Daviess County Cohort Gains Inspiration at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and NFHS
On November 19, the Daviess County CEO Cohort traveled to Indianapolis for a day filled with inspiration, learning, and meaningful connections. The visit began at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers, where students went beyond a behind-the-scenes tour to engage with four influential department leaders who shared valuable career and life insights.
Throughout the discussions, a powerful message resonated: trust the process. Leaders emphasized the importance of being proactive, adaptable, and resilient, while also highlighting the value of strong communication, teamwork, and self-care. Students were encouraged to recognize transferable skills, perfect their 30-second elevator pitch, and remain flexible when facing challenges. A recurring theme focused on discovering personal “sparks”—the passions that drive purpose—and building strong community connections.
The cohort expressed appreciation to the Indiana Pacers organization for its commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of learning. The day concluded with the group enjoying a Pacers game, capping off an experience rooted in mentorship and motivation.
The cohort also visited the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) office, where they met with Sandy Searcy and Elliott Hopkins. Conversations centered on the role of education-based athletics, writing rule books, and the importance of community, character, and sportsmanship—living, working, and competing with others while learning to win humbly and lose with grace. As the national leader in high school sports and activities, NFHS works to ensure all students have the opportunity to play, perform, and compete together.
The cohort sincerely thanked both the Indiana Pacers and the NFHS team for their time, tours, gifts, and informative sessions, leaving Indianapolis inspired and better equipped for their future journeys