Balancing athletics and academics is a challenge that many student-athletes face, but at NC State, those enrolled in the MALS (Master of Arts in Liberal Studies) program are rising to the occasion. The MALS program provides the flexibility to explore a wide range of academic interests, allowing student-athletes to build an interdisciplinary curriculum that complements their passion for sports. The ability to blend athletics with diverse fields such as business, law, technology, sustainability, and more, is an invaluable opportunity that gives them the tools to succeed both in their sport and in their academic career.
The skills learned on the field—discipline, time management, resilience, and teamwork—are not only essential to their athletic success but also have a significant impact on their academic achievements. For these student-athletes, the MALS program serves as a platform for expanding their creative thinking and fostering personal growth, helping them approach their coursework with the same strategic mindset they apply to sports. The result is a cohort of individuals who are not only excelling in their athletics but also leveraging their academic pursuits to enhance their careers both inside and outside of the sports world.
Here’s a look at a few NC State student-athletes in the MALS program who are blending their athletic talents with academic exploration:
Caden Noonkester | Football
For Caden Noonkester, balancing football and academics has been a lesson in discipline, adaptability, and long-term planning. As a punter, his position demands intense focus and the ability to perform under pressure—skills that have carried over into his academic journey in the MALS program.
Caden’s path to MALS began with an undergraduate degree in Crop and Soil Science, a background that shaped his interest in sustainability and the environment. “I like having a broad education. I didn’t want to do something so specific, and MALS allows me to take classes from different disciplines,” he explains. The program’s flexibility has allowed him to explore multiple fields of study while managing the rigorous demands of being a Division I athlete.
One of the most valuable skills he has developed through football is time management. “Being able to stay on top of things, making sure that you are balancing school and sports, and making sure that you have time to do everything,” he says. With structured training, film study, and travel for games, managing coursework requires careful planning—a challenge he has embraced through years of practice.
Mentorship has also played an important role in Caden’s journey, both as a student and an athlete. Having the guidance of experienced players and coaches has shaped his approach to growth and development, and he recognizes the value of passing that knowledge on to others. His advice to student-athletes considering interdisciplinary studies? “Be brave, be bold, and just take the first step.” The ability to step outside of a comfort zone, whether in sports or academics, is something he believes can lead to meaningful opportunities and personal growth.
Outside of football and academics, Caden enjoys diving into the world of homesteading and self-sustainability on YouTube. From growing his food to exploring renewable energy solutions, he’s always picking up new tips and tricks for sustainable living.
For student-athletes considering interdisciplinary studies, Caden encourages them to take advantage of the opportunity to explore multiple interests. “I think just go for it. It gives you a great opportunity to have a broad education and not just focus on one thing specifically,” he says. The ability to connect different disciplines has helped him build a well-rounded perspective—one that will serve him well both on and off the field.
Madison Williams | Volleyball
Madison Williams has always had a clear vision for her future—she dreams of becoming a sports agent, advocating for athletes, and helping them navigate the complexities of the sports industry. The MALS program has given her the perfect academic foundation to prepare for this path, allowing her to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines, including business, law, and marketing.
“The interdisciplinary coursework in the MALS program has greatly supported my dream of becoming a sports agent by allowing me to explore a variety of perspectives and skills that align with this career path,” Madison explains. “This flexibility has challenged me to think critically and integrate knowledge from different fields, preparing me to navigate the sports industry’s demands confidently.”
Madison has found unexpected connections between her time on the volleyball court and her academic studies. One of the biggest lessons she’s carried from sports into the classroom is adaptability.
“In sports, you constantly adjust to new plays, opponents, and unexpected challenges, and I’ve found that this skill translates well to tackling diverse assignments and managing shifting priorities in my coursework,” she says.
Beyond academics, Madison has embraced the well-rounded lifestyle that MALS encourages. After long days filled with training and studying, she enjoys unwinding by exploring Raleigh with friends, trying new restaurants, and spending time with loved ones. Her advice to other student-athletes considering an interdisciplinary program is to take full advantage of the opportunity to broaden their knowledge base.
