University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Geaux Lead Program
In 2021, the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns introduced an enhanced GEAUX LEAD program, an initiative designed to offer an elite student-athlete experience encompassing personal brand management, career development, financial literacy and civic engagement. With name, image and likeness legislation soon passing into law in the state of Louisiana, the Department of Athletics has prepared a fully faceted approach to leading the way in the area.
Leadership training is one of the most important parts of the Ragin' Cajuns student-athlete experience. The GEAUX LEAD program will continue its commitment to inspiring, engaging and advancing student-athletes’ personal growth outside of athletic pursuits. Each of the program’s components is tailored to assist student-athletes with the transition into life after their collegiate careers have finished and assist in facilitating overall development.
Through an existing partnership with leading marketing and brand consultant, Jeremy Darlow, Louisiana Athletics will offer personal brand educational materials and resources to its more than 400 student-athletes as it relates to the opportunities that exist for them from a name, image and likeness standpoint.
The goal of the GEAUX LEADÂ Program is to empower student-athletes to begin the process of developing as professionals through:
- Recognizing, improving and building a professional skill set.
- Providing student-athletes with various tools, techniques, and support to achieve their goals.
- Equipping student-athletes with the resources to overcome the challenges associated with change and transition.
Main Pillars of the GEAUX LEADÂ Program
Community Engagement
Offer service experiences and advocate for increased student-athlete involvement on campus and in the community.
Leadership
Develop student-athletes as responsible representatives and leaders.
Career Development
Enhance career readiness and provide resources that prepare student-athletes for professional life after college.
Personal Development
Focus on the development of the well-rounded student-athlete.
Health and Wellness
Commit to overall student-athlete well-being and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
| Semester | Session Topics | |
| Fall 2017 | Healthy Relationships Sexual Assault, Alcohol and Drug prevention Keys to healthy relationships with family, teammates, coaches and significant others |
|
| Spring 2018 | Coping With The Challenge Of Change Mental Health Self-Discovery Self-Esteem |
|
| Fall 2018 | Financial Future Understanding Salary and Benefits Healthcare/Insurance Investing |
|
| Spring 2019 | Preparing For Life After Athletics Finding the Career that Fits Identifying Transferable Skills Employment Outlook Working Conditions |
|
| Fall 2019 | Financial Literacy Personal Budgeting Debt Management Saving Protecting against identity theft |
|
| Spring 2020 | Professional Athlete (Developing Your Personal Brand) Networking Self-Promotion Social Media - The Right Way Goal Setting |
|
| Fall 2020 | After The Game (Career Readiness) Identifying Your Skills/Experience Seeking and securing Internships Resume Building Dress for Success |
|
| Spring 2021 | Giving Back/Leadership Development (Mentoring And Community Service) Mentoring local youth (K-6) Benefits of Volunteerism Peer mentoring Learning from Leaders in the community/former student-athletes |
Those looking to sponsor and event or have a suggestion for programming, please contact:
Tom Burke
Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance
(337) 482-5195
tburke@louisiana.edu
Â
