share your knowledge, so that the people that come after you can stand on your shoulders and not have to learn the same lesson from the ground up.”
Student-athletes seemed to appreciate the message and advice the LSU National “L” Club members gave them. A number of students believe that the advice and connections provided by the club members will be helpful in the long run.
“I think this event is really useful for us, especially as student-athletes. It helps us get more experience by talking to other people that have been in our shoes, and are now in the professional field,” LSU gymnast Erin Macadaeg said.
Macadaeg was not the only student-athlete to appreciate the lessons that were given by the club members. LSU beach volleyball player, Taylor Wilson, also mentioned that event is a great way for athletes to network.
“I think The Vision is helpful because it helps you network with people that have been in your position in the past, and if you ever need help you can contact them,” Wilson said.
LSU has helping hands all around its campus, and there does not seem to be a shortage in opportunities. Thanks to The Vision, student-athletes now have connections and advice that will help prepare them for their professional career.
The Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes is a 54,000 square foot facility comprised of an academic affairs, student affairs and an information technology team, serving more than 530 student-athletes. The purpose is to provide an all-inclusive, student-centered support structure for all student-athletes from matriculation, through graduation and life beyond.