Student Athlete Development

Student Athlete Development

The Office of Student Athlete Development at the University of Miami is committed to the personal and professional development of our student-athlete population. We support the student-athletes by focusing on: Personal Enhancement, Community Outreach, Leadership Development and Career Competence. These components make up our comprehensive programming under Canes Connect.

PROGRAMMING

SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee)

SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee)

SAAC is our student-athlete leadership organization. SAAC assists with our community outreach and planning of our educational and developmental programming. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s mission…To serve as a liaison between all student-athletes and administration, to better enhance the student athlete overall experience, and to unite the University of Miami athletic family.

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Community Outreach

Community Outreach

George W. Carver Elementary School, CARE Elementary School, Miami Mission Shelter, South Miami Community Center, Holtz Children Hospital and Dream on 3 are a sample of the many organizations we partner with to provide support and community engagement.  In 2024, Miami captured first place in Division I for the Helper Helper NCAA Community Engagement Challenge, totaling 7,398 service hours. It marked the third time UM won the competition (2018, 2022).

Career Competence

Career Competence

We collaborate with the University of Miami’s Toppel Career Center to provide professional leadership and career development for our student-athlete population, in addition to our own department programming. Toppel conducts many workshops and presentations during the year, which are available to all students at the University of Miami. We also provide customized programs for our student-athletes regarding career development: networking, resume building, professional attire, interview skills, career panels and career fairs.

HER (Honor.Empower.Rise) Women’s Leadership Academy

HER (Honor.Empower.Rise) Women’s Leadership Academy

HER was created in 2022 to develop and guide our women student-athletes in their leadership journey. This one-year program consists of high level programming and mentorship designed to enhance leadership capabilities. Participants are selected through a competitive application process.

Hurricane Leadership Academy

Hurricane Leadership Academy

This Leadership Development program focuses on accountability, self-awareness and personal growth, as well as collective and individual leadership. Student-athletes will discover their own leadership skills and styles, in addition to recognizing when and how to use them. Participants are nominated by their coach and remain in the program for a one-year period

Hurricane 101 Series: (Educational and Developmental Workshops)

Hurricane 101 Series: (Educational and Developmental Workshops)

We conduct a series of workshops for all freshman and new transfer student-athletes during the fall, spring & summer semesters. The topics include the following: Campus Resources, Dean of Students Office, Toppel Career Center, Diversity & Inclusion, Student Athlete Identity, Sexual Assault Education/Prevention and Drug & Alcohol Awareness. We provide additional workshops to all student-athletes as needed or requested.

The U Network

The U Network

Once a Cane, Always a Cane! We have a variety of resources for alumni ranging from career services, to free online classes and more. The U Network continues to support former student-athletes and provide them with tools to be successful beyond their years on campus.

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Hurricane Honors

Hurricane Honors

Hurricane Honors is an evening to honor those who give their time, effort and energy for the sake of their fellow student-athletes, athletic department, campus and community.

Award Winners

Shirelle Jackson Opens in a new window

Shirelle Jackson Opens in a new window

Shirelle Jackson is the Senior Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Development at the University of Miami. Jackson initially joined Miami as the director of student-athlete development in March 2014 and was promoted to assistant AD in July 2016.  Elevated to her current title in August 2017, Jackson also oversees the Hurricanes’ track and field and cross country programs.

LaToya Farris Opens in a new window

LaToya Farris Opens in a new window

LaToya (she/her) is the University of Miami’s assistant athletics director for student-athlete development. Farris joined UM Athletics in August 2021 as the Associate Director for Student Athlete Development. In her role, LaToya oversees career and leadership development programing for student-athletes.

Jessica Hurley Opens in a new window

Jessica Hurley Opens in a new window

Jessica Hurley is the assistant director of student-athlete development for the Miami Hurricanes. Hurley joined the University of Miami Athletic Department in August 2021 as the Program Coordinator for Student Athlete Development. She oversees community service and campus engagement initiatives.