“Balancing sports and academics can be challenging, but the skills and knowledge you gain from exploring different fields will not only help you excel in your studies but also make you a more well-rounded athlete and leader.”
Abi Hugh | Soccer
For Abi Hugh, the connection between athletics and academia isn’t just a vague idea—it’s something she has actively studied. Her culminating project focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and wearable sports trackers, directly linking her experience as a soccer player with her academic concentration in MALS.
“The MALS Program allowed me to create a concentration that fits my interests,” Abi explains. “I was able to connect my passion for soccer with my academic work, particularly in my research on sports technology.”
Beyond the academic flexibility, Abi has found that the MALS program provides an environment that fosters creativity, an aspect that often goes unrecognized in athletics. She sees creativity as an essential component of being a successful athlete—whether it’s in making strategic plays on the field or finding innovative solutions in her coursework.
“The MALS Program offers a flexible structure that allows athletes to showcase their creative abilities in their studies. Just as athletes need creativity on the field, we can utilize this trait for academic success,” she says.
One of the most impactful experiences in her MALS journey was taking an Intercultural Communication course, which opened her eyes to different cultural perspectives—something she could immediately apply to her role as a leader on a diverse soccer team.
“The class helped me understand different cultural norms and backgrounds, which strengthened my connection with my international teammates,” she says. “It gave me a deeper appreciation for how communication can shape relationships both in sports and beyond.”
Abi’s final piece of advice for student-athletes considering interdisciplinary studies? Don’t separate your athletic identity from your academic interests. Instead, use both to your advantage.
“The different strengths I’ve gained from being an athlete and a student complement each other,” she says. “Finding those connections between what you learn in the classroom and experience on the field takes you so far.”
Jaiden Thomas | Soccer
As a soccer player, Jaiden Thomas has always been surrounded by conversations about leadership, teamwork, and strategy. However, through the MALS program, she’s been able to apply those concepts beyond the court to broader academic and professional contexts.
“The program has helped me develop a broader perspective on teamwork and leadership,” Jaiden explains. “Learning from classmates in different fields has challenged me to think beyond basketball and apply these insights to my future career.”
Jaiden believes one of the most valuable lessons she’s learned from sports is resilience, a skill that has helped her navigate his athletic and academic challenges.
“In basketball, you’re constantly adapting to new plays, opponents, and situations. That same adaptability has helped me approach academic challenges with confidence,” she says.
Through the MALS program, Jaiden has explored topics ranging from business strategy to communication, all of which have helped shape her outlook on leadership. She appreciates the program’s flexibility, which has allowed her to take classes that align with her interests while still accommodating her rigorous athletic schedule.
Her advice to other student-athletes considering an interdisciplinary program is simple: embrace the opportunity to expand your knowledge.
“Use the opportunity to explore beyond your sport,” she says. “The skills you gain will set you up for success in whatever comes next.”
The stories of these student-athletes in the MALS program at NC State serve as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary education and the incredible potential that arises when athletics and academics come together. Each of them demonstrates that the skills honed on the field—discipline, resilience, time management, and adaptability—are just as crucial for success in the classroom and future careers. By integrating diverse areas of study, these athletes are broadening their horizons and setting themselves up for success beyond their sports careers.
For future student-athletes considering the MALS program, the message is clear: embrace the opportunity to explore different disciplines, take risks, and connect your passion for sports with academic pursuits. The ability to balance both worlds creates a well-rounded and adaptable skill set that will benefit you in all aspects of life.
Whether it’s Caden’s focus on sustainability, Madison’s path toward sports agency, Abi’s exploration of sports technology, or Jaiden’s leadership insights, the MALS program provides these athletes with a unique platform to build on their athletic strengths while preparing for impactful futures. These athletes prove that with determination and the right resources, anything is possible—on and off the field.
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