Posted on April 21, 2026

By Roland Hairston III Project Manager, CKA SAVE Project Virtual Internship Program (CKA VIP)

Conventional wisdom suggests that diligence inevitably yields opportunity. In my case, that truth materialized—but in ways I could not have anticipated. Now in my first full year within intercollegiate athletics, I have already encountered a breadth of experiences that have shaped my understanding of leadership, purpose, and impact.

My entry into this field has been guided by a desire to identify where my passions intersect with meaningful service, specifically in supporting student-athletes and contributing to athletic environments that cultivate belonging, excellence, and holistic development. That pursuit led me to the University of Washington, where I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership.

My connection to the university is both personal and generational. Raised in a family deeply rooted in Husky tradition, I grew up with a grandmother who served the institution for over four decades and an uncle who contributed to our 1991 national championship football team. As a result, I inherited a profound respect for education and athletics. Like many, my early admiration for collegiate sports was shaped by watching our standout student-athletes across our athletic programs. It was not until witnessing the dynamic 2022 football season that I began to envision myself as an active participant in this community rather than simply a spectator.

Admitted in Winter 2023, I quickly immersed myself in academic and leadership opportunities. During my undergraduate studies, faculty and peers affirmed my leadership potential, culminating in my induction into the University of Washington’s Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success. My senior capstone project, “The National Capitalistic Athletic Association: Intercollegiate Athletics in the Context of Capitalism,” critically examined systemic inequities within the NCAA and underscored my growing commitment to student-athlete advocacy. That work not only reflected my academic development but also clarified my professional direction.

Encouraged by mentors and faculty, I transitioned into graduate study. A defining moment in this journey occurred at this year’s NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C. While navigating the uncertainties of securing an internship, I encountered Dr. Keith Adams, founder and president of the CKA SAVE Project. What began as a brief interaction evolved into a transformative opportunity. After discussing my aspirations, including my work creating a platform for authentic dialogue around student-athlete experiences, Dr. Adams extended an offer that would reshape my trajectory: to serve as the inaugural Project Manager for the CKA SAVE Project’s Virtual Internship Program (VIP).

In this role, I help lead initiatives designed to bridge the “resume gap” for student-athletes by providing meaningful, hands-on professional experiences alongside their academic and athletic commitments. Our “100/100” philosophy allows our participants to invest fully in both their athletic and academic lives, as well as their professional growth and development. Through mentorship, structured programming, and the SDS (Structure, Discipline, and Support) framework, we aim to equip student-athletes, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, with the tools necessary for long-term success.

Working currently alongside an exceptional cohort of student-athletes, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of relational leadership. This team includes All-American gymnast Sydney Seabrooks, All-American fencer Dagny Johnson, and standout women’s tennis player Thea Rabman, who also earned All-American honors in singles during her sophomore season. I am also fortunate to lead alongside my Assistant Project Manager, Allison Carolan. A former college lacrosse player and current girls lacrosse coach in Northern Virginia, Allison brings a tactical, "on-the-ground" perspective to our leadership team that is invaluable.

These individuals are not only high performers in their respective sports but also emerging leaders committed to excellence beyond competition. Together, we are building a model that prioritizes authenticity, accountability, and service.

The most enduring lesson from this journey is that leadership is fundamentally relational. In a rapidly evolving collegiate athletics landscape—defined by NIL, the transfer portal, and shifting institutional priorities—individuals are seeking leaders who are genuine, ethical, and committed to empowering others rather than exploiting opportunity. The same belief that Dr. Adams demonstrated in me is the standard I now strive to uphold in my leadership. At CKA, we don’t just bridge a resume gap; we build a bridge to a student-athlete's future self.

Reflecting on the past year as I prepare to graduate this May, my path has been shaped by both intentional pursuit and unexpected opportunity. Grounded in faith and driven by purpose, I remain committed to advancing a vision of intercollegiate athletics that balances academic achievement, athletic performance, and personal development. Through the continued growth of the CKA SAVE Project, we seek to cultivate the next generation of leaders—individuals prepared not only to succeed but to serve.

Roland Hairston III is the Project Manager for the CKA SAVE Project Virtual Internship Program (CKA VIP). He will receive his Master’s in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership from the University of Washington in May 2026.

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