The NFLPE Spotlight feature is: Kristy Belden, Director of Player Development, University of Central Florida.
PE: What are some of your core responsibilities in Player Engagement/Development?
Belden: I am the “jack of all trades” so to speak as I assist with recruiting, work closely with our academic staff, organize team outreach/service opportunities, career development, counseling, work with our alumni players, communicate with parents, assist with day-to-day team operations, and so on.
PE: What skills and/or knowledge must you obtain in order to be successful in this role?
Belden: I have degrees in Psychology and Sport Psychology, as well as 10+ years in academic experience, which are definitely very useful in this role. More than anything, I think that organization, patience, and people-skills are the most important attributes to be successful in this role.
PE: Why is it important to reach across campus to partner with other departments?
Belden: In player development, collaborations on campus as well as in the community are absolutely key! As an example, our Career Services department holds an outstanding career expo. I reminded our seniors and former players, as well as attended myself. Many of the employers were seeking student-athletes, so we were able to get our young men interviews and the opportunity to find great positions. It was a win-win for all involved!
PE: Where do you see the field of Player Development/Engagement 5 years from now?
Belden: I personally think that Player Development/Engagement will continue to grow and become even more prominent on college campuses, and eventually at the high school level. Without a doubt, it’s a high-need field!
PE: How do you ensure that you’re continuing to develop professionally?
Belden: It’s important to stay educated about what the hot topics are, both collegiately and in the NFL. Furthermore, I believe in staying connected with folks at the various levels to collaborate, as well as gauge what strengths/weaknesses exist in our program.
PE: Are there any particular programs, initiatives or ‘Best Practices’ that you care to share?
Belden: Our players have really enjoyed increased involvement from our alumni players. We brought back several players from the NFL, as well as other professions, to speak with our players about responsibility and accountability, as well as learning from your mistakes. We also have former players who have created outreach foundations, where our players have volunteered, as well as a former player running weekly bible study. I think it’s important to help keep these connections between current and former players as strong as possible. I think right or wrong, current players seeing strong relationships with former players helps to give us some “credibility” so to speak. At the same time, as professionals, sometimes players tend to tune us out a bit. Yet, a former player can give the same message and it is clearly heard. I’m completely OK with that and am glad to use the strong relationships to our advantage to help as many young men as we can.
PE: What are some of the challenges players face today that may not have existed in the past?
Belden: Nowadays players have more challenges and responsibilities than ever before, in my opinion. Then, on top of increased academic standards, personal pressures, and the increasingly-competitive sport of football, you add social media to the mix. These young men are literally watched by thousands of people at all times. So, not only do fellow students or professors recognize them on campus, but now you have people from around the world following them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. As such, they have no downtime to relax, as they always have to be “on” for whoever may be watching.
Inside UCF Football goes in depth with Director of Player Development, Kristy Belden. Check out video here.
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