For many student-athletes, finishing a competitive career brings both excitement and uncertainty. For women, this transition can be even harder as they work on building confidence, finding career paths, and speaking up in fields where they are still underrepresented.
On February 3, Heidelberg hosted its first Girl Power Leadership Panel. Female student-athletes and successful women leaders came together to talk about life after sports. The event, organized by the Office of Civic Engagement and the Athletic Department, gave everyone a chance to have open conversations about success, confidence, and getting ready for the future.
The panel included leaders from healthcare, athletics, communications, and conference administration, a number of whom were Heidelberg alumni. They shared not only their career backgrounds but also the lessons they learned along the way.
Dr. Laurie Gossard ’88: Growth from reflection
Dr. Laurie Gossard, a Heidelberg alumna and internal medicine physician, stressed that the skills student-athletes build, like discipline, teamwork, and determination, are valuable in many areas of life beyond sports.
She encouraged students to take time to reflect on their actions. “Step back and reflect on what you can do better,” she said, explaining that self-awareness helps you grow. Laurie also talked about the important role of mentors, especially at a smaller school like Heidelberg, where strong connections with professors and mentors can build confidence and guide your career.
Her message was clear: student-athletes are well prepared to face tough challenges, and they should trust in that preparation.
Lisa Hohman ’91: You are more than your sport
Lisa Hohman, CEO of Concordance Healthcare and a Heidelberg alumna, spoke about leadership, confidence, and perspective. She reminded students that while sports can shape who they are, it does not completely define them.
“Each of you is so much more than just your sport,” she said. “It’s a part of me – but it is not what defines me.”
Lisa encouraged students to look forward to new opportunities instead of focusing on what is ending. She advised them to learn how to give and receive helpful feedback and to be confident in their choices, even if things do not go as planned. Her strongest message was about self-worth: “Learn how to love yourself today. You are enough right now.”
Marissa Smego ’16: Bet on yourself
Marissa Smego, Director of Athletic Communications at Otterbein University and a Heidelberg alumna, talked about her path from being a top softball player to leading college athletics communications. As the first woman to hold this role in the OAC since 2011, she spoke honestly about confidence, handling criticism, and perseverance.
Marissa told students to stay open to learning, even outside of sports, and not to take feedback too personally. She also stressed the importance of celebrating small achievements and trusting yourself. “Bet on yourself,” she said, encouraging students to balance confidence with humility as they move forward in their careers.
Bethany Dannelly: Advocate with confidence, purpose
Bethany Dannelly, Commissioner of the Ohio Athletic Conference, focused on long-term planning and good communication. She advised students to start preparing financially early and to use campus career services, stressing the value of being proactive.
“There’s a way to be humble and still advocate for yourself,” Bethany said. She encouraged students to build strong communication skills, learn how to handle tough conversations, and know when to compromise and when to stand firm.
Her advice was practical and reassuring. She reminded students that setbacks will happen, but staying persistent and building skills will help them move forward.
A message that resonated beyond the room
Kayela Tidrick, Instructor of Sport Management and Title IX Deputy Coordinator at Heidelberg, moderated the panel. She made the discussion both engaging and honest, using humor and insight. Kayela reminded students that leadership can appear in unexpected ways, even joking, “Learn to play golf. You’ll never be left out of a meeting!”
During the discussion, students heard a clear message: Success does not stop when the season ends. With mentorship, self-advocacy, and confidence, the skills learned in sports can lead to meaningful careers and fulfilling lives.
For Heidelberg’s female student-athletes, the Girl Power Leadership Panel was not just about getting ready for life after sports. It was also about seeing the strength they already have.