INDIANAPOLIS – In the heart of downtown Indianapolis, a simple cup of coffee is brewing more than caffeine. For the Jaguars, it's fueling careers, sparking conversations, and laying the foundation for future leadership. The IU Indy Athletics Coffee Program, hosted at Java House, is connecting student-athletes with professionals across the city for one-on-one conversations about life, careers, and growth beyond sports.
For student-athletes like
Sean Craig, a junior finance major and member of the men's basketball team, the opportunity has been both personal and professional.
"The Jags coffee program has been important to me because it helped me meet new business people in Indianapolis," said Craig. "As a finance major this helps further my career aspirations and I was able to pick the brains of the people I interviewed about their careers... Plus, Java House makes some mean coffee!"
The program pairs IU Indy student-athletes with leaders from various industries, from healthcare to fitness and non-profits, who offer mentorship and insight. Emily Davenport, President at the National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS), has participated in several meetups and found the experience just as rewarding.
"It has served as a monthly refresh for me to sit down with a student and learn about their journey as an athlete, their goals and career aspirations," said Davenport. "They are growing their professional network, and I've already invited them to events at our gym and connected them with internships and jobs."
Rachel Hoffmeyer, Senior Director for R&D Strategy and Operations at Eli Lilly, has also helped mentor several student-athletes in hopes of enhancing the Indianapolis community.
"The Corporate Coffee Program cultivates connections that might not have naturally developed on their own," said Hoffmeyer. "It strengthens our community and enhances our shared understanding."
From gaining career advice to forming long-term mentorships, the program is creating valuable relationships between the IU Indianapolis student-athletes and established professionals. For leaders like Paul Peaper, President of the Indiana Health Care Association, it's a chance to shape the state's future workforce.
"To be a D1 athlete requires a tremendous amount of dedication and effort, skills that will no doubt translate to their future careers," said Peaper. "I appreciated the opportunity to connect and hopefully convince at least one of them to stay and work in Indiana."
As each cup is poured, the IU Indy Athletics Coffee Program is not only preparing student-athletes for life beyond the game but also strengthening the future of Indianapolis' professional community.
