BIDDEFORD, Maine -- University of New England student-athletes Katie Beaudoin, Paul Guglietta, and Kevin Heintz have been selected to participate in the 2020 NCAA Career in Sports Forum, which will take place virtually May 27-29.

The event -- which normally occurs at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis -- has been bringing selected student-athletes together for the past 10 years to learn about and explore potential careers in sports, particularly college athletics.

Beaudoin, a senior applied exercise science major, has been a three-time first team all-conference forward on the women's soccer team. "I'm very honored to be selected to take part in such an amazing experience," she shared. "It's great to have an opportunity that has come from my love for soccer and athletics in general. I look forward to the networking opportunities as well as participating on the panels and gaining a broader insight into professional opportunities in college athletics. Working in the athletic industry has always been my goal, and I'm so thankful that UNE can help lead me in that direction."

"Katie just finished off a fantastic career with our women's soccer program and has been an exemplary representative of our team, our athletics department, and our university," added women's soccer head coach Carly Gettler. "I'm thrilled to see her included in this program and taking the next step towards a career in college athletics."

Guglietta is a junior sport and recreation management major and a running back for the Nor'easter football program. "I think this is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime networking experience," he commented. "I am excited to virtually meet and hear from several professionals with diverse backgrounds across the sports industry. I'm also excited to learn about the professional and career development strategies that will help me transition into the world of sports."

"Paul is an outstanding representative of UNE," contributed Kiernan Gordon, Ph.D, an assistant professor of sport and recreation management at UNE. "I am thrilled that his commitment to academics and athletics - and his potential for future success - has been recognized by the NCAA in this way."

Heintz, a junior applied exercise science major, was a second team all-conference punter on the football squad this past season. "This is a fantastic opportunity and I am very excited that the NCAA is still able to put this on virtually," he said. "I look forward to learning more about the opportunities that college Athletics and the NCAA have to offer."

"We are thrilled to have three great representatives of UNE and our athletic department participating in this prestigious forum," added football head coach Mike Lichten. "Kevin, Paul, and Katie will undoubtedly make the most of this opportunity to learn and grow as students and future athletic administrators."

Notable speakers will cover topics help to prepare attendees for success navigating their futures: self-awareness and its role in professional development; practical approaches to the sports job search; personal branding; developing a career plan; managing yourself as a professional in the sports industry. Through online panels, engaging breakout sessions, keynote presentations and facilitated discussions, program participants will complete their experience with a thorough understanding of athletics as a career path and where they fit into the industry's landscape.

"I am so pleased that Katie, Paul, and Kevin will have this tremendous opportunity to learn from professionals in the field while exploring a future career in sports," said Heather Davis, UNE director of athletics. "We appreciate the NCAA finding a way to offer this program virtually."

Follow along the journeys of the program participants next month by following the hashtags #NCAALearnLead and #NCAAcsf.