Tepper School Student-Athletes Bring Teamwork, Leadership, and School Spirit to Carnegie Mellon

As Carnegie Mellon University celebrates Homecoming 2026 on Oct. 23-24, the Tepper School is recognizing the 143 student-athletes who balance rigorous academic programs with competition across 10 sports. Representing undergraduate and graduate programs, these students bring the teamwork, communication, and discipline developed through athletics into their classrooms and careers.

The Tepper School has the largest student-athlete population among CMU’s schools and colleges, with students competing in basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor and outdoor track, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. This year’s student-athletes represent the Undergraduate Business Administration and Economics programs, as well as the Master of Science in Management (MSM), Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) programs, and an MBA student enrolled in the 3-1-1 program.

For many student-athletes, the skills required to compete at a high level complement the collaborative, problem-solving approach emphasized at the Tepper School. Working toward a shared goal, listening to different perspectives and supporting teammates are lessons that translate directly to classroom discussions, group projects and professional settings.

“Football has taught me how important it is to communicate, listen to different perspectives, and work together toward a common goal,” said Carter Sido, MSM Student and Football Player. “I have been able to apply those lessons to class discussions, group projects, and case studies at the Tepper School, and has also helped me feel comfortable meeting new people and becoming part of the CMU community.”

For Reece Kolke, an MBA student and football player pursuing both an undergraduate degree in business administration and an MBA through the Tepper School’s 3-1-1 program, athletics has reinforced the importance of helping others succeed.

“Football showed me how much more you can accomplish when everyone lifts each other up, and I want to bring that same approach to everything I do at CMU,” said Kolke. “That mindset has carried over into my time at the Tepper School, where I’ve tried to help others the way people have helped me, whether that’s guiding classmates through internship and job recruiting processes, working through schoolwork together, or volunteering with my teammates in the Pittsburgh community.”

Competing as a student-athlete at CMU requires careful time management and commitment. For Helena Locateli, an MSBA student and member of the women’s soccer team, a supportive community makes that balance possible.

“Being a student athlete at CMU takes a lot of time management, communication, and sacrifice to make classes and athletics work in unison, but with supportive coaches, professors, and peers it all comes together,” Locateli shared. “The Tepper School’s strong reputation and dedication to students' success was an enormous pull for me.“

“Being on the court means constantly adapting and making adjustments, and that is how I approach my academics,” added Kotistha Modak an Undergraduate Economics student and tennis player. “I've been playing from a young age, and the sport has shaped so much of my character, mindset, and daily life. Rather than seeing it as something I need to balance with academics, I've learned to make the two work hand in hand.”

That combination of academic opportunity and community support helps student-athletes pursue their goals in the classroom and in competition, while preparing them to navigate the demands of their future careers.

Beyond the skills developed through competition, student-athletes are part of a campus community that supports them through wins, losses and everything in between.

Zoe Gavros, an undergraduate business administration student and member of the volleyball team, experienced that support firsthand when Carnegie Mellon hosted an NCAA postseason tournament last year. Recently named CMU’s Athlete of the Week, Gavros reflected on how the experience demonstrated the lasting connection between athletics and school spirit.

“Their support was never just about the outcome of the game. It was about the people on the court, the work we had put in, and the pride we all share in representing Carnegie Mellon. That’s what makes this community so special to me,” shared Gavros. “At CMU, loyalty isn’t something that’s earned through victories. It’s something that remains, regardless of the outcome.”

That spirit will be on display during the Tepper School’s Homecoming celebration on Thursday, Oct. 22, when students, faculty and staff will come together to recognize student-athletes and celebrate their shared connection to the school.

As Homecoming brings the CMU community together, the Tepper School’s student-athletes offer a reminder that the lessons of competition extend well beyond the game. Their commitment to collaboration, perseverance and supporting one another reflects the qualities that strengthen the Tepper School community and prepare its students to lead.