A group of National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) players recently took part in a unique professional development program offered by Nationwide, the insurance and financial services company. Dorian Bailey, Shea Groom, Savannah Madden, Addisyn Merrick, and Cassie Miller spent two weeks at Nationwide's corporate headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, as part of the program called "Experience Nationwide."

During their time at Nationwide, the players had the opportunity to learn about various aspects of the company's business. They interacted with leaders and associates from departments such as Marketing, Corporate Sustainability, Technology, Corporate Citizenship, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and more. The players also received specialized training and spent time with Nationwide's sports marketing and community partners.

Ramon Jones, Nationwide's Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the transferable skills that professional athletes possess and how they can be valuable in the corporate world. He said, "Professional athletes have unique skills that are very much transferrable to the corporate world, from collaboration, quick decision making to resilience and more. We hope that each player walked away from this experience with a new perspective on what future career opportunities may look like in their next chapter."

This is the second year in a row that Nationwide has offered the "Experience Nationwide" program to NWSL players. The company became the exclusive insurance partner of the NWSL in 2021 and recently announced a multiyear extension of the relationship. As part of the partnership, Nationwide sponsors the Nationwide Community Impact Award, which recognizes community partners and supports local service projects led by each NWSL team and its designated Nationwide Community Ambassador.

The players' participation in the program reflects their dedication to personal and professional growth even during the offseason. By taking advantage of this opportunity, they gain valuable insights into the corporate world and potential future career paths. Nationwide's commitment to supporting the NWSL through initiatives like "Experience Nationwide" demonstrates their dedication to empowering athletes and fostering their development beyond the field.

Overall, the program provides a platform for NWSL players to expand their horizons and explore new possibilities for their future careers. As the partnership between Nationwide and the NWSL continues to thrive, more athletes will have the chance to benefit from similar professional development opportunities.