Indianapolis, IN – Roberto Barrera Sanchez arrived at Loyola Marymount University with a clear goal: to excel in the pool and the classroom. What he didn’t expect was how those experiences would set him on a path toward leadership—and a future in sports beyond playing. Now a Graduate Assistant Coach while earning his master’s degree in accounting, Barrera Sanchez is embracing a new role that challenges him to give back to the sport and the university that shaped him.
Recently, he took a significant step in that journey by attending the NCAA Career in Sports Forum, an experience that broadened his perspective and reinforced his commitment to a career in athletics.
“It was an incredible opportunity because it brought together student-athletes from across the country who are interested in building careers in the sports industry after graduation,” he said.
Discovering New Paths
Before the forum, Barrera Sanchez envisioned a limited set of options after graduation—coaching or perhaps a finance role within a sports organization. The NCAA event changed that. “One of the biggest takeaways was realizing just how many career opportunities there are in sports,” he said. Panels and workshops introduced him to fields ranging from operations and compliance to analytics and community relations.
He also learned the value of building relationships. “Everyone we met talked about networking, being curious, and taking advantage of opportunities,” Barrera Sanchez said. Hearing from industry professionals who once stood where he does now gave him confidence about his own future. “It definitely gave me confidence about what comes next after graduate school.”
Pride in Representation
For Barrera Sanchez, the best part of the forum was connecting with student-athletes from across the country. “It was really cool meeting student-athletes from all kinds of sports and universities,” he said. Although their backgrounds varied, they bonded over the shared discipline and commitment that come with collegiate athletics.
Representing LMU and water polo was a point of pride. “Since water polo isn’t one of the biggest NCAA sports, a lot of people were curious about it, and it was fun getting to share what makes it so unique,” he said. He made it a priority to be engaged in every session and conversation. “I also wanted to represent LMU by being engaged, participating in discussions, and getting to know as many people as I could.”
From Athlete to Coach
After completing his playing career, Barrera Sanchez stayed at LMU as a Graduate Assistant Coach for water polo while pursuing his master’s degree. The transition offered a new perspective on the game and on leadership. “As a player, you’re mostly focused on your own preparation and performance. As a coach, you’re thinking about the entire team and how to help every athlete improve,” he said.
His responsibilities include practices, recruiting, film review, and working with goalkeepers. The chance to mentor younger players has been especially meaningful. “It’s been a great learning experience and has helped me grow as a leader.”
Looking Ahead
Gratitude fuels Barrera Sanchez’s next steps. “I’m just really grateful to LMU Athletics for believing in me and encouraging me to apply,” he said. The forum reinforced lessons he first learned as a student-athlete—discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership—and reminded him how those qualities translate beyond competition.
“The lessons you learn through sports—discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership—carry over into every part of life,” he said. As he continues coaching and completes his master’s degree, Barrera Sanchez is focused on building a career in the sports industry, inspired by the connections and insights he gained at the NCAA Career in Sports Forum.
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