North Carolina State University Athletics
Student-Athlete Development
8/1/2001 12:00:00 AM | Pack Athletics
Aug. 1, 2001
ImPACK Program
As part of NC State's Office of Student-Athlete Development, the ImPACK Program
is a great success story in the realm of student-athlete services. ImPACK gives
Wolfpack student-athletes the opportunity to develop skills that will enhance
opportunities for success after their athletic careers have ended. In the
process, the program provides an outlet for the student-athletes to contribute
to the community.
ImPACK recently earned one of four inaugural "Program of Excellence" awards from the NCAA Division 1A Athletic Directors Association.
The ImPACK Program has five major components: academic development, athletic development, personal development, career development and community service.
The Academic Commitment
The primary goal of the NC State Athletic Department is
to educate student-athletes so they not only obtain a degree, but also develop
an appreciation for learning in addition to the knowledge and skills that will
carry them through life. Academic coordinators from the Academic Support Program
for Student-Athletes (ASPSA) facilitate a specially designed orientation course
(MDS 101/102), which focuses on preparing first-year student-athletes for
college success. The course meets weekly to cover issues related to academic and
personal adjustment to college.
The Athletic Commitment
NC State pledges that all student-athletes will be
provided quality facilities, equipment, coaching and support services so each
student can achieve his or her maximum potential both academically and
athletically. Sensitivity to the dignity of the student-athlete is vital to the
success of the department. The NC State Department of Athletics offers a broad
program of sports, an exceptional coaching and support staff and outstanding
support programs.
The Service Commitment
NC State student-athletes play an integral part in
serving both the university and the local community. Activities include school
visitations, fundraising, the Adopt-A-School Program and the In-Reach Program.
Student-athletes participate in reading programs, mentoring, tutoring,
assemblies, awards banquets and field days in local elementary and middle
schools.
The Personal Development Commitment
ImPACK conducts numerous highly effective
workshops on issues that face the college student-athlete, including date
rape/sexual harassment, gambling, substance abuse, agents and self defense.
Other workshops offered by the ImPACK program include:
Leadership Development
The Career Development Commitment
The goal of the career development component is
to assist student-athletes with obtaining postgraduate employment. ImPACK
affords student-athletes the opportunity to gain valuable experience in their
chosen fields through internships and summer employment. Valuable workshops are
facilitated in the area of career development with topics such as Job
Interviewing, Communication Skills, Resume Writing and Agent Interviews/Contract
Analysis.
Making an ImPACK in the Community
ImPACK's outreach program places special emphasis on touching the lives of Wake
County's thousands of school children. NC State student-athletes are encouraged
to provide tutoring and mentoring activities for children. This program seeks to
avoid one-time events such as assemblies, and focuses instead on building
long-standing personal relationships between the children and the
student-athletes. Also, visits are made to children at local hospitals.
During the 1999-2000 school year, Wolfpack student-athletes and staff reached thousands of people in the Raleigh/ Research Triangle area through ImPACK's outreach efforts, including working with community programs such as Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, Dorothea Dix Hospital and the North Carolina Food Bank. Another program student-athletes are involved in is Pack Athletes Challenging Kids (P.A.C.K.). P.A.C.K. is the athletic department's speakers bureau, that provides student-athletes with the opportunity to talk to children about current issues they are facing.
The final phase of ImPACK's outreach program involves bringing children onto the NC State campus so they can interact with college students and experience campus life through athletics. This Inreach program is designed to show young students the advantages of getting an education and experiencing opportunities that exist outside their neighborhoods.
The Student-Athlete Development Staff
Tonya Washington is the director of student-athlete development. She is responsible for career development and personal development programs for NC State's student-athletes. Washington is also responsible for leadership development programs, Sisters in Sports activities and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Washington graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1989 with a degree in psychology and earned her M.P.A. in public administration in 1992. After working with the Leadership Center at UNC Wilmington, she came to NC State in 1996.
William "D.D." Hoggard is the coordinator of community/ enhancement programs. Hoggard played football at NC State and had a successful career in the NFL, playing with the Cleveland Browns. He graduated from NC State in May 1984 with a degree in Political Science.
He is responsible for community and enhancement programs, which include coordinating former student-athlete relations, community outreach and housing, football mentoring and spiritual guidance programming.
Wolfpack Athletes Value Community Service
Over 100 NC State student-athletes performed over 500 hours of community service during the 2000-01 school year. The Wolfpack visited over 30 different schools and non-profit organizations.
"Because many young people view athletes as role models, I think that it is important that our student-athletes speak to children about the importance of academics, healthy behaviors and good decision making," stated Tonya Washington, Director of Student-Athlete Development at NC State. "The children aren't the only ones who are learning, but the student-athletes are also learning the importance of being good citizens."
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee organized "Warm Up with the Wolfpack," a warm clothing drive that benefited local homeless shelters. A toy drive was held at a men's basketball game prior to the holidays and proceeds were donated to the Salvation Army and other local charities. During the annual Wolfpack Blitz week, student athletes visited 24 local schools and spoke to the children about the importance of academics, sportsmanship and healthy lifestyles. NC State athletes were also involved in a mentoring program at Centennial Middle School.
Many of the area's young people were provided the opportunity to attend a sporting event through the Charity Ticket program. The Office of Student-Athlete Development distributed over 6,200 tickets for football and men's and women's basketball to charity organizations and schools.
During the 2001-02 school year, the office of Student-Athlete Development plans to participate in the Carolina Parent magazine sponsored " Sports and Fitness Fair in September as well as the Raleigh Highwoods Kiwanis Miniature Golf Challenge to raise money for schools, SIDS research and the Tammy Lynn Center. Wolfpack athletes will all continue to visit area schools and charities.
