In the summer of 2024, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights For Life program, led by Carey Loch, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development and Success, partnered with a company named 42U in an alliance which augments the work her office performs daily in support of student-athletes.
Scarlet Knights For Life
The vital mission of Scarlet Knights For Life remains one of preparing the more than 700 Rutgers student-athletes for personal and professional success while ensuring Varsity R Letterwinners are connected and engaged with alumni.
“Scarlet Knights For Life focuses on custom one-on-one advising sessions with our student-athletes, ensuring they have the time and attention needed to develop their career goals and materials, while also receiving direct assistance in connecting with Rutgers’ vast alumni and professional network,” said Loch.
Through the Scarlet Knights For Life office, Rutgers student-athletes consistently receive individualized advising, career planning, and alumni networking support often well beyond what their peers at other institutions experience. Staff members spend countless hours introducing athletes to alumni, helping them craft outreach messages, primarily via LinkedIn and email, and preparing them for conversations that can positively impact the trajectory of their futures.
A Partnership Built on Substance, Not Surface
The collaboration between Scarlet Knights For Life and 42U is built on a shared belief that student-athletes thrive when they have comprehensive development that provides additional substance to support their impressive resumes and accomplishments as they prepare for life beyond competition.
Rutgers became the first university to partner with 42U to deepen how student-athletes understand themselves, articulate their value, and translate their experiences into long-term success. What began as a career-development resource has evolved into a holistic framework that blends professional preparation with personal brand clarity.
An interest from other Big Ten student-athlete development professionals inspired an introduction of 42U to student-athletes from the 17 other institutions at the Big Ten Student-Athlete Engagement Leadership Retreat in the summer of 2025.