For student-athletes, college is about more than just competition — it’s preparation for the next phase of life. Between classes, workouts, studying and game day, it can be difficult to think about life beyond college. That’s why Kim Gross, assistant athletics director of Student Athlete Services, and her team are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition from the Pack to the professional world.
“We are bridging the gap between what student-athletes learn in the classroom and on the field by teaching them real, practical skills that aren’t always common knowledge,” Gross said. “Our goal is to provide them with tangible tools they can use not only to succeed during their time at Nevada but also to carry with them into their professional careers and beyond.”
To achieve this, Gross and her team designed the Wolf Pack EDGE program to educate, develop, grow and empower student-athletes. From their first day on campus to the moment they walk across the stage at graduation, they are immersed in workshops that assist with resume building, elevator pitching, financial literacy and personal branding.
Collaborations with community organizations and businesses are the backbone of the Wolf Pack EDGE program, providing student-athletes with real-world insights, professional connections and hands-on experience. Partners include Nevada State Bank, which offers financial literacy workshops; ITS Logistics, which introduces student-athletes to career opportunities; the Boys & Girls Club, which provides internships; and the Redfield Foundation, which hosts networking events that connect student-athletes with industry professionals.
Looking ahead, Gross and her team are eager to expand partnerships with local businesses and deepen alumni engagement to enhance the scope of professional development, increase access to internships and job opportunities, and strengthen ties between the University and the community. They are committed to ensuring every student-athlete graduates with a polished resume and a clear path forward, and success will be measured through post-graduation job placement and long-term employment outcomes.
Through sustained partnerships and expanded community engagement, Nevada Athletics ensures student-athletes leave the Pack not just as competitors, but as confident, career-ready professionals.
Equipping student-athletes with suits
While Nevada Athletics is committed to equipping student-athletes for life after sports, success ultimately weighs on the students themselves. It’s not just about having access to career development resources – it’s about embracing them. Student-athletes must take an active role in their future, starting by envisioning themselves in the workforce.
That process includes a simple yet profound question: “How will I present myself?”
Recognizing the power of self-perception, Nevada Football Head Coach Jeff Choate took an extra step to help his players see themselves as professionals. He personally purchased suits for every senior on the team, preparing them for interviews and networking events and instilling a mindset of professionalism and confidence.
“I think a lot of our responsibility is to prepare these young men for life after football. Not everybody’s going to have the opportunity to play in the NFL. The reality of playing a game, whether it’s football or any other sport, is that it’s going to be done with you before you’re done with it. We want to set these athletes up for success, being proud of their education and experience here at Nevada, being able to step out into the workforce and present themselves well. That is part of our core mission here, to take care of our people and add value to their lives.”