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Athletes at Leeds are using their training in the classroom and on the field to prepare for business careers.

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Drive. Teamwork. Commitment.听For student-athletes at Leeds, these qualities are essential for success on the field, in the classroom and on the job. With their experience in endurance, winning and losing, they are uniquely positioned for careers in business.

鈥淥ne of the big comments we hear from employers is about being coachable鈥攖hat student-athletes at this level did not get to where they are without being willing to learn from experts and taking feedback to help them grow,鈥� said Lauren Unrein, associate athletic director for CU鈥檚 Scripps Leadership and Career Development program. 鈥淭hey want to be the best at what they do鈥攚hether that鈥檚 on the playing field or selling a product. That drive and passion never leave.鈥�

Erick Mueller, executive director of the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at Leeds, agrees that elite athletes tend to have a slew of qualities that make them assets in the professional world.

鈥淧laying well in the sandbox is huge,鈥� Mueller said, 鈥渁s well as understanding and taking calculated risks. Student-athletes are so used to taking risks, and this is of great value in their careers. It is their adaptability: If one way (or 12) doesn鈥檛 work, let鈥檚 try it a different way ... they understand what excellence looks like, and this is very desirable to any employer.鈥�

Mueller and Unrein co-created Buffs with a Brand (BWAB), a program designed for CU athletes. Launched in summer 2020 ahead of the NCAA ruling allowing student-athletes to benefit from their name, image and likeness, the program helps athletes capitalize on their personal brands while also acquiring necessary business skills in marketing, finance and entrepreneurship.

"Whether in my career or personal life, sports will always hold a significant place for me."

Taylor Simpson (Fin鈥�25)

Eyes on the Prize

More than 120 student-athletes were working toward majors and minors at Leeds last fall. Their academic paths were as varied as the sports they compete in:

A CU Buffs football player combined a business degree in marketing with a minor in international affairs.

A competitive skier at CU worked toward a double minor in business and philosophy.

A student-athlete on the lacrosse team pursued a business minor while majoring in integrated design engineering.

A long snapper on the CU Buffs football team, Camden Dempsey (Fin, Mktg鈥�25), is also a Boettcher Scholar and Leeds honors student. He says he鈥檇 like to combine his education and athletic experience to leave a lasting impact on others.

鈥淎fter graduation, I want to ... look at working internationally,鈥� Dempsey said. 鈥淎fter being on campus for five years, I want to see what the world has to offer and then potentially join a startup or begin my own business.鈥�

Dempsey excels at academics as a Leeds Scholar. 鈥淭he program has been the best resource for me in terms of finding friends and like-minded individuals with similar high aspirations and career goals,鈥� he said.

Taylor Simpson (Fin鈥�25), a Buffs volleyball player and Leeds honors student, sees her future as a certified financial planner, inspired by one of her classes: 鈥淧rinciples of Personal Financial Planning and Insurance ... significantly influenced my perspective on my future career path. Following the course, I secured a wealth management internship and have found great satisfaction in all facets of financial planning and advising.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 uncertain if I鈥檒l blend sports and business in my career,鈥� she said. 鈥淗owever, one thing I鈥檓 sure of is my passion for sports; I can鈥檛 imagine my life without it. Whether in my career or personal life, sports will always hold a significant place for me.鈥�

The Goal is Balance

What Leeds athletes all have in common is the challenge of pursuing an education while fitting in frequent practices, training and games. Under pressure to stay eligible and compete for a spot on the team, they鈥檙e forced to strike a tough balance. Skills in time management, communication and prioritization make them stronger in all areas.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 think anything about being a student-athlete lends itself to being easy,鈥� said Unrein. 鈥淚 think they learn very quickly that they have to be strategic in how they balance their time and understand their priorities. This is a vital skill that will help them in their transition into careers, regardless of what path or role they choose.鈥�

They stand out as students, athletes and future business leaders, says Mueller. 鈥淚t鈥檚 their drive to succeed in all facets of their lives,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檇 hire them in a heartbeat.鈥