Rockets Ascend Program Finishes Impactful Second Year
5/15/2026 11:00:00 AM | Athletics
Mentorship initiative connects UT student-athletes with community leaders to support career growth beyond sports
TOLEDO, Ohio - Toledo Athletics recently celebrated the successful completion of the second cohort of the Rockets Ascend Pathways Program, bringing together the 2025-26 group of student-athletes with influential business and community leaders from across the region. The program continued to foster meaningful relationships beyond athletics, creating opportunities for personal growth, professional development and long-term career exploration for everyone involved.
The year-long experience officially began with the program's kickoff event in October, where student-athletes and mentors connected and began building relationships that continued throughout the academic year. Participants later engaged in several key events, including February's Networking & NIL Night, which provided valuable insight into networking strategies, personal branding and opportunities connected to name, image and likeness.
The cohort concluded the year at the Rocket Awards, celebrating the accomplishments of Toledo student-athletes while recognizing the relationships and experiences developed through the program.
Throughout the year, the impact of the Rockets Ascend Pathways Program was evident in both personal and professional settings. Student-athletes gained exposure to career environments and industries they may not have otherwise experienced while competing collegiately. Mentors welcomed participants into their workplaces and daily routines, offering opportunities to attend Chamber meetings, staff meetings, business conferences and networking events.
Many student-athletes also participated in job-shadowing experiences, connected with mentors' families and developed communication and relationship-building skills that will benefit them long after their playing careers conclude.
Women's Soccer student-athlete Emma Rhoades praised the program for recognizing the full demands of collegiate athletics, noting it "actually accounted for the reality of being a student-athlete rather than just treating it like a side chore." She valued being matched with a mentor who understood those pressures and felt the experience was "tailored to my long-term goals."
Through that relationship, Rhoades said she gained clarity about her future, sharing that it helped her realize "there is more out there than just a sport I play," while also opening doors to professional connections.
Similarly, Softball student-athlete Reis Sjoholm highlighted the program's networking opportunities, particularly Networking & NIL Night, where "it was cool to talk to a bunch of other people… and hear about their experiences." She also credited her mentor with helping broaden her perspective beyond athletics while providing guidance and valuable connections for her post-graduate plans.
For the business and community leaders involved, the program created a meaningful and authentic connection to Toledo Athletics and its student-athletes. Mentors attended competitions, supported student-athletes throughout their seasons and engaged in conversations about career aspirations, professional development and life after sport.
These relationships allowed mentors to better understand the demands placed on collegiate student-athletes while helping guide them through decisions about future opportunities and career pathways.
Jason Abodeely of Sunshine Communities shared that one of his most memorable moments was "the joy on Emma's face when she received an internship offer… during one of our 1-1 meetings," emphasizing the value of supporting her growth both personally and professionally throughout the year.
Joel Jerger of WesBanco echoed the importance of relationship-building, highlighting "developing a great relationship" with his mentee while also celebrating his success on the basketball team, including the Rockets' run in the MAC Tournament.
"I would really like to thank and extend my gratitude toward our Rockets Ascend Mentors for their commitment to investing in the next generation of young professionals," said Director of Student-Athlete Development Traci Snyder. "Their leadership, guidance, and willingness to mentor and be involved have been integral to the continued growth and development of this program. As we celebrate the completion of our second year, we are incredibly grateful for the impact you have made and are excited to continue the program as we begin preparing for another successful year ahead."
As the second cohort comes to a close, the Rockets Ascend Pathways Program continues to demonstrate the value of intentional mentorship and community engagement. By connecting student-athletes with experienced professionals and leaders throughout the Toledo community, the program is helping prepare Rockets for success beyond competition while strengthening the bond between Toledo Athletics and the community it proudly represents.
Toledo Athletics will begin searching this summer for the next group of mentors from across the Toledo community. Individuals interested in participating in the Rockets Ascend Pathways Program are encouraged to complete the mentor interest form.
Community leaders interested in participating in the Rockets Ascend Pathways Program may contact Traci Snyder at 419-530-3647 or via email at Traci.Snyder@utoledo.edu.
