DALLAS – An initiative that combines sports and career development has been launched in the Rocket City in connection with next month’s Conference USA Basketball Championships.
The Stars of Tomorrow program offers top students from CUSA institutions an opportunity to engage with industry professionals and explore career opportunities in Huntsville.
“Huntsville has so much opportunity and provides a great quality of life that we are excited to showcase,” said Huntsville Sports Commission Executive Director Mark Russell. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our city to partner with CUSA schools to build new relationships, develop deeper ties within our community, and create a lasting legacy from the tournament.”
The program will cover the travel and accommodation expenses for student(s) from each of the league’s 10 member institutions. During their visit, students will have the chance to explore job opportunities within the Huntsville corporate community, with a full day dedicated to connecting with employers in their field of interest.
The students are:
- Emma Chu, Florida International, computer science
- Eliana Zerga, Florida International, international business
- Rodrigo Fraga Odriozola, Jacksonville State, finance
- Joel Metukmebong, Kennesaw State, computer engineering
- Dohnovan Walker, Kennesaw State, information systems
- Seth Sharp, Liberty, sport management
- Maggie Ambrose, Louisiana Tech, biology, pre-med
- Dereck DeAgano, Louisiana Tech, civil engineering
- Ariel Nicastro, Middle Tennessee, physics
- Madison Davis, Middle Tennessee, nursing
- Joseph Mego, Middle Tennessee, applied physics
- Connor Trexler, Middle Tennessee, applied physics
- Bethany Chacon, New Mexico State, criminal justice/mechanical engineering
- Jayde Bettles, Sam Houston, sport management
- Santiago Nieto, Texas-El Paso, civil engineering
- Byron Tate, Western Kentucky, construction management
- Gracie Scrogham, Western Kentucky, strategic marketing/graphic design
- Adam Williams, Western Kentucky, social work
“The partnership with CUSA goes beyond the court, and the Stars of Tomorrow program enables us to tell the Huntsville story in a different way,” said Huntsville/Madison County CVB Sports Development Manager Joel Lamp. “Thanks to our friends at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, we are able to introduce our city to all of these students with an immersive program that lets them see why this is a great city to live, work and play.”
This innovative program will take place during the CUSA tournament at Propst Arena, where students will gain firsthand experience and make valuable connections within the local business community.
As part of the program, students will also have the chance to witness the high-energy atmosphere of championship basketball while learning about the growing job market in the region.
“We are excited for this incredible opportunity that combines the thrill of championship basketball with real-world career development” said CUSA Commissioner Judy MacLeod. “Conference USA is committed to supporting the success of the next generation, and this initiative will help current students match their passion, talent and hard work with potential employers.”
With Huntsville’s rapid economic growth and increasing demand for talent, the Stars of Tomorrow program aims to help meet the needs of local employers and push forward the city’s economic development by bringing in top talent. Participating companies will engage with a minimum of two students from each of the league’s schools, paying a fee to participate in this exclusive event.
“Huntsville is excited to welcome CUSA students and recent graduates with the Stars of Tomorrow program to explore local career opportunities and experience the vibrant, diverse community that defines the Rocket City,” said Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce Director of Talent Initiatives Annie Davis. “As these students take the next steps in their careers, we want to ensure that they consider Huntsville as a promising start.”
In addition to career-building opportunities, the students will be honored at halftime during the basketball games as the Stars of the Game, recognizing their academic achievements and hard work in the classroom. The students will also be interviewed on ESPN+ during the game, further showcasing their talents and accomplishments to a national audience.
The Stars of Tomorrow program exemplifies the commitment of Conference USA to provide students with invaluable career development experiences while simultaneously highlighting the incredible opportunities available in Huntsville.
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