University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Geaux Lead Academy Brings Professional Development Directly to Ragin' Cajuns Student-Athletes
4/1/2021 3:15:00 PM | Athletics
New seminar program for Louisiana Athletics connects student-athletes with local business leaders
LAFAYETTE - Heading into the 2021 calendar year, the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Department of Athletics embarked on a new initiative for its more than 400 student-athletes.
This new venture would amplify the professional development efforts taking place beyond the fields of competition. The Geaux Lead Academy, in partnership with local organization Leadership Lafayette, has delivered monthly seminars to approximately 50 student-athletes as part of its first months of operation.
With opportunities to listen and learn from area business leaders and local civic figures, the Geaux Lead Academy has offered tremendous opportunities for professional networking to Louisiana's student-athletes.
"In alignment with our strategic plan, the Geaux Lead Academy provides outstanding career development programming to our student-athletes to enhance their opportunities for future professional success." Director of Athletics Bryan Maggard said. "This program further enhances the overall experience and development of our more than 400 Ragin' Cajuns student-athletes."
Situated during the 2021 spring semester on Zoom video conferencing software, the Ragin' Cajuns Geaux Lead Academy additionally offers student-athletes the opportunity to connect personally with monthly guests on career ambitions and pathways to success.
Many Ragin' Cajuns involved in this year's program are excited, simply, to meet new people. That includes Ragin' Cajuns Track & Field freshman sprinter Ta'La Spates, who values these chances to grow as an individual.
"Meeting new people and having conversations with them allows for us to become comfortable in a professional setting," Spates said. "Opportunities like the Geaux Lead Academy have allowed me to grow tremendously as both a person and professional."
Spates' winning attitude has shown up on the track, as well. The Brusly, Louisiana, native helped her squad's 4x100-meter relay team win the prestigious Texas Relays on March 27, turning in a time of 44.81 seconds that was just 0.01 off the school record.
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) member and Ragin' Cajuns Football junior running back T.J. Wisham noted that the student-athlete experience here at the University is important to put focus toward.
"SAAC, and specifically the Geaux Lead initiative, are two organizations that benefit and bring growth to our student-athlete experience here at Louisiana," Wisham said. "They take a step forward in preparing us for the next phase of our lives. We are driven towards using our platforms to better ourselves and to bring a positive impact to others."
Guests in Geaux Lead seminars are often alums of the University, themselves. Ragin' Cajuns Baseball sophomore outfielder Alex Hannie looked at the seminar speakers as outstanding representatives of what he hopes to accomplish himself upon graduation.
"The most interesting thing that I learned was that these prominent professionals speaking to us during the Geaux Lead meetings started out at UL just like us," Hannie said. "They eventually worked their way to the top of their organizations."
Junior Hunter Hammett, a member of Ragin' Cajuns Golf, has reflected on his early involvement in the program and understands the long term benefits.
"I've learned that being genuine around everyone that you come into contact with will leave a lasting impression that can serve you later in your career," Hammett said. "It's hard to envision where I will be in 15 years or so, but to actually hear and learn how people from our own community came into what they are doing is really fascinating."
Guests in 2021 have included: Carlee Alm-Labar, President & CEO of United Way of Acadiana; Beverly Black, Executive of Global Sales and Business Development at Delta; Hollis Conway, Director of Community Development, Parks & Recreation for Lafayette Consolidated Government; Charles Fenstermaker, President of C. H. Fenstermaker & Associates, Bobby Fruge, Owner of Under Pressure, The 705 & Leadership Lafayette Board Member LLC; Henri Hebert; Vice President, Dwight Andrus and Owner, Jimmy John's; Jennifer Trahan, Vice President of HR, FMOLHS & Our Lady of Lourdes; Shawn Wilson, State of Louisiana Secretary of Transportation; Blaise Zuschlag, Vice President & CAO at Acadian Ambulance.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Geaux Lead Academy and additional Student-Athlete Advisory Committee initiatives in the future for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns.
