Senior Malachi Hansen got to merge his love of football with his major in Business. Through studying at The Busch School of Business, he has paved the way for a current position working with the UFL, the minor football league. Working as part of the Gameday Operations team with the D.C. Defenders has been nothing short of a dream.“There’s just a million opportunities here in D.C. to do anything that you want.”
On the field, Malachi has been a star athlete before he arrived at Catholic University. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he played for his high school football team and was also a jumper on the track and field team, receiving media attention from several local outlets. He has grown in his sportsmanship and leadership skills; during his senior year, he ascended to the role of team Captain with the Cardinal football team.
During his time on campus, he’s become a champion in more ways than one. He’s a leader in bringing mental health awareness for student athletes, who face unique pressures because of the responsibilities they have to balance between their school work and their team.
“My time here brought a bigger awareness to mental health, especially with student athletes,” he said. “I did a lot with mental health where we just try to find the best ways to bring more attention to it, and help start more conversations about it here at Catholic [University].”
The campus-wide conversation regarding mental health and student athletes was front and center at this year’s University Research Day. The keynote speakers, who represented departments across the university, reflected on lifesaving research conducted on campus while advocating for increased awareness and resources for athlete mental health. Associate Professor of Media and Communications Studies Glen Østen Anderson and Psychology Professor David Jobes gave a preview of their upcoming mental health documentary.
Malachi’s advice to his fellow Cardinals? “Definitely just trying stuff and seeing what you like. It’s the perfect place to do it.”
