Cassaundra Thorpe helps students build community and confidence through their sport.
For many students, college represents the first time they’ve been away from home—often in a new city, state or country. For student-athletes, this transition is further complicated by the added pressures of competition, practice and team dynamics. Cassaundra Thorpe, Associate Director for Leadership and Inclusion at UW-Madison’s Athletic Department, is there to help athletes navigate this unique challenge.
“Once a student understands their purpose and commits to being in the right place, surrounded by the right people, they’re ready to give it their all,” Thorpe said. “Seeing that ‘lightbulb’ moment when students get it—that’s what’s so rewarding.”
Thorpe joined UW Athletics in 2017, bringing years of experience from previous roles at Kent State University, the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. She had always admired UW-Madison’s work as a Power 5 institution, often looking to its programs for ideas. When the opportunity to join the UW Athletics team opened up, she didn’t hesitate.
Today, Thorpe works with UW-Madison’s 800 student athletes helping them develop as leaders. She works to embed the athletic department’s philosophy from Howard Thurman, a former advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., philosopher and educator, to embrace self-exploration and shared experiences.
“We believe we can find common ground, transcend barriers and inspire positive change in our community and beyond,” she said. “Through programming, storytelling, marketing and shared experiences, we connect with student-athletes, staff and community members to showcase the ‘Power of Us.’”
Thorpe’s role spans several key areas, including team-specific programming, developing leadership development programs and encouraging athletes to participate in opportunities such as the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Big Ten and NCAA. One standout program from this past winter was the “So Tell Me About Yourself… Crafting Your Own Story” workshop, where she helped student-athletes work through their own authentic responses.
“How do you answer that question while staying true to yourself?” she asked. “I’s a skill that takes time to develop, but once athletes learn how to express their authentic selves in this way, it gives them confidence.”
As a former athlete at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, Thorpe knows firsthand the challenges of balancing sports with academics. She wishes she had someone in her corner during her college years to offer mentorship and guidance.
When she was in college, she felt behind because she couldn’t get an internship like other students—her focus was on her sport.
“But if someone had told me, ‘That’s okay, your experience running a summer camp helped you develop organizational skills and an ability to connect with people from different backgrounds, and you have strong time management skills because you’ve had to travel, compete, do homework, take exams, practice and attend classes,’ it would have been valuable,” she recalled.
For Thorpe, leadership isn’t always about being the voice for others. It’s about identifying your own values, finding your voice in different rooms, and having difficult and crucial conversations. Rather than lectures, she develops these lessons through activities, movements and reflections that allow participants to learn, grow and have fun.
“When students leave, they know they got something valuable out of it and look forward to the next time,” Thorpe explained.
Building those relationships is a priority for Thorpe. She spends time attending team meetings, visiting weight rooms, connecting with coaching staff and stopping by practices.
“These students put so much time into their sport—I want to support them beyond game days,” she said. “It’s fun when they say, ‘I saw you at practice!’ Then we chat, and I ask questions, which gives them a chance to share more about their sport and themselves. It opens the door for connection both ways. These moments build relationships that last through their time on campus and after the graduate. When athletes see I genuinely care, they’re more likely to engage with the programs and opportunities we offer.”
One of the biggest challenges Thorpe faces in her role is scheduling. With student-athletes balancing competitions, training and classes, finding time for programming is like solving a puzzle.
“It’s a challenge, but I love puzzles,” she said. “The trick is finding the right time and place to fit everything in, and I enjoy that part of the job.”
With the spring season upon us and high school athletes looking ahead to their college decisions, Thorpe offers important advice: “Don’t just choose a school for its athletic programs. You’re a student first. Make sure the campus, academics and the community feel like the right fit for you.”
Thorpe feels fortunate to be in a position where she can make a meaningful impact on student-athletes’ lives.
“It’s rewarding to be part of a department and a campus where everyone—from administration and academic advisors to coaches and support staff—is aligned in helping students succeed both athletically and academically.”
