Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
Northwestern Athletics’ Kabiller NU for Life Program Hosts First-Year Foundations Event
1/22/2026 4:53:00 PM | David G. Kabiller NU for Life Program
Evanston, Ill. – Northwestern Athletics' Kabiller NU for Life Program recently welcomed first-year student-athletes to campus through its First-Year Foundations event, introducing them to resources designed to support success both on and off the field.
The event was facilitated by the Kabiller NU for Life Cohort, a group of upper-class student-athletes who shared their experiences and guided the sessions with support from the Kabiller NU for Life Team. Programming began with introductions to the team and cohort leaders, followed by a "myth-busting" academics discussion presented by Academic Advisor, DeAnthony Kess.
Student-athletes then split into two breakout sessions: one focused on professional development, including setting up and leveraging LinkedIn and receiving professional headshots, and the other highlighting the special resources, events, and opportunities available through NU for Life and Invest NU. These sessions emphasized the lifelong support student-athletes can access.
Most notably, the event highlighted the contributions of David Kabiller and his connection to the NU for Life Program, reinforcing the mission and impact of his support. Attendees also learned about awards and other opportunities available throughout their collegiate careers.
Gallery: (1-13-2026) First-Year Foundations Event
"This is the first event that I hosted since joining Northwestern, and hearing that the student-athletes enjoyed it and learned from their peers was incredibly rewarding," said Shanna Esters, Kabiller NU for Life Program Assistant Director. "It's also exciting to see the community we are building among our first-year student-athletes." Feedback from participants emphasized the value of hearing directly from upper-class student-athletes about their experiences. "It's truly special to witness the conversations and connections being made at this event," said Esters.
Senior wrestler Kolby McClain reflected on the impact of the program, noting its role in shaping his own development.
"The Kabiller NU for Life First-Year Experience was a pivotal moment in my own professional development a few years ago, and I was grateful for the opportunity to pay it forward," McClain said. "The event helps ensure that student-athletes like myself can pass along the knowledge and insights we've gained during our time at Northwestern to our current first-year student-athletes. I think that events like this fully embody our culture as an athletic department here at Northwestern, where we come together as a community to find ways to help each other grow, and become stronger together."
The Kabiller NU for Life Program continues to provide Northwestern student-athletes with guidance, mentorship, and resources to ensure success during their time at Northwestern and beyond.
The event was facilitated by the Kabiller NU for Life Cohort, a group of upper-class student-athletes who shared their experiences and guided the sessions with support from the Kabiller NU for Life Team. Programming began with introductions to the team and cohort leaders, followed by a "myth-busting" academics discussion presented by Academic Advisor, DeAnthony Kess.
Student-athletes then split into two breakout sessions: one focused on professional development, including setting up and leveraging LinkedIn and receiving professional headshots, and the other highlighting the special resources, events, and opportunities available through NU for Life and Invest NU. These sessions emphasized the lifelong support student-athletes can access.
Most notably, the event highlighted the contributions of David Kabiller and his connection to the NU for Life Program, reinforcing the mission and impact of his support. Attendees also learned about awards and other opportunities available throughout their collegiate careers.
"This is the first event that I hosted since joining Northwestern, and hearing that the student-athletes enjoyed it and learned from their peers was incredibly rewarding," said Shanna Esters, Kabiller NU for Life Program Assistant Director. "It's also exciting to see the community we are building among our first-year student-athletes." Feedback from participants emphasized the value of hearing directly from upper-class student-athletes about their experiences. "It's truly special to witness the conversations and connections being made at this event," said Esters.
Senior wrestler Kolby McClain reflected on the impact of the program, noting its role in shaping his own development.
"The Kabiller NU for Life First-Year Experience was a pivotal moment in my own professional development a few years ago, and I was grateful for the opportunity to pay it forward," McClain said. "The event helps ensure that student-athletes like myself can pass along the knowledge and insights we've gained during our time at Northwestern to our current first-year student-athletes. I think that events like this fully embody our culture as an athletic department here at Northwestern, where we come together as a community to find ways to help each other grow, and become stronger together."
The Kabiller NU for Life Program continues to provide Northwestern student-athletes with guidance, mentorship, and resources to ensure success during their time at Northwestern and beyond.
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