SAN DIEGO – SDSU Athletics hosted its 10th annual signature event, Dinner with an Aztec, on Tuesday, October 29, at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center. This special networking event brought together 35 dedicated professionals and 69 senior student-athletes for an inspiring evening of connection and engagement.
“Dinner with an Aztec is a powerful reflection of the strength of our Aztec community,” said Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Support Service, Danielle Kelly. “This event brings together proud alumni and dedicated community supporters who generously return to guide and inspire the next generation, alongside our incredible senior student-athletes. I couldn’t be more proud of how prepared and professional our seniors are as they step into these meaningful conversations, showcasing the growth and readiness they’ve developed through the Aztecs Going Pro program. It’s a true celebration of connection, mentorship, and the limitless potential of our Aztec family.”
Dinner with an Aztec is an annual event hosted by Aztecs Going Pro, designed to connect senior student-athletes with professionals working in their fields of interest. This event provides student-athletes with the opportunity to network over dinner, engage in small group discussions, and have one-on-one conversations with professionals. These interactions help student-athletes gain a deeper understanding of potential career paths, learn how to prepare for life after sports, and build the confidence to successfully transition using their unique skills.
Proud Aztecs for life Nika Sedghi and Lynell Hamilton shared their inspiring stories as they were the guest speakers for the night. Nika Sedghi, former SDSU water polo student-athlete, spoke about her journey and how it led her to be the senior product development engineer for Neoenta Design. Former SDSU football student-athlete and Saints player, Lynell Hamilton shared his empowering story and pieces of advice to the senior student-athletes.
“Remember not to get discouraged if your dream job doesn’t come knocking on your door right out of college,” said Sedghi. “Take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you, and make sure you leverage it to your fullest potential. Lastly, as it is said, someone who is better than you at something is a person who has tried and failed at it more times. Don’t fret it! Keep a positive attitude through those trials and tribulations and I have no doubt you’ll be more than successful in your careers.”
Dinner with an Aztec is critical to our four-year student-athlete development program centered around three foundational pillars: personal growth, career development, and civic engagement. Student-athletes receive yearly innovative programming, one-on-one coaching, and unique experiential learning opportunities that will help them create and prepare for their post-graduate plans and build a strong network of connections available through the SDSU community.
For more information about Four-Year Student-Athlete Development Program, Aztecs Going Pro please visit GoAztecs.com/AGP or contact the Associate Athletic Director in Student-Athlete Development, Danielle Kelly at dmkelly@sdsu.edu.