More Than an Athlete: How Mizzou Prepares Student-Athletes for Life Beyond the Game

The University of Missouri is helping its student-athletes succeed long after their final game by providing them with a playbook for professional life. Through the Momentum Institute, Mizzou Athletics is ensuring that its athletes are not only ready to compete, but are also prepared for a smooth transition into the workforce. This comprehensive approach is exemplified by the journey of former volleyball player and master’s student, Colleen Finney.

A Tailored Approach to Career Development

The Momentum Institute, led by Assistant Athletic Director Katie Martinez, offers a wide range of career development programs, including financial literacy, networking events, resume coaching, and leadership workshops. But the program’s most valuable asset is its commitment to personalized support. Martinez and her team, which includes two graduate students, guide athletes through a process of self-reflection to help them identify their interests and future career paths.

By collaborating closely with Mizzou’s Career Center and academic advisors, the institute connects student-athletes with tailored opportunities that match their goals. “We’re here to support them, guide their next steps and make sure they’re ready for life after sports,” Martinez said. “It’s about shifting their perspective—helping them see themselves as students first and showing them that their future can include traditional career paths, too.”

One Student’s Journey

Colleen Finney’s story is a perfect example of the program’s success. While balancing a grueling volleyball schedule, her master’s degree, and studying for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Finney turned to the Momentum Institute for help. Martinez provided her with study materials and introduced her to Paul Litton, the dean of Mizzou’s School of Law. This connection provided Finney with crucial insights into the legal field and how to leverage her student-athlete experience in her application.

Finney, who signed a professional volleyball contract in Greece after graduating, credits the university’s support for her achievements. Her coaches, she says, prioritized her education, a major factor in her decision to transfer to Mizzou. She now encourages other student-athletes to take advantage of these “perks,” emphasizing that the connections they build and the skills they acquire can open doors to a future they may have never considered.