Rice Athletics Unveils Flight Plan Fueled by SOAR
1/16/2021 11:03:00 AM | General
Rice Athletics is proud to announce the Flight Plan, a new student-athlete development initiative fueled by SOAR to help student-athletes maximize their time at Rice and best position them for prosperity in life beyond the hedges.
Launched in 2019, the Student-Athlete Opportunities for Advancement through Rice Values (SOAR) Program is designed to empower and equip Rice student-athletes with the training they need to thrive within and beyond campus. In collaboration with campus and community partners, Rice Athletics provides opportunities for personal growth and professional preparation to support student-athletes' transitions in, through, and beyond Rice University ensuring that Owl alumni are equipped to soar.
Associate Athletic Director for SOAR & Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, JP Abercrumbie provided insight to the work being done: "It's been a rewarding experience to partner with our student-athletes, coaches and staff, as well as a vast group of alumni, and campus partners, in the development of the Flight Plan. Since SOAR's launch, we have been able to collaborate and innovate in new and exciting ways-- strengthening relationships across campus, bridging to opportunities beyond the hedges, and reengaging letterwinners and other alumni throughout the process. As more opportunities and resources become available, the Flight Plan will serve as an essential tool in the holistic success and self-actualization of Rice student-athletes."
The Flight Plan is a key initiative developed through the Vision For Victory goal two committee that focuses on providing student-athletes opportunities for personal and professional growth. Director of Athletics, Recreation & Lifetime Fitness, Joe Karlgaard declared, "Through Vision for Victory, we have committed to fostering an environment in which our institutional values and department core values of grit, curiosity, and teamwork are embodied in the daily activities of our 16 programs. In the midst of the pandemic, the focus of this goal committee has remained on the holistic development of our students. The Flight Plan empowers Rice athletes to achieve at the highest levels and intentionally outlines an approach to developing the habits needed for success long after graduation."
"Serving as the Vice Chair of this goal committee as the Flight Plan has been developed has enabled us to maximize career development offerings and think creatively about how to ensure accessibility of campus resources for student-athletes," said Associate Director of the Center for Career Development, Ann McAdam Griffin. "The Flight Plan is a visible representation of the partnership between our teams and I am excited for our student-athletes to take flight!"
While each student-athlete has their own path, the Flight Plan will serve as a roadmap of the minimum recommendations or guidelines for activities that foster participation in all that Rice has to offer. As more resources and opportunities become available, and as the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, so too will the Flight Plan, allowing Rice Athletics to better fulfill its mission and vision for all student-athletes.
Annual goals overview for the Flight Plan:
FRESHMAN YEAR » Pilot Your Potential
Provide transition assistance, introduce students to available resources at a foundational level encouraging exploration of all Rice has to offer.
SOPHOMORE YEAR » Elevate Your Expectations
Encourage engagement with resources on a deeper level, beginning to integrate new knowledge into daily life. Curiosity, decision making and due diligence will be major focal points in programming at this level.
JUNIOR YEAR » Look To Launch
Apply gained knowledge in practical, experiential learning opportunities. Evaluate career paths and create action plans to achieve future goals. Successful application of skills through experience is a major focal point in programming at this level.
SENIOR YEAR » Take Flight
Implement and execute action plans to help actualize goals. Begin transition into life after Rice.
