Madison College Athletics is currently enjoying one of its most successful academic years in 2025-26 after two fall teams qualified for national tournaments, Esports won an 11th national title, and the two WolfPack basketball teams are a currently a combined 23-3. However, the Madison College student-athlete experience doesn't just exist on the field of competition. Through the athletic department's ONEPACK initiative, the brainchild of Student-Athlete Development & Success Coordinator Jamal Palmer, the WolfPack attend several events throughout the calendar to better prepare them for life after college and athletics. The Fall 2025 semester features five gatherings, with six more planned for the Spring 2026 semester.

"These events are designed to provide opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, academic success, and life skills that prepare our student-athletes for careers, athletic success, and community engagement. The goal is to create a well-rounded experience that strengthens their confidence, builds connections and relationships, and equips them with tools to succeed both on and off their playing arena. The events are chosen based on the developmental needs of student-athletes, feedback from previous sessions, and current trends in student success and leadership. We strive to cover areas such as mental health, career readiness, diversity and inclusion, leadership, and academic strategies. Input from research articles, best practices from other 2- and 4-year colleges, some coaches that I have formed relationships with that are doing similar work, Madison College staff, and intentional conversations with Madison College student-athletes also helps ensure the content is relevant and impactful. 
 
Here's a breakdown of the events held during the Fall 2025 semester...

5th Annual Athletics Fall Fest

Annual event that brings all student-athletes together for the first time with no agenda other than to meet new people, food, fun, and games. The event also featured a Madison College resource fair that help the student-athlete know they have support on campus and hopefully putting faces and names to an area.

Financial Fitness

Partnered with UW Credit Union for a workshop that focused on financial wellness and stability, and included loans, budgeting, and preparing for their financial future. 

ONEPACK Critical Conversations: More Than A Team

Panel discussion that brought in athletic professionals in education, that included athletic directors, coaches, compliance administrators, and peer student-athletes. This guided discussion focused on relevant topics that included, equity in athletics and leadership, mental health, compliance, career pathways, and personal athletic journeys for college athletics and professional careers, next level expectations, and inclusion, to name a few. 

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