CHAMPAIGN, ILL – The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced today plans to use Game Plan as an addition to the Illini Way Student-Athlete Development program following a financial gift from the Allegretti family and with the support of Deloitte.

"Thanks to a significant gift from the Allegretti family and the support of Deloitte, we are excited to launch the Game Plan platform that will greatly enhance our ability to deliver comprehensive student-athlete development programming through an online platform," said Josh Whitman, Director of Athletics. "We place a high emphasis on the holistic development of our student-athletes and Game Plan offers a wonderful blueprint to help us achieve this goal."

Game Plan assists athletics organizations in delivering additional support to student-athletes in every step of their developmental journeys. The online platform includes eLearning courses covering topics such as academic time management and study skills training, sexual violence prevention, financial literacy, networking and social media awareness. Additionally, the platform also offers a career job board exclusive to Illini student-athletes and a career mentorship portal.

"The support from the Allegretti family and Deloitte to collaborate with Game Plan will allow us to elevate our Student-Athlete Development program as we work to enhance the personal and professional development of Illini student-athletes," said Dr. Brian Russell, Associate Athletics Director for Academic Services and Student-Athlete Development. "The Game Plan platform will allow us to customize our services for Illini student-athletes and be completely intentional in how we assist our student-athletes in becoming career ready."

Working in collaboration with the Varsity "I" Association, the Allegretti family and Deloitte, the Illini Way Student-Athlete Development program has implemented an individualized mentorship and career development program that matches Illini student-athletes with professionals in the specific industries of interest of each student-athlete. The networking and mentoring tool through Game Plan connects Illini student-athletes directly with former student-athletes and employers who can assist with career development and placement. 

"The relationship with Game Plan and the mentorship program is an extremely exciting opportunity for Varsity "I" and our student-athletes," said Director of Varsity I Lee Zerrusen. "Countless alumni have gone on to have great success in their chosen careers, and this platform gives them the opportunity to connect with our student-athletes and share their experiences. I am excited to see our Varsity I Family continue to step up and support the development of the current generation of Illini. We are very thankful for the Allegretti family and Deloitte for their investment in the futures of our Illini student-athletes."

In addition to the mentorship program with former Illini, current student-athletes will be using Game Plan extensively in curriculum in areas that include time management, resume development, study skills and financial literacy. Included in Game Plan will be the Illini Going Pro program that was started to recognize Illinois student-athletes who have accepted full-time jobs, have been accepted to graduate or professional school, or have obtained an internship.

For information on connecting or hiring Fighting Illini student-athletes in the workforce look here: http://powerthejourney.com/illinois-employer-partners/

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