Colorado University Athletics
CU’s Gamble STEPS Program: Preparing the Buffs for the Future
October 20, 2025 | Scripps Leadership & Career Development
As our student-athletes time at CU Boulder comes to a close, senior and graduate student-athletes are preparing to take their next steps beyond the playing field. To help ease this transition, Scripps Leadership and Career Development has created the Gamble Senior Transition and Exit Planning for Seniors Program (STEPS), an initiative designed to empower Buffs as they prepare for life after athletics.
Through the STEPS Program, student-athletes have the opportunity to connect directly with former CU student-athletes and industry professionals who offer insight, advice, and mentorship on navigating careers, relationships, and personal growth after graduation. The program's purpose is to build bridges between current and former Buffs, creating a network of support that extends far beyond campus.
The fall STEPS session, held on September 23, centered around career readiness and identity development beyond sport. Attendees engaged in interactive discussions on transferable skills, networking strategies, and balancing ambition with wellness during major life transitions. Guest table leaders included CU alumni who shared candid reflections about their own post-collegiate journeys and how the values learned through athletics continue to shape their professional and personal success.
One of our table leaders included John Finch, former Fullback/Long Snapper, under Coach MacIntyre who currently serves as the Territory Manager for BD, one of the largest global medical technology companies. When asked about how he applies his student-athlete experience to his career, he shared that "learning accountability for myself to help my team and perform my best is critical in my role today. Dealing with success and failures without impacting the day-to-day task is something I took from my time with CU Athletics."
By blending reflection, mentorship, and hands-on preparation, the STEPS Program helps student-athletes redefine success after CU Boulder, encouraging them to carry forward the discipline, teamwork, and resilience they developed as Buffs.
Current track and field student-athlete Amanda Opp shared, "The STEPS Program gave me guidance and support beyond being an athlete." She explained, "It helped me navigate internships, grad school applications, and plan for life after CU. Looking back to my first year, I can see how much confidence I've gained and how many tools I now have to prepare for my next steps."
The Gamble STEPS initiative aligns with the Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program, emphasizing the importance of Wellness, Health, and Optimal Life Experience. Together, these programs highlight Scripps Leadership and Career Development's ongoing commitment to preparing every Buff for a lifetime of achievement, both on and off the field.
Through the STEPS Program, student-athletes have the opportunity to connect directly with former CU student-athletes and industry professionals who offer insight, advice, and mentorship on navigating careers, relationships, and personal growth after graduation. The program's purpose is to build bridges between current and former Buffs, creating a network of support that extends far beyond campus.
The fall STEPS session, held on September 23, centered around career readiness and identity development beyond sport. Attendees engaged in interactive discussions on transferable skills, networking strategies, and balancing ambition with wellness during major life transitions. Guest table leaders included CU alumni who shared candid reflections about their own post-collegiate journeys and how the values learned through athletics continue to shape their professional and personal success.
One of our table leaders included John Finch, former Fullback/Long Snapper, under Coach MacIntyre who currently serves as the Territory Manager for BD, one of the largest global medical technology companies. When asked about how he applies his student-athlete experience to his career, he shared that "learning accountability for myself to help my team and perform my best is critical in my role today. Dealing with success and failures without impacting the day-to-day task is something I took from my time with CU Athletics."
By blending reflection, mentorship, and hands-on preparation, the STEPS Program helps student-athletes redefine success after CU Boulder, encouraging them to carry forward the discipline, teamwork, and resilience they developed as Buffs.
Current track and field student-athlete Amanda Opp shared, "The STEPS Program gave me guidance and support beyond being an athlete." She explained, "It helped me navigate internships, grad school applications, and plan for life after CU. Looking back to my first year, I can see how much confidence I've gained and how many tools I now have to prepare for my next steps."
The Gamble STEPS initiative aligns with the Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program, emphasizing the importance of Wellness, Health, and Optimal Life Experience. Together, these programs highlight Scripps Leadership and Career Development's ongoing commitment to preparing every Buff for a lifetime of achievement, both on and off the field.
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