Few NCAA athletes will turn professional in their respective sports – less than one percent. With the odds stacked against student-athletes, they must prepare for life after collegiate athletics.

Sacramento State has roughly 500 student-athletes across 20 sports.

The Student Athlete Resource Center is specifically designed to aide student-athletes. These services include career-planning and placement activities.

Mark McGushin, coordinator of life skills and student-athlete development at Sac State, said the SARC is trying something different this year.

“We’ve started a career internship program specifically for athletes,” McGushin said. “It’s similar to type of resources that they can get in the Career Center, but it’s a little more hands-on.”

McGushin said the program helps student-athletes – past and present – develop goals throughout their college tenure.

Mike Marcial, a 23-year-old criminal justice major and senior Hornet basketball player, said he has a number of options for after school.

“I might go to grad school, I might pursue a career in my field of criminal justice or I might pursue basketball,” Marcial said.

In terms of basketball, he said a coaching career or as a player somewhere else is an option, but probably not in the NBA.

Marcial said his dream was to play Division I college basketball.

“I love the atmosphere of the (college) game,” he said. “I just enjoy playing and competing.”

Maddison Thivierge, a 19-year-old kinesiology major and junior Hornet volleyball player, said she plays volleyball because she enjoys it.

“(Sac State) is successful and I love the girls, team and coaches.” Thivierge said.

Thivierge said organization is her key to balancing life.

“Being an athlete, you’re used to being regimented,” Thivierge said. “I have a big calendar and dry erase board with everything listed. I’m very organized.”

Marcial said time management is a must for student-athletes to succeed.

“I have to manage my time on and off the court,” he said. “The sport gives you up or you give up the sport – physically or mentally.”

McGushin said one thing he always tells student-athletes is not to forget the SARC and Career Center.

“Don’t forget about the resources that you have available on campus.”

Dustin Nosler can be reached at [email protected]