Bradford, Pa. – Two students from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford have represented the University at the NCAA Division III Convention this week as part of the NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program.
Tyrone Bowen-Collateta and Abdul Elola are two of forty-five students who were accepted into the NCAA’s Student Immersion Program this year. The goal of the Immersion Program is to build a pipeline of talented ethnic minority candidates, with an interest in Division III coaching and/or administration, in an effort to ultimately diversify the division.
As a part of the Student Immersion Program, Tyrone and Abdul received a fully funded trip to the NCAA Division III Convention in Phoenix, Az. where they have been exposed to Division III, its members, and the governance process. They also are receiving DiSC training related to workplace performance, improving their skill set in the areas of teamwork, communication, and productivity, all while having a valuable opportunity to expand their professional network as they look to enter a career in athletics.
Bowen-Collateta is a junior from Salamanca, N.Y. is a member of the Seneca Nation who grew up playing lacrosse on the Allegany Seneca Territory. He is currently a member of the club lacrosse program. His career goal is to become a coach and athletic director at the scholastic or intercollegiate level.
“I am not only looking forward to representing Pitt-Bradford at the convention, but I am also hoping to show my community back at home that if you have a goal or dream, don’t be afraid to chase it,” said Bowen-Collateta. “I want to help future generations to have the opportunities that my generation didn’t have.”
Elola is a junior in the Sports and Recreation Management program from Jersey City, N.J. He is not a student-athlete but can always be seen around the Sport and Fitness. His career goal is to become an Athletic Director at a Power Five university but also has hopes of working in an administrative role in professional sports, preferably for the New York Knicks.
“This is an opportunity many don’t receive,” said Elola. “I hope that I can let everyone know that playing sports is not the only way to stay involved and that being your true, authentic self will help you attain your ultimate goals.”
Bowen-Collateta and Elola are the 5th and 6th Pitt-Bradford students to be accepted to the program and attend the convention. The students are listed below.
2016- Jamal Davis
2017-Dahmir Noel
2019 - Ugwunna Amadi
2022- Sihle Sizani
2024-Tyrone Bowen-Collateta and Abdul Elola
