Colorado University Athletics
CU senior and graduate student-athletes gather for a group photo at the last STEP Program event of the semester
CU’s Gamble STEPS Program: Preparing Buffs For Life After CU
April 27, 2026 | Scripps Leadership & Career Development
As their time at CU Boulder begins to come to a close, senior and graduate student-athletes find themselves at a defining moment, transitioning from the structure of collegiate athletics into the uncertainty and opportunity of what comes next. To support this transition, Scripps Leadership & Career Development hosted the Gamble STEPS Event on Tuesday, March 31, in the NerdWallet Touchdown Club. This mandatory session provided student-athletes with the opportunity to reflect on their experiences, assess their readiness, and begin preparing for life after CU.
The STEPS Program is designed to meet student-athletes where they are, offering real and practical guidance as they navigate the transition out of sport. Through interactive discussions and small group conversations, participants explored common challenges associated with this transition, including career readiness, identity beyond athletics, and building structure without the support systems of college athletics.
The session opened with reflection-based activities, including a "Fist to Five" exercise that encouraged student-athletes to evaluate their preparedness for life after sport across areas such as career planning, networking, and professional development. These conversations allowed participants to share perspectives, ask questions, and learn from one another's experiences as they approach graduation.
Reflecting on the experience, Luke Dry, a senior on the track and field team and Leadership & Career Development intern, shared, "STEPS this semester was incredibly valuable. One of the most impactful parts was hearing from Jay Turner and learning about the financial habits I can begin developing now to set myself up for success beyond college." His perspective highlighted the importance of taking time to evaluate personal readiness while also recognizing the opportunities that come with this transition.
A key component of the evening focused on financial readiness, with Jay Turner providing insight into managing finances post-graduation. Student-athletes were introduced to foundational concepts such as budgeting, cost of living, and financial responsibility, helping them better understand what it takes to navigate independence after CU.
Throughout the workshop, student-athletes were encouraged to identify their transferable skills, reflect on their personal and professional goals, and consider how to intentionally prepare for the next phase of their lives. The session emphasized that while the transition out of athletics can be challenging, it also presents an opportunity to redefine identity, build new routines, and apply the skills developed as a student-athlete in meaningful ways.
The Gamble STEPS initiative aligns with the Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program, emphasizing Wellness, Health, and Optimal Life Experience. Through programs like STEPS, Scripps Leadership & Career Development remains committed to equipping student-athletes with the tools, confidence, and support needed to successfully navigate life beyond CU Boulder.
The STEPS Program is designed to meet student-athletes where they are, offering real and practical guidance as they navigate the transition out of sport. Through interactive discussions and small group conversations, participants explored common challenges associated with this transition, including career readiness, identity beyond athletics, and building structure without the support systems of college athletics.
The session opened with reflection-based activities, including a "Fist to Five" exercise that encouraged student-athletes to evaluate their preparedness for life after sport across areas such as career planning, networking, and professional development. These conversations allowed participants to share perspectives, ask questions, and learn from one another's experiences as they approach graduation.
Reflecting on the experience, Luke Dry, a senior on the track and field team and Leadership & Career Development intern, shared, "STEPS this semester was incredibly valuable. One of the most impactful parts was hearing from Jay Turner and learning about the financial habits I can begin developing now to set myself up for success beyond college." His perspective highlighted the importance of taking time to evaluate personal readiness while also recognizing the opportunities that come with this transition.
A key component of the evening focused on financial readiness, with Jay Turner providing insight into managing finances post-graduation. Student-athletes were introduced to foundational concepts such as budgeting, cost of living, and financial responsibility, helping them better understand what it takes to navigate independence after CU.
Throughout the workshop, student-athletes were encouraged to identify their transferable skills, reflect on their personal and professional goals, and consider how to intentionally prepare for the next phase of their lives. The session emphasized that while the transition out of athletics can be challenging, it also presents an opportunity to redefine identity, build new routines, and apply the skills developed as a student-athlete in meaningful ways.
The Gamble STEPS initiative aligns with the Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program, emphasizing Wellness, Health, and Optimal Life Experience. Through programs like STEPS, Scripps Leadership & Career Development remains committed to equipping student-athletes with the tools, confidence, and support needed to successfully navigate life beyond CU Boulder.
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