The Class of 2022 has experienced and accomplished a lot during their time in school, yet there is still so much to be said about what they will do in the future. There are many challenges ahead and commencement speakers all across the country tried to highlight ways for this new generation to move forward. Sports speakers at commencement ceremonies particularly stole the show and these are some of our favorite moments.

Five-Time Olympic Medalist Elana Meyers Taylor at George Washington University

"I hope that in the future when you confront failure, when people try to stand in your way, when other unexpected challenges seem almost overwhelming, that you will look back to today and know that among all the skills you honed here at the George Washington University, resilience may be the most important," Meyers Taylor stated. "I hope you will use it to create your own medal-worthy moments."

Ten-Time WNBA All-Star Tamika Catchings at the University of Tennessee

"A hearing aid and a speech impediment were things that some deemed disabilities," Catchings said in her speech. "But it took an incredible coach and an even more exceptional human being,  coach Pat Summitt, to help me see that they weren't deficits. They were superpowers. Something to accept, harness and to use to help empower and inspire others.”

Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Tebow at the University of Florida

“I hope you’re successful," Tebow said. "I hope whatever you do, you crush it. But I hope it doesn’t stop with success because you know where success stops … (with) you. But significance is about other people. Be successful, but also be significant."

Top ESPN NFL Analyst Louis Riddick at the University of Pittsburgh

“I wanted more people to hear what I think about football, its players, its strategies, its coaches. All this. I started my media career. I didn’t go to media school. As I am telling you right now, your journey may take you somewhere that is completely different from what you think it will take sitting there today. It was a lucky break.

“They were starting a new show on ESPN. Let me tell you a little about this journey. When I first came to ESPN, I didn’t have a contract. They said the following: ‘We will pay you $800 for the show, no performance guarantees. You are not under contract. You are a freelancer. The better you are, the more shows you will get. The more performances you get, the more money you make.:

“I bet on myself. I said, ‘Cool. I’m in.’”

If you are looking to consider sports speakers for your next commencement ceremony, Athlete Speakers can help! We are America’s leading agency for booking sports talent. Start the speaker selection process today by filling out our Online Booking Request Form or calling 1-800-916-6008.