Beyond the Hedges 2026: A Premier Professional Engagement Opportunity with Rice Student-Athletes
11/24/2025 2:41:00 PM | General, R Association
January 29, 2026 / Cohen House / 7 p.m.
HOUSTON, TX – The SOAR Office at Rice University is excited to invite employers, alumni, and community leaders to participate in Beyond the Hedges 2026, our signature professional development event supporting Rice student-athletes through mock interviews and networking opportunities. The event will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Rice University Cohen House beginning at 7:00 PM.
At Beyond the Hedges, professionals play a central role by serving as mock interviewers and by engaging with student-athletes during the evening networking reception. Their participation as mock interviewers and networking guests allows them to share their expertise, offer practical guidance, and help shape the career readiness of student-athletes.
Student-athletes will rotate through a series of brief mock interviews before transitioning into an open networking event. This exciting event provides Rice student-athletes with a unique opportunity to enhance their job interview skills and build professional connections in a hands-on, dynamic environment. The experience helps our Rice Owls build confidence, expand their professional networks, and explore a wide range of career paths.
For professionals, Beyond the Hedges is an opportunity to meaningfully engage with some of Rice's most motivated and high-performing students. It's also a chance to broaden their organization's visibility, connect with potential future interns or hires, and contribute directly to the development of emerging leaders who strengthen the Rice community and empower the next generation of leaders.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations seeking to enhance their recruiting capabilities and connect directly with Rice student-athletes. By partnering with the SOAR Office, sponsors gain exclusive access to benefits, including hosting a marketing table at the event, leading a targeted recruiting or educational workshop for student-athletes, and prominent brand placement on event promotional materials. This is a powerful way to build relationships with top talent, expand your reach, and invest in the professional growth of the next generation of leaders.
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About the SOAR Office at Rice University
The SOAR (Student-Athlete Opportunities for Advancement Through Rice Values) Office is responsible for prioritizing and providing the holistic support that Rice student-athletes need to thrive in, through, and beyond the hedges.
At Beyond the Hedges, professionals play a central role by serving as mock interviewers and by engaging with student-athletes during the evening networking reception. Their participation as mock interviewers and networking guests allows them to share their expertise, offer practical guidance, and help shape the career readiness of student-athletes.
Student-athletes will rotate through a series of brief mock interviews before transitioning into an open networking event. This exciting event provides Rice student-athletes with a unique opportunity to enhance their job interview skills and build professional connections in a hands-on, dynamic environment. The experience helps our Rice Owls build confidence, expand their professional networks, and explore a wide range of career paths.
For professionals, Beyond the Hedges is an opportunity to meaningfully engage with some of Rice's most motivated and high-performing students. It's also a chance to broaden their organization's visibility, connect with potential future interns or hires, and contribute directly to the development of emerging leaders who strengthen the Rice community and empower the next generation of leaders.
We look forward to seeing you at Beyond the Hedges 2026!
Express your interest in attending/participating in this event HERE.
Any questions or concerns should be directed to the SOAR Office at gb72@rice.edu
____________________________________________________________________________Express your interest in attending/participating in this event HERE.
Any questions or concerns should be directed to the SOAR Office at gb72@rice.edu
Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations seeking to enhance their recruiting capabilities and connect directly with Rice student-athletes. By partnering with the SOAR Office, sponsors gain exclusive access to benefits, including hosting a marketing table at the event, leading a targeted recruiting or educational workshop for student-athletes, and prominent brand placement on event promotional materials. This is a powerful way to build relationships with top talent, expand your reach, and invest in the professional growth of the next generation of leaders.
______________________________________________________________________________
About the SOAR Office at Rice University
The SOAR (Student-Athlete Opportunities for Advancement Through Rice Values) Office is responsible for prioritizing and providing the holistic support that Rice student-athletes need to thrive in, through, and beyond the hedges.
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