Story Links Murray State student-athletes Jamie Skarupsky and Natalie Slezakova were recently chosen to participate in the NCAA Sports Career Forum.
Skarupsky (Robbinsville, NJ) of Racers Soccer and Slezakova (Zlin, Czech Republic) of Racers Tennis are scheduled to attend the forum (June 1-4) at NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“We are very proud of Jamie and Natalie for their selection to this prestigious forum hosted by the NCAA,” said athletic director Nico Yantko. “Having two student-athletes representing Murray State and the entire Missouri Valley Conference reflects the character these two young women possess. We wish them all the best as they travel to Indianapolis for this event.”
Skarupsky and Slezakova are two of three Missouri Valley Conference student-athletes chosen to attend the forum.
“It’s an exciting time to be invited to attend this NCAA Forum,” Skarupsky said. “I am looking to pursue a career in college athletics, either as a football coach or in an administrative role in athletics. will help decide the way forward.”
“Coming to America brought me to this stage in my life and my experience at Murray State guided me to explore a career in athletics,” Slezakova said. “I see myself staying in the sport and I’m also very interested in working in professional sport.”
The NCAA Career in Sports Forum is an annual gathering of more than 200 selected NCAA student-athletes. The program provides an opportunity to learn and explore potential careers in sport, especially varsity athletics. Student-athletes begin to chart their career paths and develop a network of current athletic professionals. Notable speakers will cover a wide range of professional development topics; practical approaches, personal branding and development of a career plan.
Skarupsky received his undergraduate degree from Murray State in television production and a master’s degree in business administration. She appeared in 10 games for the Racers in 2022 and ended her goaltending career giving up just two goals in her final 380 minutes to help the Racers reach the final of their first Missouri Valley Conference championship.
Slezakova earned her undergraduate degree from MSU in Earth and Environmental Sciences. She won 12 singles matches for the Racers in 2022-23 and teamed with Emma Honoré to claim the Racers’ first win at The Valley Championship in a 4-3 win over UIC.
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