KANSAS - The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is proud to bring you the "KCAC Alumni Spotlight" series. Every two weeks, the conference will aim to highlight an alumnus of one of our KCAC full member institutions. We hope in this series to highlight successes that KCAC alumni had not only on the field, court, etc., but also in the classroom and now in their chosen professional field.
KCAC ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT — SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE
Alumnus: Justin Diggles
Degree(s) Earned at Southwestern: Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management (2009), Master of Business Administration (2010)
Career Alumnus Currently Holds: Dallas (Texas) Police Department Emergency Communications Instructor
How did your time at Southwestern help to prepare you for life after college/entering the workforce?
DIGGLES: "My time at Southwestern College taught me how to step outside of my comfort zone, build meaningful relationships, and adapt to new environments. When I first entered college, I was not someone who felt comfortable speaking often, especially in front of my peers. However, my experience at Southwestern College, particularly through the MBA program, helped me discover confidence in my abilities and showed me that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. Throughout the program, I learned to utilize the resources available to me, develop new skills, and prepare myself for the challenges and opportunities of the professional world. The experiences and lessons I gained at Southwestern College have played an important role in shaping who I am today and have given me the confidence and preparation to navigate the real-world challenges I have encountered."
Were there any pre-professional experiences (internships/job shadows/etc.) during your college years that prepared you for entering your chosen field?
DIGGLES: "During the summer before my senior year of college, I had the opportunity to participate in an internship at Baylor Medical Center. This experience allowed me to gain valuable exposure to a professional healthcare environment while preparing for the transition from college into the workforce. I also participated in courses related to my undergraduate major in Sports Management, which provided me with knowledge and experiences that complemented my academic goals. These courses and my internship experience were both inspiring and instrumental in building my confidence. They challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, strengthen my professional skills, and begin thinking more seriously about my future career. As I prepared for my senior year, I felt increasingly confident in my ability to apply what I had learned in college to real-world situations and to approach the opportunities and challenges of the workforce with greater preparation and determination."
What lessons did you learn competing in collegiate athletics that helped prepare you for life after your playing days were over?
DIGGLES: "Competing in collegiate athletics showed me that, just like in real life, you have to put your best foot forward to reach the highest level of success. You are constantly competing with others from around the world for opportunities and careers that can help you not only provide for yourself but also support your family. My experience as a collegiate athlete taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and giving my best effort, lessons that I will carry with me throughout my career and life."
ABOUT THE KANSAS COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and sponsors 29 varsity sports. Founded in 1890, the KCAC is the second oldest intercollegiate athletic conference in the country. As the conference home to 14 member institutions, the KCAC emphasizes commitment, cooperation, high achievement, and working towards a common goal in the act of competition. To keep up with the latest conference news, follow the KCAC on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram using the handle @kcacsports.
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