MEDIA, Pa. — The Norman and Marietta Mawby Believe, Play and Have Fun Mentoring Program is entering its fifth consecutive year, continuing to connect Penn State Brandywine student-athletes with mentors who guide them beyond the playing field. This program helps students balance academics and athletics, while preparing for life after graduation.
Funded by Norman and Marietta Mawby’s foundation — the Believe, Play and Have Fun Foundation — the athletics mentorship program gives students guidance in shaping their future from those who were once in their shoes.
At the start of their third or fourth year, student-athletes are paired by athletic staff with an alumna or alumnus based on shared factors such as sport, academic degree or career field.
Mentors and students meet at the beginning of the academic year to get to know each other. They also participate in four required check-ins scheduled for October, December, February and April, though many pairs choose to meet additional times by mutual interest.
During these meetings, mentors share their own paths to success and offer advice to help athletes reach their goals. Each meeting comes with suggested discussion topics.
“Typically, my theme around December is networking and the power of networking,” said Bobbi Caprice, director of athletics at Penn State Brandywine. She explained that the mentors provide the students tips on how to present themselves when meeting new people in their desired field.
Additional topics range from interviewing and professional branding to career planning, internships and job opportunities.
One of the program's main goals is to show students that their dreams truly can become a reality. Caprice explained that mentors give student-athletes a firsthand look at the real-world experiences of people who have already achieved what they set out to do.
However, the program benefits not only students but also the mentors themselves.
Many alumni and former athletes are eager to give back to the Penn State community, offering their time and expertise as valuable resources for current students.
“This is just one way people can stay engaged and connected,” said Caprice.
For more information about the program, contact Caprice via email at bmc5269@psu.edu.