Destination D1 Confab Preps Muir Athletes for College

Some 150 student athletes and parents from John Muir High School learned what it takes to make the team in college during the Destination D1 Athletic Conference, a daylong event held at Muir on a recent Saturday. Organized by Muir’s athletic department in association with the Muir LEARNS enrichment program, Destination D1 provided details on the qualities and accomplishments that college recruiters look for both on the field and in the classroom. The conference also offered important information on NCAA rules and regulations, academic testing and financial aid.

“The purpose was to ensure that student athletes and their parents are fully informed about the academic requirements to play sports at the collegiate level and have the tools to…thrive in college once they enroll,” explained Muir principal Tim Sippel.

The conference featured workshops by Muir coaches, guidance counselors and college admissions experts. The highlight of the day was a keynote speech by Julian Jenkins, a former defensive lineman for Stanford University, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Calgary Stampeders. Jenkins educates high schoolers about “the realities of the college recruiting process” on behalf of the National Collegiate Scouting Association. “To play sports in college is a phenomenal opportunity and to get a college education is a phenomenal opportunity. Putting those two factors together is something I’m very proud to be a part of,” Jenkins stated.

Empowering students to complete the college journey was the ultimate goal of the Destination D1 conference, according to Muir’s athletic director, Millica Protic. “Lets face it, the first year of college is trying for many students. New responsibilities and expectations can be overwhelming and, as you know, many do not make it past their sophomore year,” Protic lamented. “We developed this conference and other interventions to target our athletes and make them successful.”

John Muir High School, 1905 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, (626) 396-5600 or visit muir.pasadenausd.org.