Sports Commencement Speakers

Graduation time is a period of festivities and Sports Commencement Speakers provide an extra dose of motivation for these significant occasions. Drawing from their success stories and experiences these speakers impart valuable teachings that strike a chord, with both graduates and attendees encouraging them to strive for greatness in their respective pursuits. 

Maria Taylor

NBC Sports Reporter and Host

Maria Taylor is one of the top on-air talents for NBC Sports. Taylor officially started with NBC during coverage of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. She was one of ESPN's top talents during her tenure at t

Patrick Willis

Pro Football Hall of Fame Linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers

Patrick Willis was one of the greatest linebackers of his generation, spending the entirety of his career with the San Francisco 49ers. Willis played collegiately at Ole Miss from 2003-2006, earning m

Donovan Mitchell

All-Star Guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell has been one of the most dangerous players in the NBA since he stepped on the court. Before rising to stardom, Mitchell played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals. He was

Cynt Marshall

First Black Female CEO in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks

Cynt Marshall has spent her life breaking barriers, particularly when it comes to rising up the leadership ladder in corporate America. Her 36-year career with AT T catapulted her to becoming the firs

Tim Tebow

Heisman Trophy Winner, National Champion, Philanthropist and ESPN Broadcaster

Tim Tebow gained fame at the University of Florida, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 as the first sophomore in college football history and led the Gators to two national championships (2006, 2

Russell Wilson

All-Pro Quarterback for the New York Giants

Russell Wilson is one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation. Wilson began his career as a third-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks and went on to defy the odds. He became a nine-time Pro Bowl