SALISBURY, Md.—Salisbury University's Department of Athletics and Campus Recreation recently added a new element to enhance the experience for their student-athletes at both the varsity and club level as well as student employees in the department.  As part of the new Sea Gull Leadership Academy (SGLA), the department hosted their inaugural Career Combine on March 9, 2026 in the Guerrieri Student Union.
The Career Combine functioned as an internship and career fair, connecting students with employer partners, graduate school representatives, and University Career Services. Students explored internship opportunities, summer positions, and full-time employment while building professional relationships.

The event created intentional space for networking, resume conversations, and relationship building between employers and student-athletes from across all sports.
"I tried to make it around to every table," said Jadon Gaines who is on the men's track & field team. "One of them even offered me an interview for an internship opportunity and were so nice."
More than 30 corporate and community partners attended, representing healthcare, construction, education, sports, hospitality, media, engineering, and public service. Employers engaged directly with student-athletes to discuss career interests, transferable skills, internships, and post-graduation opportunities.

View a photo gallery of the event here.

Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury helped lead the launch of the Sea Gull Leadership Academy. Dan Fitzgerald said the event met expectations.

"Everybody wants to hire student-athletes," Fitzgerald said. "Having local businesses in the room with these students early in their careers is exactly what we envisioned. We want to keep young talent local, and we know student athletes can help grow our business."
Participating organizations included Pohanka, Schell Brothers, Rise Up Coffee Roasters, M & T Bank, the Maryland Army National Guard, Delmarva Power, Perdue Farms, Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates, Draper Media, Wicomico County Public Schools, Smartlink, TidalHealth, Northwestern Mutual, High Trail, Inc., Jersey Mike's and many more local, regional and national employers.

The event highlighted the value student-athletes bring to the workforce. Salisbury University student-athletes balance academic demands with training and competition while developing leadership, teamwork, time management, communication, and accountability.
"My experience?  I'd give it a 10 out of 10, I think this was an amazing opportunity for student-athletes," said Brooke Hamer, who is a member of the women's track & field program at SU.

Recognizing the demanding schedules of student-athletes, the Career Combine was designed to be accessible and conversational. Students brought resumes and contact cards, and discussions focused on authentic career exploration rather than formal interviews.
"The Career Combine, the first one ever, was a special experience.  I've been plenty of job fairs throughout my time as a student but never one that was so personable and I felt like I could just talk to the company and focus on the recruiters as people," said Troy Rowe, who is on the men's swimming team at SU.

Nikolas Fiske, who plays on the club men's soccer team echoed Troy's thoughts.  "A lot of time when you are applying online you can't really talk to anyone and you feel like you are sending a resume out in the void.  Here you can actually talk to people, they can pass along good contact information and people to reach out to that want to help."

The Career Combine reflects Salisbury University Athletics' ongoing commitment to preparing student-athletes for success beyond competition. The event was developed in collaboration with campus partners and Athletics leadership to support long term career outcomes.
"This was a chance for our student-athletes to showcase their leadership, teamwork, and competitive drive they have built through athletics while taking the next steps toward their professional journey," said Jess Stoltz, Associate Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation and Director of the Sea Gull Leadership Academy.

Plans are already underway to expand the Student-Athlete Career Combine in future years. SU Athletics aims to grow employer participation, industry representation, and student-athlete engagement as the program continues to develop.

The Sea Gull Leadership Academy launched this academic year with a cohort of 25 sophomore student athletes. Participants engage in sessions focused on leadership development, being better teammates, volunteerism, and mental health. As juniors and seniors, students advance into programming that includes interviewing, networking, resume development, financial literacy, philanthropy, and professional preparation. Each year, approximately 30 new sophomores join the academy.

In addition to small group sessions and the Career Combine, SGLA offers programs open to all student-athletes, including sessions on leveraging athletic experiences, personal branding, and leadership styles.

For more information on the Sea Gull Leadership Academy and how your organization can be a part of it, contact Stan Bradley at sbradley@salisbury.edu.