Leadership and Life Balance
Reading and Self-Development · Growing beyond sport
How Do I Find a Mentor as a Student-Athlete?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Pick one thing you need help with. List three people a few steps ahead of you: a coach, a teacher, an older athlete. Ask one of them for a short conversation with one clear question. Do one thing they suggest, then tell them how it went.
The answer
- Pick one thing you need help with. One area, not your whole life.
- List three people a few steps ahead of you: a coach, a teacher, an older athlete, someone in a field you like.
- Send a short message: who you are, what you want to ask, and how long it will take.
- Prepare two or three questions. Try: what did you do at my stage, what would you do differently, and what should my next action be?
- After the conversation, do one thing they suggested. Then tell them what happened.
- Say thank you. Asking for help is not weakness, and the people who help you like to know it mattered.
- Ask your school or club what already exists. Some universities run alumni and mentor programs for student-athletes, for example the Bronco Network at Santa Clara University.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 14 October 2026.