Program Overview

Stanford Athletics is proud to launch Cardinal Conversations, a year-long mentorship pilot program designed to strengthen bonds between Stanford Athletics alumni and current student-athletes. Rooted in shared experiences and the enduring spirit of the Farm, the program fosters meaningful relationships that support career development, life skills, and lifelong connection.

Stanford’s greatest strength, our “unfair advantage,” has always been our network. Cardinal Conversations is about keeping that network alive, personal, and powerful for generations of Cardinal student-athletes and alumni to come.

The inaugural cohort pairs over 100 alumni mentors with over 100 student-athletes to provide guidance, insight, and support during a pivotal time in student-athletes’ personal and professional development. This initiative is a partnership between Stanford Athletics and the Stanford Alumni Association, powered by Orbiit, an AI-based matching platform that connects mentors and mentees based on shared interests, identities, goals, and lived experiences.

How It Works

At least three 30-minute one-on-one conversations over the academic year (Fall, Winter, Spring)
- Mentors and mentees are encouraged to speak and meet as frequently as they would like- 3 meetings is the minimum
Brief 30 minute virtual mentor/mentee training prior to kickoff
Opportunities for participants to connect through quarterly in-person events on campus

Who Can Participate?

Mentors (Alumni): Stanford Athletics alumni with professional experience who are interested in supporting the next generation through mentorship.
Mentees (Student-Athletes): Current Stanford student-athletes committed to career growth and learning from alumni experience.

In-Person Engagement Opportunities

Alumni Weekend kickoff at the Home of Champions.

Cardinal Career Connections: Design Your Journey, Tell Your Story (with the Stanford Design School).

End-of-Year celebration with a mentorship panel and special alumni guests.

Why Cardinal Conversations Matters

In an era of rapidly changing NCAA policy, including NIL, revenue sharing, and the transfer portal, student-athletes need more support than ever before. Cardinal Conversations is an opportunity to bridge the gap with our incredible alumni community, provide a new and innovative resource for student-athletes, and make good on Stanford’s promise to engage alumni in a truly meaningful way.

How to Get Involved

The next Cardinal Conversations mentorship pairing will take place in Fall 2026. Information about participation, timelines, and eligibility will be shared in advance. To stay informed about future opportunities and program updates, we encourage interested alumni to join the Block S Society.