A former University of New Mexico student-athlete is getting a rare invite this summer to further her future career in sports.

Maddie Deucher, a 2024 graduate, who spent her college career on the Women’s Swimming and Diving team, is one of only 200 student-athletes invited to attend the NCAA Sports Forum in Indianapolis this week.

The three-day event is an educational program and networking opportunity for selected student-athletes out of three divisions (D1, D2, D3) to learn and explore potential careers in sports.

"I’m honored to have been chosen because I know I’ll make great connections at this conference and will be able to represent the university on a national level," Deucher said.

Deucher, who graduated with a Master's in Sports Administration, says she was nominated by UNM Athletic Director of Compliance, Amy Beggin.

Deucher calls Beggin her 'biggest mentor' and says she's been influential in her journey. 

"Amy is one of my biggest supporters and I know I can go to her for anything. I’m grateful that I was chosen because that goes to show Amy made the right decision in nominating me for this conference," Deucher said. 

The El Paso, Texas native says while she started as a Psychology major, during the COVID pandemic she couldn’t picture her life without sports, and that ultimately led her to a career in sports administration. 

The Sports Forum goes from May 30 till June 2.