By Logan Midler
For The Diamondback
University of Maryland community members heard from athletes, coaches and industry leaders about succeeding in athletics and entrepreneurship at a panel in Gossett Hall on Wednesday.
Maryland athletics and xFoundry hosted the “Forging the Winning Mindset: Athletics x Entrepreneurship” event, which focused on building multi-skilled teams and applying an athletic mindset beyond the field.
The first panel — moderated by Jasmine Kelly, xFoundry’s associate director of academic programs — addressed how sports can give athletes a competitive edge into entrepreneurship.
Panelists included former NFL cornerback Shawn Springs, Maryland wrestling coach Alex Clemsen and Maryland volleyball player Zoe Huang.
Kelly began by asking the panelists to share the best advice they have ever been told or have given.
As a senior marketing major, Huang acknowledged how overwhelming post-graduation life can be.
“Trust the process,” Huang said. “Trust in the process and [realize] that everything will work out in the end.”
Clemsen shared a personal story about the challenges of transitioning from high school wrestling to college wrestling. His college coach at the time gave him advice that Clemsen now teaches to his students, he said.
“You need to learn to pick up your lunch pail and your shovel and go to work every day with your hard hat because it’s going to be there waiting for you to get back the next day and the next day,” Clemsen said.
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After discussing topics such as transferable skills from sports to business, building competitive spirit and overcoming challenges, Kelly opened the floor to audience questions.
One attendee asked Springs for advice on starting a business and navigating the “growing pains” that come with it.
Springs reminded the audience that entrepreneurship is not an overnight success story. He emphasized the importance of using resources and seeking support from others.
The second panel — moderated by Isabella Laurel, xFoundry’s associate marketing director — addressed turning athletic skills into success.
The panel featured Maryland field hockey coach Missy Meharg, information studies professor TJ Rainsford and deputy associate administrator at NASA Christyl Johnson.
Laurel directed her first question towards Meharg, who is third all-time in Division I victories with 655 wins.. Laurel asked Meharg to describe the process of creating teams while also showcasing individual talents.
“The mantra from our field is united through what we love, and the thing that we love is field hockey,” Meharg said.
A key part of leading young people is teaching them not to compare themselves to others, Meharg added.
While Meharg focused on the mindset of self-improvement in athletics, Rainsford expanded the discussion to highlight the role of failure in entrepreneurship. Rainsford expressed how though he encountered failure before, it’s more important to learn what went wrong and improve for the next time.
“We’ve gotten to a point where failure is something to be avoided,” Rainsford said. “No, failure is entrepreneurship.”
Laurel then asked how the panelists approach building effective teams in sports, business or innovation. Johnson said people should choose team members whose strengths complement their weaknesses to take advantage of their skills.
Building on Johnson’s advice, Rainsford stressed the importance of understanding purpose in any venture.
“Most companies know what they do,” Rainsford said. “Fewer companies know how they do it. Very few companies know why. The ones that do know why are highly successful.”
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Several students at this university said they found the panelists’ advice useful.
Yasmine Tajeddin, a junior computer science and music major at this university, said Clemsen’s advice specifically stuck with her. Clemsen advised attendees to set boundaries for themselves by being fully dedicated to certain activities.
Tajeddin said she plans to take his advice to fully devote herself to computer science and music.
Ethan Kann, a junior environmental science and policy major and xFoundry student, expressed his appreciation for the program and thought the panel was a great opportunity for students.
“[xFoundry does] a great job telling people to come here,” Kann said. “Really giving the ideologies and networking opportunities for students and also giving us a chance to meet people with that kind of mindset.”
