Our Biggest Takeaways From Athletes’ 2025 Commencement Speeches
Graduation season is in full swing, and we’re here to cheer on the athletes who’ve taken a timeout to share their words of wisdom and encouragement with the class of 2025! Even though not every athlete had the classic college experience, their journeys have scored some priceless life lessons. These pieces of advice are not just for the 2025 graduates; they apply to everyone, no matter where they are in life's journey! Here are some of our favorite moments.
Carmelo Anthony
Pic cred: Dennis Nett | Syracuse.com
Former professional basketball player and recent Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony made his return to the JMA Wireless Dome to speak to the graduating class of Syracuse University. If you’re familiar with Syracuse basketball, you know Carmelo is a big deal. He played a key role in leading the team to its thrilling victory in the 2003 NCAA championship. He called giving the 2025 commencement address a "full circle moment," and it definitely felt like a slam dunk of a day for everyone involved!
“You don’t have to fit in a box. You can have multiple careers. You can change directions. You can evolve again and again as long as you keep chasing what sets your soul on fire.”
Our takeaway: It is completely normal not to know what the future holds and to adjust your plans as your passions, desires, and dreams change. Carmelo made it clear to the audience of future change makers that “[their] path will not be a straight line.” It is okay to fail, and it is okay to go in a different direction. Changing directions can be scary, but if you’re not passionate about what you’re doing in life, what is the point? Some of the most successful people in the world are stakeholders in multiple areas, and you are capable of that too.
Simone Biles
Pic cred: @washu/instagram
The graduates of Washington University in St. Louis got to hear from the most decorated gymnast, Simone Biles. Simone’s message focused on being the “greatest you that you can be,” reminding us that we all have the ability to be the greatest at whatever we set out to do. Even though Biles chose not to pursue a college education to achieve her Olympic dreams, her speech transcended beyond what it means to be an elite athlete.
“The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be bold. It needs you to care and to keep going even when things don’t go as planned.”
Our takeaway: Now more than ever, it is essential that individuals stand up for what they value and care about the state of the world around them. In turbulent times like these, there can be a lot of uncertainty about the near future. However, Simone reminds us that when it matters most, we don’t need to be perfect; we just need to show up. Things will not always go your way in life, but persisting despite challenges will take you far.
Mia Hamm
Pic cred: @ncaa/instagram
Mia Hamm returned to her alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill, where she had a record-setting four years on the women's soccer team. She later went on to play professional soccer for the U.S. National Team. In her fun and inspiring speech, Mia shared a heartfelt message about the superheroes in our lives, the ones who lift us up and cheer us on. She reminded the graduates, “There are times in life where your achievements are yours and yours alone, but those times are incredibly rare.”
“Each of you will receive a diploma with your name on it,” Hamm said. “But written in invisible ink all over that piece of paper are the names of everyone who helped you along the way.”
Our takeaway: It is impossible to achieve anything without the help of educators, coaches, teammates, family, friends, or whoever you may think of as part of your support system. We owe the people who stand behind us through every up and down, and continue to be our biggest cheerleaders. They deserve their flowers, too!
Larry Fitzgerald Jr.
Pic cred: @pittofficial/instagram
At the University of Pittsburgh, former professional football player and alumn Larry Fitzgerald Jr. delivered the commencement address. In his speech, he emphasized that adaptability is a valuable asset in our constantly changing world and the importance of treating others with dignity while pursuing individual goals.
“You don’t run this race alone. Everyone you meet is carrying dreams and battles you can’t see. So please be kind, be curious, be human. Because this world isn’t just about your story. It’s about how your story weeds into others. It’s about building something together, and together we are stronger.”
Our takeaway: You never really know what someone else is dealing with, so showing respect and kindness is a must. We’re all in this together, and every move we make can influence those around us. You’ve got the power to bring people together through your own decisions and actions and uplift others.