University of Florida Student-Athletes Visit Washington

Students from the Black Student Athlete Council from the University of Florida traveled to Washington, D.C. for a chance to interact with policy professionals and participate in an experiential learning event.

The day began with a panel from former UF Track and Field student athlete Grace VanDeGrift, who is currently working as a legislative assistant in the office of Representative Steve Womack, and former UF College of Journalism sports journalist Jake Best, who is currently the communications director for Senator Jon Ossoff.

During the panel, students were able to ask a former student athlete for advice on how best to transition from a student athlete to a post-graduation professional, specifically in the public service realm.

Students were treated to a tour through the Capitol where there were able to see the old Senate chambers, old Supreme Court, and the current House of Representatives chamber.

Students embarked on meetings with Florida congressional staff from the offices of Representative Gus Bilirakis and Representative Kat Cammack, where they were again free to ask any questions they had about the legislative process, Capitol Hill jobs, and transitioning to post-graduate life.