Cougar Launch Prepares to Welcome Third Cohort This Fall
8/7/2023 10:19:00 AM | General, Women's Soccer, Women's Track & Field, Academic Services
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Two years ago, the idea of Cougar Launch was brought to the athletic department from head cross country and track & field coach Amy Seago. With a third cohort prepared to begin the program this fall, Cougar Launch as already seen growth and success within the department and beyond.
Cougar Launch is a two-year leadership and mentorship program for our female student-athletes The student-athletes apply over the summer heading into their junior year and participate in programming during the duration of their junior and senior year. A cohort size ranges from 8-12 student-athletes.
"The idea came about based on the thought of helping female student-athletes gain confidence and perspective. As a coach, it is easy to see the value of connections across a team and how upperclassmen leadership can have a huge impact on the experience of the underclassmen," said Seago. "When we think about formative years, college is certainly one of those times when the learning curve is steep, and we are constantly searching for our identity… I suggested a mentorship program to Matt Roberts and Kate Tiller. Kate and I started to formulate ideas and Remy Hayes and Clarke Allen were brought into the brainstorming sessions. Remy and Clarke helped to create a more structured environment and system in place. Clarke has really put the legs on this program in terms of flushing out the details and she and Kate deserve the credit for bringing it to life."
Each member of the cohort if paired with a mentor in the Charleston community while participating in workshops throughout the semester. Past workshop topics include building confidence, difficult conversation, and transition to life after sports.
"The workshops are geared to help prepare each student-athlete to be ready for the real world but also give back to their team in leadership capacities while they are still a student-athlete," said Allen, one of Charleston's Student-Athlete Academic Advisors. "Mentors have been alumni, previous student-athletes, donors, and/or members of the community."
Each student-athlete is expected to meet with her mentor at least twice a semester, but many have developed strong relationships beyond the minimal requirement.
Women's soccer standout Grace Powell is most appreciative of the bond she has formed in the program and feels prepared for life after her days at Patriots Point come to close.
"My favorite part of the program is the bonds that we formed. I already knew most of the women in my cohort in passing or as an athlete, but Cougar Launch gave me the opportunity to gain experience who my peers are as so much more than that. The program benefited me by giving me a space to explore who I am and a group of women (both peers and mentors) who support me in that process and in my journey beyond CofC athletics."
The program will welcome a cohort of ten student-athletes this fall to continue to elevate the experience for future Cougars.
"It has been great to see how the ladies have grown together to support one another at games, matches, and competitions. When you know someone else on another team, you are more likely to want to be there to support them and their team. Attendance at games has been boosted and school spirit has been a natural outgrowth… When they lean on one another's understanding, they can help each other grow," added Seago. "The second cohort has been different than the first group in that they have benefited from what the inaugural class has done. In many ways, the program has done exactly what we were hoping it would – it has taken on wings of its own. Other women in our department have stepped up to help lead the program and those who have gone through it as mentees are more attune and aware of how they can take what they have learned and contribute to the communities in which they will be a part of after graduation."
Cougar Launch is a two-year leadership and mentorship program for our female student-athletes The student-athletes apply over the summer heading into their junior year and participate in programming during the duration of their junior and senior year. A cohort size ranges from 8-12 student-athletes.
"The idea came about based on the thought of helping female student-athletes gain confidence and perspective. As a coach, it is easy to see the value of connections across a team and how upperclassmen leadership can have a huge impact on the experience of the underclassmen," said Seago. "When we think about formative years, college is certainly one of those times when the learning curve is steep, and we are constantly searching for our identity… I suggested a mentorship program to Matt Roberts and Kate Tiller. Kate and I started to formulate ideas and Remy Hayes and Clarke Allen were brought into the brainstorming sessions. Remy and Clarke helped to create a more structured environment and system in place. Clarke has really put the legs on this program in terms of flushing out the details and she and Kate deserve the credit for bringing it to life."
Each member of the cohort if paired with a mentor in the Charleston community while participating in workshops throughout the semester. Past workshop topics include building confidence, difficult conversation, and transition to life after sports.
"The workshops are geared to help prepare each student-athlete to be ready for the real world but also give back to their team in leadership capacities while they are still a student-athlete," said Allen, one of Charleston's Student-Athlete Academic Advisors. "Mentors have been alumni, previous student-athletes, donors, and/or members of the community."
Each student-athlete is expected to meet with her mentor at least twice a semester, but many have developed strong relationships beyond the minimal requirement.
Women's soccer standout Grace Powell is most appreciative of the bond she has formed in the program and feels prepared for life after her days at Patriots Point come to close.
"My favorite part of the program is the bonds that we formed. I already knew most of the women in my cohort in passing or as an athlete, but Cougar Launch gave me the opportunity to gain experience who my peers are as so much more than that. The program benefited me by giving me a space to explore who I am and a group of women (both peers and mentors) who support me in that process and in my journey beyond CofC athletics."
The program will welcome a cohort of ten student-athletes this fall to continue to elevate the experience for future Cougars.
"It has been great to see how the ladies have grown together to support one another at games, matches, and competitions. When you know someone else on another team, you are more likely to want to be there to support them and their team. Attendance at games has been boosted and school spirit has been a natural outgrowth… When they lean on one another's understanding, they can help each other grow," added Seago. "The second cohort has been different than the first group in that they have benefited from what the inaugural class has done. In many ways, the program has done exactly what we were hoping it would – it has taken on wings of its own. Other women in our department have stepped up to help lead the program and those who have gone through it as mentees are more attune and aware of how they can take what they have learned and contribute to the communities in which they will be a part of after graduation."
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