INDIANAPOLIS, IN - In June, the NCAA welcomed the 35 young professionals who now make up the 37th cohort of the Association's Postgraduate Internship Program. One of those young professionals is Mikayla Rudolph, who graduated from Kenyon College in May and was a member of the Owls basketball program. 

The NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program provides interns, 23 of whom are former NCAA student-athletes, with a yearlong work experience designed to foster the next generation of college athletics administrators. 

Postgraduate interns' experience at the national office includes comprehensive training, mentoring assignments and networking opportunities. Interns also have the opportunity to plan and execute professional development site visits to conference offices, member campuses and affiliate organizations.

Rudolph was assigned duties as the NCAA Division II Governance and Member Services Postgraduate Intern. A great deal of her work will include leading the division's marketing and communications efforts across multiple social media platforms, assisting in major event planning, and creating monthly and quarterly newsletters.

"One of the most exciting aspects of the role is the opportunity to travel to Division II national championships to create on-site content, capture the student-athlete experience, and showcase some of the division's top events through digital storytelling," Rudolph said.

Rudolph, who earned her degree in psychology, was a four-year member of the Kenyon basketball team. She was active for two seasons and racked up 299 points and 170 rebounds. Injuries took their toll, and Rudolph was unable to play her final two seasons. She did, however, remain with the team, showing up for practices and games, while assisting the coaching staff in any way possible.

"This internship with the NCAA is a natural next step following my experiences at Kenyon. Through playing basketball, working in Athletics Communications, and serving as President of KSAAC, I developed a passion for student-athlete advocacy, leadership, and storytelling," Rudolph said. "I'm excited to continue growing professionally while helping showcase Division II student-athletes and supporting initiatives that enhance their overall experience. I look forward to learning from professionals across the NCAA, building meaningful relationships throughout intercollegiate athletics, and further developing my career in sports."