FRESNO, Calif. – Bulldog Built concluded the 2023-24 academic year with its annual Night of Champions celebration, highlighting student-athletes academic and athletic achievements for the year.
Bulldog Built expanded its program offerings with the addition of the ALPHA Dog Leadership Program. This program includes ATHENA International Leadership Institute workshops, DiSC Assessments, and team specific leadership workshops. In its inaugural year, 32 student-athletes representing 5 teams refined their leadership abilities through the ATHENA International Leadership Institute curriculum and 130 student-athletes and coaches completed DiSC Assessments.
"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 volleyball head coach Leisa Rosen.
Throughout the academic year, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) put their leadership skills to action by coordinating service opportunities, events, and representing Fresno State at conference meetings. The SAAC Community Service Chair organized a campus clean-up in coordination with campus groundskeepers and over 200 student-athlete volunteers to help beautify the Fresno State Campus. Student-athletes were also actively engaged with Valley Children's Hospital, CASA, Team IMPACT, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Read Across America.
The Bulldog Built program also hosted a series of character formation and professional development opportunities throughout the academic year. Preparation for cornerstone events such as the Career and Networking Night and Career Tours included resume and cover letter writing, professional attire, networking strategies, and mock interviews. Over 100 community members, alumni, and local businesses participated in one or more professional development initiatives to support Fresno State student-athletes prepare for life after intercollegiate athletics. Additionally, freshmen and sophomore student-athletes participated in major and career mapping in partnership with our academic departments and advising teams.
"The Bulldog Built Program has played an instrumental role in setting me up for success after graduation.," said Mia Nunes, Equestrian student-athlete and SAAC representative. "I have had the opportunity to attend networking nights, numerous career readiness workshops, and a career development class. Through these opportunities I was able to network with multiple professionals in my field that I still remain in contact with, learned how to make a standout resume, and the skills required to have an impressive interview which has now led me to have an internship at Blair, Church & Flynn this summer. Not only has Bulldog Built helped provide these opportunities but it has supported me through every step of professional, personal, and athletic development."
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 will prepare Fresno State student-athletes to enter into their postgraduate life with leadership skills, confidence, integrity, and a drive to succeed.