The Columbia University Wrestling Mentorship Program is designed to provide both our men’s and women’s wrestlers with the support and guidance they need to succeed academically, athletically, and personally. This program pairs each athlete with a dedicated mentor who will offer advice, encouragement, and resources throughout the academic year. Mentors will commit to making 4-6 interactions (phone calls, zooms or drop-in visits) with their assigned athlete from September through May.

Objectives

1. Academic Support: Ensure athletes maintain a strong academic performance and balance their academic and athletic responsibilities.

2. Athletic Development: Provide guidance and support to help athletes improve their wrestling skills and overall athletic performance.

3. Personal Growth: Assist athletes in their personal development, helping them set and achieve personal goals.

4. Career Guidance: Offer advice on career planning and development, including networking opportunities and professional skills.

Program Structure

1. Mentor Selection and Matching

• Application Process: Prospective mentors will complete an application outlining their background, experience, and areas of expertise.

• Matching: Athletes and mentors will be matched based on their interests, academic focus, and personal goals to ensure a meaningful and productive relationship.

2. Orientation and Training

• Virtual Orientation Session: Mentors will attend an orientation session at the beginning of the academic year to outline program expectations, goals, and best practices for effective mentorship.

• Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 17th for 6:30-7:15pm on google meet  

• Bi-Monthly Meetings: Non-mandatory bi-monthly mentor check-ins will be organized. These quick meetings will focus on updates, feedback, and best practices.

• Tentatively scheduled for Thursday, November 14th, January 24th, and March 7th each for 12:30-1pm 

• Coach Interaction: Mentors will have the opportunity to seek guidance from coaches and learn about their student-athlete’s progress and any specific needs. 

• Men’s Coach Donny Pritzlaff 

• (732) 3103810

• DAP2213@columbia.edu 

• Women’s Coach Coach Emma Randall 

• (937) 409-2440

• ERandall@nycrtc.com 

3. Mentorship Engagement

• Initial Meeting: Each mentor-mentee pair will have an initial meeting to establish rapport, set goals, and develop a communication plan.

• Regular Check-Ins: Mentors will commit to 4-6 phone calls or drop-in visits with their mentee throughout the academic year. These interactions should be spread out to ensure continuous support and engagement.

• Goal Setting and Progress Tracking: Mentors will help athletes set specific, measurable goals and track their progress throughout the year.

Commitment and Expectations

For Mentors:

• Attend the orientation session on September 17th 

• Commit to 4-6 interactions throughout the year with their mentee (phone calls, virtual meetings or drop-in visits)

• Provide ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement.

• Help mentees set and achieve their goals.

• Participate in NYCRTC & Columbia program activities as possible. Mentors are encouraged to attend homecoming events, duals, nationals, etc.  

For Mentees:

• Engage actively with their mentor and be open to feedback and guidance.

• Set personal and academic goals with the help of their mentor.

• Maintain regular communication with their mentor.

The Columbia University Wrestling Mentorship Program is dedicated to fostering the academic, athletic, and personal growth of our wrestlers. By pairing athletes with committed mentors, we aim to create a supportive and enriching environment that helps each athlete reach their full potential.