SAN DIEGO — Aztecs Going Pro (AGP) celebrated its largest Summer Internship Program cohort to date, recognizing 36 San Diego State student-athletes who gained professional experience through internships across SDSU Athletics and external organizations.
The eight-week, paid program provided student-athletes with opportunities to apply their academic interests in professional settings while developing skills and connections that can help prepare them for careers beyond sport. This year also marked the first time AGP offered STEM-focused internship opportunities, expanding the program's reach and creating new pathways for student-athletes interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The 2026 cohort completed 23 internal and 13 external internships, with 20 internships funded through AGP. Student-athletes gained experience across areas including athletics administration, business, marketing, sport performance, media and more.
The Summer Internship Celebration brought together student-athletes, internship supervisors and SDSU Athletics staff to recognize the cohort and the people who helped make their experiences possible.
Student-Athlete Perspectives
For the student-athletes, the internships provided opportunities to explore career interests while gaining experience outside of their roles as competitors.
Megan McDevitt, a lacrosse student-athlete majoring in kinesiology, worked with SDSU Athletics Strength & Conditioning and the Biomechanics Lab.
“My experience in strength & conditioning and the biomechanics lab has deepened my understanding of human movement and athlete development. I’m grateful for the opportunity AGP has given me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom while continuing to grow both professionally and personally.”
Vesa Gjinaj, a women's tennis student-athlete studying business administration with an emphasis in information systems, gained experience with the SDSU Athletics Business Office and iNewsSource.
“I’m excited to gain hands-on experience in finance and accounting while learning more about the business side of an organization. I’m looking forward to developing new professional skills and growing through this internship experience.”
For Alyssa Jackson, a women's basketball student-athlete majoring in political science, an internship with Palomar Specialty Insurance provided experience in a corporate setting.
“I have truly enjoyed my experience working at Palomar. Throughout my internship, I have developed valuable skills, experience and gained connections that I will continue to carry with me throughout my career.”
Katie Senn gained experience in the Biomechanics Rehabilitation Lab, connecting her interest in rehabilitation and sports performance with hands-on experience. Teja Tirunelveli worked in human resources management, where she developed new professional skills and expanded her experience in the field.
The celebration also recognized the support behind the program. AGP extends a special thank you to its generous donors — Marilyn Brown; Ed & Kathy Brown; Joyce Gattas; Jim & Deborah Marshall; Steve Doyle; Patti Roscoe, JD Wicker, and Lynne and Glenn Rossman — whose support helps create these opportunities for Aztec student-athletes.
AGP also thanks its internship supervisors and SDSU Athletics staff for providing mentorship and guidance throughout the summer. A special thank-you goes to JLab for generously providing gifts for the student-athletes and helping make the celebration memorable.
Build Your Talent Pipeline with Aztec Student-Athletes
As AGP continues to expand its internship opportunities, the program welcomes employers interested in adding SDSU student-athletes to their talent pipelines. Companies and organizations interested in creating internship opportunities or connecting with Aztec student-athletes are encouraged to connect with Aztecs Going Pro.