Colorado University Athletics
CU’s First-Year Program: Reflecting on Leadership & Building Transferable Skills
April 15, 2026 | Scripps Leadership & Career Development
As CU Boulder's first-year and mid-year first-year student-athletes approach the final stretch of the academic year, they are encouraged to reflect on their growth and consider how their experiences have shaped them as leaders. To support this process, Scripps Leadership & Career Development hosted FYP Session #4: Reflection & Transferable Skills on Monday, March 24, at the NerdWallet Touchdown Club. As the final session of the First-Year Program, the workshop brought student-athletes together for a meaningful discussion focused on leadership development, personal growth, and preparing for continued success at CU and beyond.
The session centered on reflecting on the past year as a student-athlete and identifying the transferable skills developed through both academic and athletic experiences. Through guided conversations, participants evaluated how they have grown as leaders, how they have navigated challenges, and how their daily habits and decisions have contributed to their development. Student-athletes were encouraged to recognize skills such as communication, accountability, teamwork, and resilience, and consider how these strengths can be applied in future academic, athletic, and professional settings.
Katherine Kubancik, Assistant Director of Scripps Leadership & Career Development, reflected on the impact of the program: "This session culminated more than seven hours of time and dedication that our first-year student-athletes invested in better understanding CU's resources and building community with fellow Buffs. I am incredibly grateful for the staff members who shared their time and leadership, and for the student-athletes who leaned into this experience, learning how to maximize their time at CU and grow as active leaders for their teams, campus, and community."
Student-athletes engaged in activities designed to connect their experiences at CU with future goals, including discussions focused on how to intentionally build upon skills they have developed and to grow as leaders within their teams and the broader campus community. The session emphasized that leadership is not defined by a title, but by consistent actions, mindset, and the ability to positively influence others.
A special thank you to the staff members who contributed their time, insight, and leadership to this event: Lauren Unrein, Alayna Yates, Alexandra Moran, Betsy Dubas, David Callan, DaWon Baker, Kenneth Rolle, Haley Major, Hannah Derby, Kylie Lahey, and Theresa D. Hernandez.
The First-Year Program continues to reinforce its commitment to developing WHOLE student-athletes by providing opportunities for reflection, growth, and skill-building. As participants move forward in their collegiate careers, the program aims to equip them with the confidence and tools needed to succeed academically, athletically, and professionally.
