WASHINGTON – The Georgetown University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics held its Hoya Fall Formation last weekend, welcoming the incoming student-athletes to the Hilltop. The fall formation served as a mini-orientation for the new student-athletes, introducing them to the Georgetown Athletics community and make them aware of resources relevant to their experience as student-athletes.
 
"This program is a fantastic opportunity for us to welcome our new student-athletes to the Hoya family," said Dr. Maya Ozery, Georgetown's Executive Director of the Cooper Athletics Leadership Program. "I would say that one of the highlights of the program was a moderated panel discussion, in which returning student-athletes shared their own experiences with the group. The feedback we received during the two days was positive and students expressed that this was a meaningful experience."
 
As part of the program, along with the panel discussion, 14 returning student-athletes served as group leaders and facilitated small group conversations related to the transition to Georgetown. The newcomers heard about topics such as "Being your Best Self" from Dr. Patrick Kilcarr, Director for the Center for Personal Development, as well as the athletic department policies from Senior Associate Athletics Director Internal Operations Dan Trump.
 
Other speakers including Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Health and Wellness Shawn Hendi, Associate Director of the Academic Resource Dr. Shelly Habel and Assistant Athletic Director for Athletics Communications Barbara Barnes.
 
"Overall the energy was high," Ozery said. "While incoming students were likely anxious and excited, the group leaders did a good job helping everyone feel comfortable."
 
"The Hoya Fall Formation is a great program for our first-year student-athletes," Georgetown Softball Head Coach Pat Conlan said. "They get to interact with student-athletes from different programs, and experience what being a student-athlete at Georgetown is all about."