Standout Leader Selected for NCAA DIII Student Immersion Program Eyes a Future in Healthcare

Myles Tanksley ’27 Looks to Build Leadership Skills and Connections to Achieve His Professional Goals

BALTIMORE, Md. – A Notre Dame of Maryland University men’s soccer player selected for the 2027 NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program looks forward to building the leadership skills and connections for a future career in healthcare.

Myles Tanksley ’27 is one of 40 student-athletes from Division III institutions to participate in the Student Immersion Program in conjunction with the NCAA Convention taking place January 12-15 in Anaheim, California. A health sciences major on the pre-health track, Tanksley serves as president of NDMU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and is an associate member of Tri-Beta National Biological Honor Society. His leadership honors include the Christian Leadership Award, Male Athlete of the Year Award, and Music Excellence Award at his high school graduation.

“My long-term career goal is to become a physician assistant, where I can use my knowledge of health sciences to care for others and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” said Tanksley. “At the same time, my experiences as a student-athlete and SAAC President have helped me develop a strong interest in leadership, advocacy, and the impact of intercollegiate athletics on student-athletes. I believe the leadership, communication, and advocacy skills I develop through this experience will benefit me throughout my professional career and help me make a positive impact on the people and communities I serve.”

His passion for student-athlete advocacy, leadership, and strengthening the college athletics experience attracted him to the Student Immersion Program. Tanksley is looking forward to networking with athletics professionals, learning about career paths in intercollegiate athletics, and learning to become an effective leader in Division III athletics.

“I am excited for Myles to be selected to take part in the Student Immersion Program,” said Director of Athletics and Wellness Dr. Ashley Wagner. “Myles has been an integral part of SAAC, and I know being a part of this program will help Myles in the future.”

The NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program is designed for student-athletes who are juniors or seniors with an interest in leadership development and a potential career in college athletics. Participants are introduced to the Division III governance and NCAA Convention activities with opportunities to engage with administrators, coaches, and national office staff to build professional networks that support career exploration.

Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best “Regional Universities North” by U.S. News & World Report.