HARTFORD, Conn. – Former Trinity College Women's Volleyball student-athlete Ava Boloyan participated in the NCAA Career In Sports Forum, hosted at the NCAA Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana from May 28-31, 2025.
 
The Career in Sports Forum is an annual educational program that brings together 200 selected NCAA student-athletes to learn about and explore potential careers in sports, particularly college athletics. This unique three-day forum helps student-athletes chart their career paths. Participants network with and learn from current athletics professionals.
 
Boloyan was a member of the Women's Volleyball program for four seasons (2021-24), serving as an outside hitter and middle blocker. During her career, Ava appeared in 252 sets across 83 matches, recording 308 kills, 206 digs, 108 blocks, 28 service aces, and 14 assists. A three-time New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Academic All-Conference selection, Ava majored in Public Policy & Law and minored in Formal Organizations while at Trinity.
 
Q: What drove you to wanting to participate in the Career in Sports Forum?
 
Ava Boloyan: "I wanted to participate in the Career in Sports Forum because I'm passionate about pursuing a career in the sports industry and knew this would be an incredible opportunity to gain insights, connect with industry professionals, and learn from peers with similar aspirations. I was excited to explore the wide variety of career paths within sports and to develop practical skills and a stronger understanding of how I can best contribute to the field. It also was a great opportunity to visit and work at the NCAA headquarters in downtown Indianapolis. "
 
Q: What was the most beneficial part of the Forum?
 
AB: "The most beneficial part of CSF, aside from the wealth of information, practical tools, and inspiring speakers, was the chance to be surrounded by peers with similar goals and ambitions. I learned the importance of "networking across" which is not just looking upward to mentors, but also building meaningful relationships with my peers, who will one day be colleagues and collaborators in the industry. That sense of community and shared drive was truly motivating.
 
Q: What was your favorite experience from the Forum?
 
AB: "My favorite experience from the Forum was getting to attend a Fever game. It was inspiring to see the energy and atmosphere of a professional game up close, and it reminded me why I want to work in the sports industry. Being in that environment with my CSF peers made it even more memorable and motivating, it brought to life so much of what we were learning throughout the Forum."
 
Q: What are your future plans for a career in Sports?
 
AB: "My future plan is to build a career in public relations within the sports industry. I'm passionate about telling athletes' stories, strengthening the connection between teams and their communities, and helping shape a positive, authentic image for sports organizations. I hope to contribute to creating an inclusive and engaging environment for fans and athletes alike, and I'm excited to keep learning, growing my network, and gaining hands-on experience along the way."
 
The forum allows attendees to network with peers and decision-makers at the campus, conference and national level of college athletics.  Content will meet the following program objectives:

• Educate participants on how personal strengths intersect with career opportunities.
• Provide participants with tangible experiences that will push them forward in their aspiration for a career in sports.
• Explore professional and career development strategies to help the transition to a career in the sports industry.
• Learn about the role of an intercollegiate coach, athletics administrator and national governing body staff member.

Notable speakers will cover the following topics and more to prepare attendees for success navigating their futures: self-awareness and its role in professional development; practical approaches to the sports job search; personal branding; developing a career plan; managing yourself as a professional in the sports industry. Through panels, engaging breakout discussions, keynote presentations and facilitated dialogues, program participants walk away from their experience with a thorough understanding of athletics as a career path and where they fit into the industry's landscape. 
 
Nominees must have participated in an NCAA-sponsored sport during the current academic year at the time of the application deadline. Eligible student-athletes who will have graduated before the forum dates are eligible to participate. Previous Career in Sports Forum participants are not eligible to reapply.