FRESNO, Calif. - Throughout the fall semester the Fresno State Student-Athlete Development Program, Bulldog Built, expanded its existing programs and initiatives by adding leadership development opportunities with the ALPHA Dog Leadership Program. In the ALPHA Dog Leadership Program, student-athletes engage in DiSC assessments and the ATHENA International Higher Education Leadership curriculum. This curriculum takes student-athletes through 8 principles that tie into their Predictive Index Assessment results (measuring dominance, extraversion, patience, and formality) to refine their leadership style and interpersonal relationship skills. The Women's Volleyball team completed the program this fall, and a cohort of 16 student-athletes from men's and women's teams are currently participating in the program.
"Our staff and players had the opportunity to work with Carlie [Corrigan] using the ATHENA International Leadership curriculum and I believe it was a difference maker. It allowed our players to have very genuine and enlightening conversations with each other that enhanced relationships within our program. I believe it really helped me know my staff and players on a deeper level when stressful experiences arose during our season, and I was able to look back and reflect on some conversations that were vital to our growth," said Leisa Rosen, Fresno State volleyball head coach.
Throughout the semester, students prepared for the cornerstone professional development event, Career and Networking Night, by engaging in career conversations, resume and LinkedIn profile creation, and networking and interview practice. Over 80 professionals attended, including many former Bulldog student-athletes.
Professionals included business owners and entrepreneurs, veterinarians, financial advisors, coaches, sales and hiring managers, teachers, engineers, marketing executives and more, highlighting their career path and experiences. This annual event enhances student-athletes interpersonal skills and broadens their understanding of careers within their respective areas of interest. This year's event was supported in part by Enterprise Holdings, entrepreneur and former Football student-athlete Stratton Brown and Virtual Help, and Fowler Packing.
In recognition of the NCAA Day of Civic Engagement, over 200 student-athletes participated in a campus beautification project in partnership with Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) and Beautify Fresno. Led by Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Community Service Chair Amelia DiPaola, student-athletes supported the Fresno State campus grounds crew in clearing an area for future planting and beautification.
"As the SAAC Community Service Chair, I was given the opportunity to coordinate a campus cleanup in collaboration with Associated Students Inc. and the Fresno State campus groundskeepers, with the support of Beautify Fresno," said DiPaola. "Student-Athletes participated in this event over the course of eight hours with 12 entire teams represented. It was estimated that our contributions eliminated eight months of work for our groundskeepers in the rose gardens and around the Kremen Education building. Our goal was to give back to the community that has supported us as student-athletes for the past several decades by improving the campus experience for current and future students at Fresno State."
During October, Bulldog Built focused on holistic wellness through education and partnerships with campus, and local business. Mental health and wellness resources were highlighted through social media campaigns, specifically highlighting the resources provided to student-athletes through Halcyon Behavioral, and educating student-athletes on how to help their peers. The Fresno State Student Health and Counseling Center supported this initiative by hosting their healthy lifestyle booth in the student-athlete village. Student-athletes also had the opportunity to participate in yoga and enjoy acai bowls from The Loving Seed.
Underclass student-athletes started off the semester with a major exploration night in partnership with campus career liaisons, college advisors, and professors. Focused on early intervention and career support, this opportunity was the first step in preparing for life after graduation. Additionally, the sophomore class participated in an Alumni Panel with guests, Madelyn Garcia and Isaiah Green, who shared their experiences post-graduation and as professionals. These alumni spoke to the power of relationship building while participating as a Fresno State student-athlete and the importance of exploring multiple interests outside of sport. At the conclusion of the panel, student-athletes completed a career road map activity where they planned actionable steps toward their future career goals.
Fresno State's Women of the Valley affinity group was represented by women's tennis student-athletes at the Central California Women's Conference luncheon, hearing from keynote speaker Brooke Shields, actress, model, and author. These female student-athletes had the opportunity to connect with women within the Fresno State Athletics Department from members of the senior leadership team to coaches and other administrators.
Bulldog Built is designed to further enhance the well-being of student-athletes and provide opportunities for them to grow holistically, both personally and professionally. With programming centered on character formation, professional development, and community engagement, Bulldog Built prepares Fresno State student-athletes to enter into their postgraduate life with leadership skills, confidence, integrity, and a drive to succeed.