A Proactive Playbook: How Nevada Athletics Prepares Student-Athletes for Life After the Game

For many student-athletes, the demanding schedule of practices, games, and academics leaves little time to prepare for life after sports. But at the University of Nevada, a new program is changing that. Wolf Pack EDGE is a comprehensive initiative designed to give student-athletes the tools they need to succeed long after their final season ends.

A Comprehensive Approach

The program, created by Assistant Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Services Kim Gross and her team, is built on the pillars of Educate, Develop, Grow, and Empower. From the moment they arrive on campus until they graduate, athletes are immersed in practical workshops that cover vital skills like resume building, financial literacy, elevator pitches, and personal branding.

A key component of the Wolf Pack EDGE program is its deep collaboration with local businesses and community organizations. Partnerships with entities like Nevada State Bank and ITS Logistics provide students with real-world insights, professional connections, and hands-on experience through workshops and networking events. These connections help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world, giving students tangible skills they can use to thrive.

From the Field to the Workforce

The commitment to preparing athletes for their careers is a shared mission across the department. Nevada Football Head Coach Jeff Choate demonstrated this personally by purchasing suits for every senior on his team. This symbolic gesture was meant to instill a sense of professionalism and help his players “envision themselves in the workforce,” as the article states. Coach Choate believes it is his responsibility to prepare his athletes for the reality that the game will one day end for them. By taking this step, he hopes to give them the confidence to step into the professional world and present themselves well.

This commitment to holistic development, from financial literacy workshops to professional dress, ensures that Nevada’s student-athletes leave the university not just as athletes, but as confident, career-ready professionals. The program’s success will be measured by post-graduation job placement and long-term employment outcomes, proving that the lessons learned extend far beyond the game.