Rockets Ascend Program Connects Student-Athletes with Professional Mentors

TOLEDO, Ohio – The University of Toledo's Rockets Ascend Pathways Program welcomed 20 student-athletes and their professional mentors at its annual kick-off event at the National Museum of Great Lakes, continuing an initiative designed to help Rockets prepare for life and careers beyond collegiate athletics.

Rockets Ascend pairs Toledo student-athletes with professionals whose backgrounds and experiences align with their individual career interests. Through one-on-one mentorship, professional development workshops, job shadowing and other career-building opportunities throughout the academic year, participants gain valuable insight into their potential career paths while building relationships with leaders in the Toledo community.

"Our community is Toledo's greatest resource, and Rockets Ascend is a wonderful example of the opportunities that can be created when our student-athletes connect with the people and organizations that make this city special," said Toledo Vice President and Director of Athletics Tom Moreland. "These mentors are sharing their time, knowledge and experiences to help our student-athletes envision what's possible beyond their playing careers. We're grateful for the incredible support of our community and the role these relationships will play in preparing our Rockets for lifelong success."

This year's cohort includes student-athletes representing 16 sports and mentors from a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, marketing, media, education and business.

"I'm most excited to build a relationship with my mentor, learn from their experiences and hear their advice about life beyond volleyball and sports," said Grace Freiberger, a junior on the women's volleyball team. "As a student-athlete, I spend so much time focusing on volleyball, school, and being a good teammate, and I'm excited to grow in other areas of my life, too.

"I hope this experience helps me become more confident, learn new things and make connections that will help me in my future career and allow me to make a positive impact on others."

The program also provides mentors with an opportunity to share their professional experiences and help develop the next generation of leaders.

"I had a great time at the Rockets Ascend kick-off event and am especially excited to begin working with my mentee, Madison," said Bobby Jorgensen, a marketing consultant at Venture Visionary Partners. "After spending over 35 years in business, I've learned how valuable it is to have people in your corner who can offer guidance, share experiences and open doors.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know Madison, understanding her goals and, hopefully, helping her build the confidence, relationships and skills that will benefit her long after her athletic career. Programs like Rockets Ascend are exactly what we need to help prepare the next generation for success, and I'm grateful to be part of it."

The 2026-27 Rockets Ascend cohort includes the following student-athletes and mentors:

Austin Parks, Men's Basketball – Neil Neukam, Toledo Walleye Hockey Club (Mud Hens)
Bella Earl, Women's Cross Country – Candice Harrison, SSOE Group
Madison Rishel, Softball – Bobby Jorgensen, Visionary Edge
Grace Freiberger, Volleyball – Donna Copeland, Mercy Health
Olivia Heitkamp, Volleyball – Kristen Tansel, Children's Discovery Center
Reagan Wilson, Women's Basketball – Angela Lucas, TolHouse
Bailey Ranta, Women's Cross Country, Track & Field– Adam Fineske, WGTE Public Media
Annika Munson, Women's Tennis – Chelsea Copeland, University of Michigan Medicine, Department of Pediatric Surgery
Zane Aiken, Men's Golf – Bill McDonnell, PNC
Kari Jackson, Football – Jack Mewhort, Midland Title
Maggie Merriman, Rowing – Kyla Knight, Industrial Power Systems
Keira Billis, Soccer – Jim Walrod, Front Door Marketing
Kimberly Woeste, Soccer – Sheri Bokros, The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.
Clare Yeazell, Women's Golf – Tiffany Bosch, Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce
Matthew Hubbard, Baseball – Josh Hughes, AGC of Northwest Ohio
Tyler O'Brien, Baseball – Matt Rankin, Nationwide Children's Hospital–Toledo
Poonthong Komolpisut, Men's Tennis – Wes Beham, CliftonLarsonAllen
Peter McMahon, Men's Cross Country – Mike Deye, Hale Performance Coatings
Hannah Wentzel, Swimming & Diving – April Smucker, Harbor
Helena Pinto Coelho Lopes, Swimming & Diving – Megan Poliquin, Zepf Center

Rockets Ascend is part of Toledo Athletics' commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes and helping them build the skills, professional networks and relationships needed to succeed long after their playing careers conclude.

Community leaders interested in participating in the Rockets Ascend Pathways Program may contact Traci Snyder at 419-530-3647 or by email at traci.snyder@utoledo.edu.

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