WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senior men's basketball player Bradley Young recently represented SUNY Old Westbury on a national stage after being selected to attend the NCAA Convention Student Immersion Program in Washington, D.C. The annual event brings together student-athletes, administrators, and athletic professionals from across the country to discuss leadership, governance, and the future of college athletics.
Young participated in programming designed to provide student-athletes with a deeper understanding of the NCAA structure while fostering leadership development and collaboration among peers from institutions nationwide. His selection highlights both his commitment to leadership and Old Westbury's continued presence in national conversations surrounding collegiate athletics.
Upon learning of his selection, Young said he immediately recognized the significance of the opportunity.
"I was on my way to class right in front of the new academic building on campus," Young said. "I was super excited. I didn't want to show too much emotion because I didn't want to look crazy in public, but deep down inside I knew this would benefit me and my future."
Young said the experience gave him a broader perspective on the role student-athletes play within the NCAA.
"My biggest takeaway overall was networking at an event like that with so many athletes across Divisions I, II, and III, as well as coaches and administrators," Young said. "The connections I made are something I'll take with me for the rest of my life."
Beyond the experience itself, Young said representing Old Westbury on a national stage carried significant meaning.
"It meant a great deal to represent Old Westbury at an event like the NCAA Convention and the Student Immersion Program," Young said. "This is something I wanted to do when I first found out about the program."
As his time at Old Westbury comes to an end, Young already has his sights set on the next step in his career. Upon graduation, he plans to pursue a master's degree in sports management and hopes to return to college athletics as a college basketball coach.
