The Fellows spent the entire fall semester coaching and mentoring youth through coaching flag football and volleyball through our collaboration with Manhattan Parks and Recreation.

"It was very rewarding to coach a Manhattan Parks and Rec flag football team because I could apply so many leadership concepts that I have learned through Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellows and through my leadership studies minor. It was important to meet the kids where they were at, not only in their flag football skills but also in their development as 1st and 2nd graders. It was amazing to work with three other Fellows as we navigated how to set up practices, communicate with parents, and boost team morale throughout the season. Knowing that we provided a break in the kids' day where they felt heard and appreciated made it all worth it." – Elizabeth Chapman (2023-24 Fellow)

We proudly shine the spotlight on three remarkable Snyder Fellows who we can now refer to as K-State alumni. After their graduation in December 2023, and as they venture into new chapters of their lives, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for their continued success.

Each Fellow is paired with a coach who meets with them once a month for an hour. The purpose of these coaching sessions is to challenge, support, provide context, share experiences, and assist each fellow in navigating their next steps after college.

“My experience with coaching has been a lot of fun! Jaime’s advice has been super applicable to me and he’s constantly encouraging me to follow my passions. He regularly reminds me that my dreams are worthy of pursuing. I’ll forever be grateful for his wisdom. Jaime Mendez is not only someone I greatly admire, but someone I now consider a friend.” – Jami Breon (2023-24 Fellow)

To showcase the essence of the Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellowship, we sought out two remarkable Alumni whose experiences and achievements perfectly capture the spirit and impact of the program.

Enrique Salas | Snyder Fellow Class of 2020-21

Current city and State: Manhattan, Kansas

Q: In what ways did the program prepare you for life after college?

Coach Bill Snyder’s 16 Goals for Success helped me focus on what I wanted in life. I have been able to tackle problems that I face personally in my new career to (#4) Improve my skills after college. I have been trying to be (#14) Consistent on asking questions, being attentive, being coachable. The program teaches you to (#5) Be Tough because life after college can be difficult at times. I also learned that people around you may have bigger challenges than you have right now, so being humble and patient to everyone reflects the (#16) Responsibility you have, to help others. More importantly, I have learned (#10) Never Give Up, you must keep trying every day to be a better you.

Q: What advice would you give to a new graduate?

Life comes at you too fast, you’re not able to take in everything that is happening around you. Sit down, breathe and enjoy a cup of your favorite drink. Reflect on all the things that happened that day and be thankful for the people that stayed around you in the toughest moments. Talk to your loved ones, keep them close. You can’t help others if you can’t help yourself first! Never feel guilty to say no when you have a full plate.

Sabrina Cline | Snyder Fellow Class of 2019-20

Current city and state: West Lafayette, Indiana

Q: In what ways did the program prepare you for life after college?

Gosh this is tough!! I would say it was amazing to be able to continuously grow even as a senior in college building connections with others across all majors, which is something you will do for the rest of your life. The program also showed me that you can always be improving yourself and others to make the world a better place!

As a secondary Spanish teacher, I use Coach Snyder’s Goals in my daily life! I keep goal number 4, Improve, in mind as I am teaching and planning my lessons each week. It’s easy to fall into doing the same types of lessons that you are comfortable with, but education and students are constantly evolving, so I need to be as well! I also utilize goal number 12, no self-limitations, to keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone to try new things in my career and outside of it. I’ve moved three times around the world since graduating in 2020 and it has been tough at times to adapt to new places. Keeping Coach’s goals in mind has helped me adapt, grow, and thrive in our diverse and ever-changing world.

Q: What advice would you give to a new graduate?

You learn by doing! Do NOT be afraid to get out there and start! Whether that is taking on a leadership role at work, trying a new hobby or moving across the globe. You can research and plan until the time is “right”, but there’s no time like the present to get out there and start doing! If you weren’t already ready, you wouldn't see/know the opportunity is there.

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