This new venture would amplify the professional development efforts taking place beyond the fields of competition. The Geaux Lead Academy, in partnership with local organization Leadership Lafayette, has delivered monthly seminars to approximately 50 student-athletes as part of its first months of operation.
With opportunities to listen and learn from area business leaders and local civic figures, the Geaux Lead Academy has offered tremendous opportunities for professional networking to Louisiana's student-athletes.
"In alignment with our strategic plan, the Geaux Lead Academy provides outstanding career development programming to our student-athletes to enhance their opportunities for future professional success." Director of Athletics Bryan Maggard said. "This program further enhances the overall experience and development of our more than 400 Ragin' Cajuns student-athletes."
Situated during the 2021 spring semester on Zoom video conferencing software, the Ragin' Cajuns Geaux Lead Academy additionally offers student-athletes the opportunity to connect personally with monthly guests on career ambitions and pathways to success.
Many Ragin' Cajuns involved in this year's program are excited, simply, to meet new people. That includes Ragin' Cajuns Track & Field freshman sprinter Ta'La Spates, who values these chances to grow as an individual.
"Meeting new people and having conversations with them allows for us to become comfortable in a professional setting," Spates said. "Opportunities like the Geaux Lead Academy have allowed me to grow tremendously as both a person and professional."
Spates' winning attitude has shown up on the track, as well. The Brusly, Louisiana, native helped her squad's 4x100-meter relay team win the prestigious Texas Relays on March 27, turning in a time of 44.81 seconds that was just 0.01 off the school record.
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) member and Ragin' Cajuns Football junior running back T.J. Wisham noted that the student-athlete experience here at the University is important to put focus toward.
"SAAC, and specifically the Geaux Lead initiative, are two organizations that benefit and bring growth to our student-athlete experience here at Louisiana," Wisham said. "They take a step forward in preparing us for the next phase of our lives. We are driven towards using our platforms to better ourselves and to bring a positive impact to others."
Guests in Geaux Lead seminars are often alums of the University, themselves. Ragin' Cajuns Baseball sophomore outfielder Alex Hannie looked at the seminar speakers as outstanding representatives of what he hopes to accomplish himself upon graduation.
"The most interesting thing that I learned was that these prominent professionals speaking to us during the Geaux Lead meetings started out at UL just like us," Hannie said. "They eventually worked their way to the top of their organizations."
Junior Hunter Hammett, a member of Ragin' Cajuns Golf, has reflected on his early involvement in the program and understands the long term benefits.
"I've learned that being genuine around everyone that you come into contact with will leave a lasting impression that can serve you later in your career," Hammett said. "It's hard to envision where I will be in 15 years or so, but to actually hear and learn how people from our own community came into what they are doing is really fascinating."
Guests in 2021 have included: Carlee Alm-Labar, President & CEO of United Way of Acadiana; Beverly Black, Executive of Global Sales and Business Development at Delta; Hollis Conway, Director of Community Development, Parks & Recreation for Lafayette Consolidated Government; Charles Fenstermaker, President of C. H. Fenstermaker & Associates, Bobby Fruge, Owner of Under Pressure, The 705 & Leadership Lafayette Board Member LLC; Henri Hebert; Vice President, Dwight Andrus and Owner, Jimmy John's; Jennifer Trahan, Vice President of HR, FMOLHS & Our Lady of Lourdes; Shawn Wilson, State of Louisiana Secretary of Transportation; Blaise Zuschlag, Vice President & CAO at Acadian Ambulance.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Geaux Lead Academy and additional Student-Athlete Advisory Committee initiatives in the future for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns.
Inside Louisiana Athletics Recap for Dec 10, 2025 to Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday, December 16
Garry Brodhead Media Availability (Dec 14, 2025)
Monday, December 15
Quannas White Media Availability (Dec 14, 2025)
Monday, December 15
Terrence Williams Media Availability (Dec 12 2025)
Friday, December 12
