Texas Tech University Athletics
J.T. and Margaret Talkington Department of Student-Athlete Development
Preparing Fearless Champions for Life Overview
The J.T. & Margaret Talkington Department of Student-Athlete Development seeks to provide comprehensive programming and curriculum opportunities that strengthens each student-athlete’s experience. Ultimately, the Department of Student-Athlete Development will prepare all Fearless Champions to best serve, compete and lead at the highest levels throughout their lives.Mission Statement
To position and prepare Fearless Champions to discover, prepare, implement and empower themselves in the four focus areas of career development, personal development, leadership development and community outreach.Cornerstones
Personal DevelopmentHolistically developing student-athletes in all facets of life.
- Wreck 'Em Prep
- Fearless Champions Checklist
Integrating student-athletes into the Red Raider community to positively impact others.
- Elementary School Visits
- Community Mentorship Programs
- Food Bank Visits
- Hospital Visits
Developing a culture of leadership through exposure, immersion, and implementation.
- Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
- Captain, Team, & Individual Leadership Development
- Leadership Retreat/Institute
- LDR1200 and LDR3300 Courses
Preparing student-athletes to become professional champions beyond the game.
- Internships Suited for Success Series
- Job Shadowing Resumes
- Post-Athletics Mapping
- Mock Interviews
- Fearless Champions Portfolio
Core Values
DISCOVER - 1st year student-athletes will focus on self-discovery. PREPARE - 2nd year student-athletes will move from self-discovery to self-actualization.
IMPLEMENT - 3rd year student-athletes will use what they learned about themselves, teammates, and life and apply it to the “real world.”
EMPOWER - 4th and 5th year student-athletes will focus on their legacy and their transition from being a student-athlete to finding their industry of interest. At this point, student-athletes should know who they are, where they want to go, how to get there, and have the tools and resources to be ready for their next challenges.
More: Core Values