Eastern Michigan Athletics
Rochester Represents EMU SASS at 2026 NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar
2/5/2026 2:48:00 PM | General, SASS
The seminar focused on leadership development, career growth, and networking opportunities for early-career athletics professionals
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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) graduate assistant Grace Rochester participated in the 2026 NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar, held Jan. 28-30 in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar is a professional development program for graduate assistants and interns in collegiate athletics. The three-day experience equips participants with tools to strengthen leadership skills, build professional relationships, and deepen their understanding of career pathways in intercollegiate athletics.
"Going to this seminar was an amazing opportunity to meet young adults in the same position I am in here at EMU," Rochester said. "I learned so much from NCAA professionals on how to build my personal brand and leave a mark everywhere I go."
The program offered participants opportunities to connect with NCAA professionals and leaders from nearby institutions. Attendees participated in Career Constellations breakout sessions that introduced career paths within college athletics, including communications and marketing, fundraising and development, and compliance.
Participants also attended professional development sessions on career advancement strategies. The Launching Your Next Mission session highlighted best practices for career growth and navigating professional opportunities within the sports industry. Additional skill-building sessions focused on interview preparation, personal storytelling, and identifying individual strengths to help participants stand out in competitive job markets.
The final day of the seminar focused on leadership growth and career progression. Sessions emphasized confidence, professional presence, and the definition of long-term career goals. Participants were encouraged to identify personal barriers to success and develop strategies to overcome challenges while continuing to grow within collegiate athletics.
The program also included leadership development activities such as the DiSC assessment to strengthen self-awareness and reflection. Attendees participated in experiential learning and case studies designed to strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The seminar provided practical tools and strategies that participants can apply to their roles within athletics departments.
To be eligible for selection, applicants must be current graduate assistants or interns working within athletics at an NCAA member institution, conference office, affiliate organization, or the NCAA national office. Applicants must also hold a bachelor's degree and complete short-answer application questions outlining their professional goals and leadership experience.
About the NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar
The NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar is an annual professional development program that educates and connects early-career athletics administrators. The program focuses on leadership development, professional growth, and networking opportunities while preparing participants to advance within collegiate athletics.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) graduate assistant Grace Rochester participated in the 2026 NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar, held Jan. 28-30 in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar is a professional development program for graduate assistants and interns in collegiate athletics. The three-day experience equips participants with tools to strengthen leadership skills, build professional relationships, and deepen their understanding of career pathways in intercollegiate athletics.
"Going to this seminar was an amazing opportunity to meet young adults in the same position I am in here at EMU," Rochester said. "I learned so much from NCAA professionals on how to build my personal brand and leave a mark everywhere I go."
The program offered participants opportunities to connect with NCAA professionals and leaders from nearby institutions. Attendees participated in Career Constellations breakout sessions that introduced career paths within college athletics, including communications and marketing, fundraising and development, and compliance.
Participants also attended professional development sessions on career advancement strategies. The Launching Your Next Mission session highlighted best practices for career growth and navigating professional opportunities within the sports industry. Additional skill-building sessions focused on interview preparation, personal storytelling, and identifying individual strengths to help participants stand out in competitive job markets.
The final day of the seminar focused on leadership growth and career progression. Sessions emphasized confidence, professional presence, and the definition of long-term career goals. Participants were encouraged to identify personal barriers to success and develop strategies to overcome challenges while continuing to grow within collegiate athletics.
The program also included leadership development activities such as the DiSC assessment to strengthen self-awareness and reflection. Attendees participated in experiential learning and case studies designed to strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The seminar provided practical tools and strategies that participants can apply to their roles within athletics departments.
To be eligible for selection, applicants must be current graduate assistants or interns working within athletics at an NCAA member institution, conference office, affiliate organization, or the NCAA national office. Applicants must also hold a bachelor's degree and complete short-answer application questions outlining their professional goals and leadership experience.
About the NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar
The NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar is an annual professional development program that educates and connects early-career athletics administrators. The program focuses on leadership development, professional growth, and networking opportunities while preparing participants to advance within collegiate athletics.
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