FellowVOLs Alumni Page - University of Tennessee Athletics

Darnell Dunn | 2021-22

Alma Mater: Pepperdine University (Undergrad) & West Virginia University (Grad)
Current Role: Freelance Professional Athlete Management (Basketball) & Sport Performance Coach for 123 Total Fitness

Josh Goodman | 2021-22

Alma Mater: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Current Role: Assistant Director of Event Management at University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Maya Neal | 2021-22

Alma Mater: Liberty University (Undergrad) & University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Grad)
Current Role: Professional Athlete for KR Reykjavik & Non-Profit Director

Caroline Crosby | 2022-23

Alma Mater: Butler University
Current Role: Assistant Director of Facilities, Events & Operations at University of Central Florida

Auset Gibbs | 2022-23

Alma Mater: Jacksonville State University (Undergrad & Grad)
Current Role: Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship at University of Houston

Isabella Tremble | 2022-23

Alma Mater: Georgia State University (Undergrad) & New York University (Grad)
Current Role: Therapist for Integrated Psychiatric Services

P'hariz Watkins | 2022-23

Alma Mater: Heidelberg University (Undergrad), Adrian College (Grad) & University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Grad)
Current Role: Women's Basketball Assistant Coach/Director of Player Personnel at Oral Roberts University

Arielle Friedman | 2023-24

Alma Mater: West Virginia University (Undergrad) & Florida State University (Grad)
Current Role: General Manager for Young Money APAA Sports

Laurenz Howard | 2023-24

Alma Mater: University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Undergrad & Grad)
Current Role: Special Events Coordinator for UT Promise on Rocky Top at University of Tennessee, Knoxville & PhD student at University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Ken Richard | 2023-24

Alma Mater: Chatham University (Undergrad) & Florida Atlantic University (Grad)
Current Role: Team Services Coordinator for FIFA World Cup 2026

Alena Rivers | 2023-24

Alma Mater: High Point University
Current Role: Assistant Director of Football Operations at Mississippi State University

Sam Hartmann | 2024-25

Alma Mater: Rollins College
Current Role: Development Assistant - Annual Fund at University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Maia Reed | 2024-25

Alma Mater: Colorado State
Current Role: Post-Graduate Marketing Assistant at University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Riley Tengwall | 2024-25

Alma Mater: University of Georgia
Current Role: Coordinator of Donor Experiences at University of Virginia

Zayin West | 2024-25

Alma Mater: Kent State University
Current Role: Student-Athlete Development Graduate Assistant at Texas Christian University

ALUMNI QUOTES

Josh Goodman, 2021-22: "Being in the FellowVOL program really allowed me to get to know so many different people and being able to learn from so many different people. This has really helped me to be able to see the full picture and how different departments think. Another big advantage is you get to develop a relationship with administration that most people cannot get this early in their careers and has allowed me to really develop leadership skills that have helped me immensely!"

Maya Neal, 2021-22: "Being part of the inaugural FellowVOL cohort was a defining chapter in my development. By gaining practical, cross-departmental skills and building a network of invaluable relationships, the fellowship catapulted my professional journey."

Caroline Crosby, 2022-23: "I am forever grateful for the FellowVOL program at Tennessee and that they gave me the opportunity to begin my career working in sports. I look back on my time at Tennessee and have the best memories; from the people to the sporting events, to the city of Knoxville, there really is no place like Rocky Top. I wouldn't be where I am today without this program."

Auset Gibbs, 2022-23: "As a former student-athlete, the FellowVOL Program played a key role in shaping my career path. It helped me understand how my firsthand experience could translate into a role that bridges the connection between fans, donors, and student-athletes, while enhancing opportunities for those who follow."

P'hariz Watkins, 2022-23: "The FellowVOL Program played a pivotal role in shaping my professional foundation. The exposure to multiple departments, mentorship from industry leaders, and emphasis on adaptability prepared me to navigate the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of collegiate athletics. FellowVOL challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, sharpen my communication and leadership skills, and adapt to different management styles. The skills and relationships I gained through FellowVOL continue to influence my approach to leadership and career development today."

Ken Richard, 2023-24: "The FellowVOL program is a unique program compared to any other fellowship in the industry, as it allows you to be exposed to a number of different fields of college athletics. I was able to learn and grow as a professional, not only from working in different fields of college athletics, but also from connecting with the staff who are part of one of the best college athletic departments in the industry. Being part of University of Tennessee Athletics as a FellowVOL set me up for success by building a strong foundation to work in the sports industry."

Alena Rivers, 2023-24: "The FellowVOL Program has been a true foundation for my career in collegiate athletics. The skill sets I have learned from this program have prepared me tremendously from internships to my full-time job. The experience you will gain in this program is unmatched, in addition to learning from one of the highest achieving athletic departments in the country."

Sam Hartmann, 2024-25: "Through the FellowVOL program, I gained hands-on experience within a top collegiate athletics department while forming meaningful relationships with leaders and staff across the organization. Just as importantly, the program helped me to identify the specific area of collegiate athletics I wanted to pursue, while preparing me for the next step in my career."

Maia Reed, 2024-25: "My time as a FellowVOL was an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field, helping me grow both professionally and personally. My time at Tennessee has allowed me to develop valuable skills, build meaningful relationships, and connect with a strong network of mentors who have continued to shape my path in the industry. Engaging with different areas across Tennessee Athletics was key to shaping my growth and prepared me for a successful future in the industry."

Riley Tengwall, 2024-25: "The FellowVOL Program provided exceptional exposure to the operations of a premier collegiate athletics department while fostering meaningful professional relationships across the organization. The mentorship and hands-on experience I gained were instrumental in shaping my career path and continue to influence my professional growth today."

Zayin West, 2024-25: "The FellowVOL experience has helped me tremendously in my college athletics journey. Working across various departments provided me with a well-rounded understanding of the industry and how day-to-day operations, though different, all contribute to the program’s success. It also helped me realize that I wanted a more student-facing role where I could impact the student-athlete lifecycle and help them leverage their experiences far beyond their alma mater."