Rocket Student-Athletes Make Connections at Annual “Rockets Rise: Networking and NIL Night”

TOLEDO, Ohio – University of Toledo student-athletes welcomed the opportunity to prepare for their lives after graduation at the annual "Rockets Rise: Networking and NIL Night" held in Savage Arena on Feb. 18.

Approximately 250 Rocket student-athletes participated in the event, with more than 50 companies represented, which was the largest turnout in the event's history. In addition, members of the Rockets Ascend Pathways Program attended to connect with their student-athletes as well as engage with other student-athletes to help make meaningful connections.

The event was hosted by the Student-Athlete Support Services team, and coordinated by graduate assistant Taylor Stacy.

"As a former student-athlete, having the opportunity to help coordinate this year's Networking and NIL Night was truly a special experience," said Stacy. "Being able to provide the opportunity for Toledo student-athletes to connect, engage, and interact with top employers from around the area creates a meaningful step in their professional career before graduating. I'm grateful for all the staff, employers, and student-athletes who helped to make this event a success."

Employers interested in attending next year's Networking and NIL Night or for those with employment, internship or NIL opportunities for University of Toledo student-athletes, please contact Traci Snyder at traci.snyder@utoledo.edu.

What employers say about Toledo student-athletes

"I'm always thankful for the opportunity to connect with students, and once again I was impressed with the UT facilities and the caliber of the Rocket student-athletes."

Jeff Cross, Huntington National Bank

"When we hire student-athletes, we already know they are great multi-taskers because they manage school and their sport."

Abbey Strauss, Sherwin-Williams Talent Acquisition Specialist

"Student-athletes know how to work with a team. They are disciplined and know what it takes to be successful. They know how to live as part of a team and they have a strong belief in their personal skills."

Brad Toft, President & CEO at YMCA/JCC of Greater Toledo

What Toledo student-athletes say about Networking & NIL Night

"Networking & NIL Night gives you a lot of exposure to the community and the resources that help us choose our next steps forward for our career path. It helped me get a better understanding of what I want in my future."

Maggie Roh, softball

"This is a great event for the student-athletes around. It's a good atmosphere to make connections with a variety of companies, some of which I had never heard of before."

Hyajah Miller, football

"Events like these are a great way to network in a relaxed setting. The training sessions before the event made me feel ready and confident. It's also a good chance to meet people from the area and build connections."

Karina James, track/cross country

"I am not from Toledo, so to make local connections is important. I had no idea many of these companies even existed. It was good to see what opportunities are available."

Áine Martin, women's golf

"One thing I really appreciate here is the many resources available to us. I'm very grateful for the opportunities this University has given me and other student-athletes on campus."

Jake DeHaan, football

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