ALBANY, Ga. — Two
Albany State student-athletes recently had the opportunity to gain valuable insight into careers beyond competition as
Avrey Fisher (softball) and
Tiffani Goodman (women's basketball) represented Albany State University at the 2026 NCAA Career in Sports Forum, held May 27-30 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The NCAA Career in Sports Forum is an annual educational program that brings together 200 selected student-athletes from across the country to explore career opportunities within intercollegiate athletics and the sports industry. Through networking opportunities, keynote presentations, panel discussions, and hands-on professional development activities, participants gain a deeper understanding of potential career paths while building relationships with industry leaders and fellow student-athletes.
The three-day forum is designed to help student-athletes identify how their personal strengths align with career opportunities, develop professional skills, and create actionable plans for success after graduation. Attendees learn directly from athletics administrators, coaches, conference office personnel, and national governing body representatives while exploring careers across all areas of sports.
For Fisher, the experience provided clarity and confidence as she begins navigating life after graduation.
"Attending the NCAA Career in Sports Forum this year was an amazing experience," Fisher said. "I first want to thank Albany State for nominating me and for all that was done not only for our softball team but for every athletic team. Post-graduation has proven to be a scary time full of uncertainty, but attending CSF has allowed me to take control of my gifts and translate softball into the workforce. This experience really meant so much to me."
Fisher noted that one of the most impactful aspects of the forum was learning how the leadership, teamwork, communication, and resilience developed through athletics can be directly applied to professional careers.
Goodman echoed those sentiments, describing the forum as an experience that challenged her to grow both personally and professionally.
"As a student-athlete, I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the NCAA Career in Sports Forum experience," Goodman said. "Being able to connect, learn, and network with so many driven and like-minded individuals was a blessing. Moments like this go beyond the game and help shape our future. I am thankful for every connection and conversation."
For Goodman, the forum served as an opportunity to step outside of her comfort zone while gaining a better understanding of her future aspirations.
"Stepping outside of my comfort zone hasn't always been easy for me, but attending the Career in Sports Forum was a decision that truly pushed me, and I'm grateful it did," Goodman said. "This experience challenged me in the best ways possible and helped me grow both personally and professionally."
She added that representing Albany State on a national stage was an honor she did not take lightly.
"Being able to represent Albany State University, and most importantly myself, was something I don't take lightly. I had the chance to connect with nearly 200 student-athletes, NCAA staff, and inspiring professionals who all brought unique perspectives and energy."
One of Goodman's biggest takeaways came during discussions centered on self-awareness, leadership, and personal growth.
The selection of Fisher and Goodman reflects Albany State Athletics' continued commitment to providing transformational opportunities that prepare student-athletes for success beyond competition.
For Fisher and Goodman, the trip to Indianapolis was more than a professional development opportunity; it was an investment in their future and another example of how Albany State student-athletes continue to excel both on and off the field.
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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors nine men's and seven women's sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II. For more information, visit
www.thesiac.com.