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Next Gen is a full-time structured rotational development program for graduating student-athletes.

The program is designed to provide experience and skill development necessary to succeed in a career within intercollegiate athletics.

NextGen participants will perform two 6-month rotations, followed by one 12-month rotation.

Participants will rotate through various units within The Ohio State University Department of Athletics.

In addition to hands-on experience, NextGen allows participants to engage in professional development and leadership curriculum necessary to enhance their overall knowledge, expertise and skills.

Each member of the cohort offers a unique perspective. We are excited to introduce the 2023 NextGen cohort.

"I want to thank Gene Smith for creating this opportunity because it’s a testimony to what it means to be a Buckeye. So many great people poured into me during my time as a student-athlete and now I get to give back to this great university in the same way through the NextGen Program. Getting an opportunity to grow off the field, right here in the athletics department, is what makes Ohio State a special place.” - Kamryn Babb

GET TO KNOW THE 2023 NEXTGEN COHORT

Kamryn Babb

  • Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
  • Major: Communications
  • Sport: Football

Why NextGen?: "This program gives me the opportunity to grow while also getting more professional development outside of football, and I still get to stay connected with the Ohio State community."

Future Career Aspirations: "I am not really sure what I want to do, I am blessed to be apart of NextGen so I can continue to gain experience and explore what I want to do in the future."

What are your expectations for the program?:

Kamryn participated in Lead Like a Buckeye and Bucks Go Pro 2.0 during his time at Ohio State.

Kathleen Jones

  • Hometown: Lewis Center, Ohio
  • Major: Journalism
  • Minor: Business & Media Production and Analysis
  • Sport: Women's Tennis

Why NextGen?: "I have wanted to work at Ohio State ever since my first internship with Bucks Go Pro 1.0 in Summer of 2021."

Future Career Aspirations: "After working in college athletics, I think it would be cool to work in professional athletics, and after that I would like to work in corporate marketing."

What are your expectation for the program?:

Kathleen participated in Wolstein Leadership Academy, Lead Like a Buckeye, Bucks Go Pro 1.0 and Bucks Go Pro 2.0 during her time at Ohio State.

Marcus Ernst

  • Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
  • Major: Finance
  • Sport: Baseball

Why NextGen?: "I felt NextGen would give me a great understanding of college athletics and allow me to be involved with one of, if not the best, athletic departments in the country."

Future Career Aspirations: "In the future I hope to be an Athletic Director at a major university."

What are your expectations for the program?:

Marcus participated in Wolstein Leadership Academy and Bucks Go Pro 2.0 during his time at Ohio State.

Lexi Edwards

  • Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
  • Major: Psychology
  • Minor: Integrative Approaches to Healthcare
  • Sport: Women's Gymnastics

Why NextGen?: "I decided to apply to NextGen to explore my career aspirations and interests, and to be a part of a new team/cohort."

Future Career Aspirations: "My aspirations include becoming an LPCC and an entrepreneur to serve and help the mental health community. I would love to focus on the arena of sports psychology."

What are your expectations for the program?:

Lexi participated in Lead Like a Buckeye during her time at Ohio state.

Brooke Shields

  • Hometown: Clarksburg, Maryland
  • Major: Political Science
  • Minor: Human Rights
  • Sport: Cheerleading

Why NextGen?: "I applied to gain experience and knowledge on the operations of collegiate athletics and to start my career in the sports business industry."

Future Career Aspirations: "I plan to go to law school and focus on sports and entertainment law."

What are your expectations for the program?:

Brooke participated in Wolstein Leadership Academy, Lead Like a Buckeye, Bucks Go Pro 1.0 and Dress to Impress during her time at Ohio State.

Ashley Turner

  • Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
  • Major: Sport Management
  • Sport: Women's Lacrosse

Why NextGen?: "I decided to apply to NextGen because it was an opportunity I could not pass on. With Ohio State Athletics being one of the most well-known and successful departments in the country, I knew that if I was given this opportunity, I would be working with the best."

Future Career Aspirations: "My future career aspirations are to work hand in hand with athletes, teams and organizations to prepare them for success on and off the field. Whether that is athlete development or event management, I want to contribute as much as possible to teams to ensure their highest performance."

What are your expectations for the program?:

Ashley participated in Bucks Go Pro 2.0 during her time at Ohio State.

Lucia Marzal Martinez

  • Hometown: Valencia, Spain
  • Major: International Business
  • Masters in Sport Management
  • Sport: Women's Tennis

Why NextGen?: " I decided to apply to NextGen because I love Ohio State and I want to continue to be a part of the family after graduating."

Future Career Aspirations: "I am still undecided on my long term aspirations, I am excited to work in college sports helping student-athletes for the next few years."

What are your expectations for the program?:

Lucia participated in Lead Like a Buckeye during her time at Ohio State.