USG is able to provide all of its Academy participants with a fully-funded Impact Weekend trip. These weekends are aimed at being an opportunity for the participants to put into action everything they have been learning throughout the USG Academy, as well as providing opportunities to grow both in Christ and professionally.
This past weekend, USG was able to fund twenty-four Academy participants to travel to Phoenix, AZ, for an Impact Weekend experience. Marie Milanowski was one of the participants on the trip. Marie went through Team 32 of the USG Academy and is presently studying Data Science at the University of Minnesota with plans to work in the sport industry upon graduation. Below is Marie's testimony about her time in Phoenix!
"This past weekend, I got the opportunity to go down to Phoenix, AZ, with Uncommon Sports Group for an Impact Weekend. I was given the opportunity to meet others that went through the USG Academy that have the same passions for working in the sports industry and using their lives to glorify the Lord. Although it was only a few days, the weekend was filled with tours, opportunities to grow professionally and spiritually, time to build community, and lots of fun. On Friday, we got to visit and tour Grand Canyon University and hear from staff members about their journey to working at GCU and their roles at the university and in the students’ lives.
On Saturday, we got the opportunity to visit and tour both Chase Field and Footprint Center and meet professionals currently working for both the Diamondbacks and the Suns, including getting a tour from a USG member and someone currently going through the academy who both work for the Suns. It was so encouraging for me to see some of my peers so close in age to me getting jobs in the field that they want and how they’re continuing to grow and keep their faith in an industry that doesn’t particularly focus on the Lord. Getting the opportunity to create connections and visit these different sites around the greater Phoenix area was so beneficial and a great experience overall.
Between visiting and touring other sites, we spent time growing in the Lord and our careers through bible study, worship, and Gallup CliftonStrengths training. I met so many amazing people this weekend and built friendships that I know will continue to grow far into the future. My time in Phoenix was fruitful in so many ways and an amazing reminder that I have a strong community backing me wherever I go. I am so excited to officially be a part of the USG community and to continue to grow in both my faith and my career with this amazing community."
Uncommon Sports Group provides faith-based training and resources to future leaders of the sport industry. We believe you shouldn't have to compromise your values to be successful. If you want an experience like Ezrick's, apply to join our community of Christ-centered future leaders of the sport industry here.
Do you have questions about our ministry? Contact a staff member here!