Takedown Report

Beyond Wrestling: von Savoye Finds Growth Through ACC Experiences

By: Courtney Hicks, Duke Athletics Communications Summer Intern
DURHAM, N.C.– Student-athletes across the ACC gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina, June 24-26 for the fourth annual ACC Career Trek, a professional development event designed to connect student-athletes with industry leaders and explore career opportunities beyond college athletics.
Throughout the three-day program, participants expanded their professional networks by meeting with representatives from 12 companies, participating in six industry panels, and gaining firsthand insight into what employers value in future candidates. Through hands-on experiences, panel discussions, and networking conversations, student-athletes explored a variety of career paths while developing skills to prepare for life after graduation.
Shortly after the ACC Career Trek, the ACC Unity Tour brought student-athletes, coaches and administrators to Washington, D.C., for a leadership-focused experience centered on community engagement, collaboration and service. Participants met with policymakers, historians, and community leaders while visiting historic landmarks and exploring ways to create meaningful change within their communities.
Redshirt junior wrestler Spencer von Savoye represented Duke at both the Career Trek and the Unity Tour. As a first-generation student navigating career opportunities for the first time, he gained valuable perspectives on professional development and leadership. “Being able to have the experience to talk to those employers, hear what they’re looking for and understand what I need to do to position myself for success was really valuable for me because I didn’t have that prior knowledge and I didn’t really know where to find it either,” von Savoye said. “It gave me the push I needed to take that step, reach out to those people, build those connections and make those calls.”
While the Career Trek emphasized professional networking and career exploration, the Unity Tour offered a different outlook, encouraging participants to engage with history, public service and leadership. Student-athletes toured Washington, D.C.’s historic landmarks, met with policy leaders and participated in community outreach, giving them a chance to reflect on their roles as leaders beyond athletics. “To be able to see the Declaration of Independence, … more at … https://goduke.com/news/2026/7/29/beyond-wrestling-von-savoye-finds-growth-through-acc-experiences?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

August 8, 2026 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | education, news, teaching