Colorado University Athletics
CU Athletics Announces Partnership with Sports Business Ventures to Launch 1:1 Sports Executive Mentorship Program
January 29, 2026 | Scripps Leadership & Career Development
The Scripps Student-Athlete Leadership and Career Development program is excited to announce a new partnership with Sports Business Ventures (SBV) to launch the 1:1 Sports Executive Mentorship Program, an exclusive opportunity designed to connect University of Colorado student-athletes directly with leading executives across the sports industry.
Through this program, selected student-athletes will engage in personalized, one-on-one mentorship with experienced professionals who have built careers across professional sports organizations, brands, and leagues. The program is designed to provide meaningful guidance, career insight, and industry exposure, helping student-athletes translate their competitive experience into long-term professional success.
A Shared Commitment to Holistic Student-Athlete Development
"At Sports Business Ventures, our mission is to help student-athletes translate their competitive mindset, leadership skills, and lived experiences into meaningful careers in sports and beyond," said Brian Davison, Co-Founder & CEO of Sports Business Ventures. "Partnering with the University of Colorado is especially exciting because of their clear commitment to developing student-athletes holistically, not just on the field, but for life after sport. We're proud to support CU's student-athletes through personalized mentorship and industry access, and grateful to work alongside a university that truly values preparation, growth, and long-term success."
Represented Sports
The inaugural cohort of the 1:1 Sports Executive Mentorship Program will include student-athletes from the following sports:
- Lacrosse
- Football
- Nordic Ski
- Alpine Ski
- Soccer
This cross-section of programs highlights CU's diverse athletic excellence and reinforces the shared commitment between CU and SBV to supporting student-athletes across all sports as they prepare for careers beyond competition.
What to Expect from the Program
Participants will benefit from direct access to industry leaders, individualized career guidance, and mentorship tailored to each student-athlete's goals and interests. The program is structured to support professional development while complementing the demands of being a Division I student-athlete.
"We are excited to partner with Sports Business Ventures to build an impactful mentorship experience for our student-athletes. Many student-athletes want to stay connected to sport in life after graduation, and this program provides a unique pathway for them to jumpstart their career path", said Lauren Unrein, the Scripps Student-Athlete Leadership and Career Development Program Director.
