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As a three-season athlete, president of the SEM (Sport and Entertainment Management) Associates Group, Delta Epsilon Sigma Pi’s Communications Officer, and a Neumann University Orientation Leader, Bethany Lang took full advantage of all the University had to offer. Her hard work and dedication has paid off in the form of a post-graduate scholarship from the NCAA.
The NCAA Women’s Enhancement Program Postgraduate Scholarship for Careers in Athletics is given to female college students who will be entering their first year of post-graduate studies with the goal of achieving a career in athletics.
“I’m very thankful for this scholarship. The NCAA only gives out 13 scholarships in the whole country. It is a big help financially,” Lang said.
She plans on attending West Chester University in the fall to obtain a master’s in public administration with a concentration in sports and athletics. In addition to her studies at WCU, Lang will also be a working as a graduate assistant.
“I want to be an athletic director. My goal is to establish a quality athletic environment,” said Lang.
Sports have always been a part of Lang’s life. Growing up in Pottstown, PA, she started running in the seventh grade. In high school she played soccer, ran track and cross-county. At Neumann, Lang embraced her running ability and ran for Neumann’s track teams all year long.
Lang’s signature event at Neumann was the 800 meters. Her claim to fame was being the first female to be a steeplechase runner for the university. This event includes seven laps around the track while jumping several hurdles -- some that include water.
“I believe lessons, skills and values are learned through participation in sports. By being an athlete, I became confident in my abilities and learned determination, goal setting, team work and success,” she explained.
Lang completed three internships during her years at Neumann and not surprisingly each was sports oriented. She worked as a marketing intern with the Reading Fightin’ Phils, a minor league baseball team. She also worked with the Philadelphia Eagles, but her favorite internship was with the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades in Media, PA.
“I was the first intern their athletic director ever had, and I did everything an athletic director would do. That is where I decided I wanted to be an athletic director,” Lang explained.
In addition to the scholarship, Lang was invited to attend the 2015 NCAA Career in Sports Forum in Indianapolis, IN, this June. The forum, an annual event, brings together 200 selected student-athletes to learn and explore potential careers in sports, with the primary focus on intercollegiate athletics.
Neumann student Casey Kilduff was also selected to participate in the 2015 NCAA Career in Sports Forum.
Lang will graduate in May with a degree in Sport and Entertainment Management and a minor in Business.
“I’m ready for graduation. It’s sad but I’m ready for the next step. Neumann has prepared me well. So many people have helped me here, even Dr. Mirenda, and not many college presidents would do that. The athletic program here is amazing. As a student athlete, the nights of reflection really showed me how to be a team player,” said Lang.