Josiah Marshall Earns Inaugural NCAA Career in Sport Forum Trailblazer Award

Anderson University student-athlete recognized for leadership, service, and commitment to learning at the NCAA Career in Sport Forum

Anderson, Ind. — This May, Josiah Marshall ‘28 attended the NCAA’s Career in Sport Forum and received the inaugural Trailblazer Award. This award recognized a participant who embraced the experience, invested in others, and demonstrated a commitment to learning throughout the week.

The annual forum brought together 200 NCAA student-athletes from across the country to Indianapolis. There, they learned about careers in sports and college athletics while networking with industry professionals.

Marshall originally heard about the program a few years ago when a friend attended the three-day training. Marshall was motivated to learn from professionals across every area of college athletics as well as other student-athletes.

“Being nominated by our Athletic Director, Marcie Taylor, was such a blessing,” Marshall said. “I was honored that she believed I would be a good representative of  Anderson University and encouraged me to apply.”

Marshall is on both Anderson University men’s basketball and men’s track and field teams. He also serves as President for the Anderson Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

As an athlete, Marshall said he has been prepared and trained to be a leader. He has learned to communicate effectively, manage his time, and work alongside people with different perspectives toward a common goal.

As a management student, he wants to find a career in college athletics. He is specifically interested in areas such as event operations, sponsorships, fan engagement, and student-athlete development. Marshall saw the Forum as an opportunity to gain exposure to different career paths, ask questions, and build relationships with people who are already making a difference in the industry.

“I want to help create experiences that positively impact student-athletes, fans, and the communities surrounding athletic programs,” Marshall said.

A class with James Newton, assistant professor of sport marketing, first sparked Marshall’s interest in the industry and showed him that career opportunities exist within it.

“Since then, Professor Newton has continued to push me outside of my comfort zone and encourage me to pursue experiences that would help me grow,” Marshall said. “He encouraged me to attend events such as the NFL Combine and the NCAA Final Four. There, I was able to learn more about the industry, make meaningful connections, and see large-scale sports operations firsthand!”

Additionally, Marshall had the opportunity to work for Newton’s company, Indy Collab, during the Brickyard 400. There he built and operated a major fan activation, gaining hands-on experience in event operations, fan engagement, and sports marketing. 

“Professor Newton has done much more than teach me in the classroom,” Marshall said. “He has invested in my future, connected me with meaningful opportunities, and helped me realize that a   career in sports is something I can genuinely pursue.”

One of Marshall’s biggest takeaways from the forum was how important the industry’s relational aspect is.

“Every speaker emphasized the importance of building genuine connections, being willing to serve others, and staying open to opportunities you may not expect,” Marshall said. “The forum also challenged me to think beyond just finding a job and instead focus on making a positive impact through athletics. I left with a better understanding of the many ways sports can bring people together, develop leaders, and strengthen communities.”

Marshall said he’s excited for more people to learn about this opportunity and wants them to know that Division III athletes have access to experiences like this.

“The NCAA Career in Sports Forum was one of the most impactful professional development experiences of my life,” Marshall said. “I am grateful that I got to represent Anderson University while learning from industry leaders, building meaningful relationships, and gaining a clearer vision for my future in sports. Being selected as the inaugural Trailblazer Award recipient was such an incredible honor and a reflection of the growth, curiosity, and connections that made the week so special. I hope that by sharing this experience, more Anderson student-athletes will pursue opportunities like the Career in Sports Forum. I hope students will step outside their comfort zones and realize the incredible doors that can open when they take the step to invest in themselves.”

About Anderson University

Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, social work, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.