Graduating in a Pandemic: Gwyn Rhodes’ Journey

by: ​KATE NORUM

Monumental moments in life always come from little, unexpected opportunities. 

Gwyn Rhodes, a North Carolina native, graduated from Florida State University back in May, with a degree in Sport Management - all while during a pandemic. ​​

This did not slow Rhodes down at all; if anything, it kept her moving faster towards her sports industry goals. 

Gwyn’s love for sports didn’t spark in her until high school. 

“I played sports growing up, but getting more of a serious tone started in high school for me,” Rhodes said while on The Rookie Contract. "I moved to North Carolina from Tampa in high school, and my school was tiny, where all my friends were involved with sports, and that’s how it started for me.” I must’ve misread on the recording."

Rhodes’ strongly credits going to a larger school, especially a power-5 like Florida State, to push yourself in new experiences. 

An experience that she was able to gain was networking through the Sport Management Student Association club at FSU; although it may seem daunting at first, it’s all about the connection.

“They (Florida State) would have these networking trips every semester that would focus around an event, like the Final Four or the National Championship football game,” Rhodes said about being able to take advantage of the trips. “I remember I went on one trip, and it was to Nashville, my Sophomore year, and I was able to network with the Predators, Titans, and their minor league baseball team.”

Taking every opportunity and turning it into an invaluable experience is what keeps Rhodes going always. As she is back in North Carolina, doing what she enjoys, working in compliance for student success at UNC Asheville. 

Her ultimate goal in the sports field is “anything in college athletics, which is essential all the experience I have had so far in my life.” 

Gwyn is a huge advocate for helping college athletes reach their potential, especially academically.

“I want to be able to foster the growth in student-athletes because sports in your college career is a big deal, and I want to be able to prepare them for the outside world.” 

Rhodes is keeping busy with not only working as a Graduate Assistant at UNC Asheville in the Student-Athlete Success department but she also just started in Clemson University’s Athletic Leadership Master program.

Connect with Gwyn on Twitter @gwynhrhodes