Five NWSL players recently participated in Nationwide’s second “Experience Nationwide” program at the company’s headquarters in Columbus Ohio, including Bay FC midfielder

Dorian Bailey

, Chicago Red Stars midfielder

Shea Groom

, Houston Dash goalkeeper

Savannah Madden

, Utah Royals defender

Addisyn Merrick

and NJ/NY Gotham FC goalkeeper

Cassie Miller

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Five NWSL players recently participated in Nationwide’s second “Experience Nationwide” program at the company’s headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, including Bay FC midfielder

Dorian Bailey

, Chicago Red Stars midfielder

Shea Groom

, Houston Dash goalkeeper

Savannah Madden

, Utah Royals defender

Addisyn Merrick

and NJ/NY Gotham FC goalkeeper

Cassie Miller

. Throughout the two-week program, players were introduced to Nationwide’s corporate culture as they met with leaders in marketing, social media, communications, corporate sustainability, talent acquisition, diversity, equity and inclusion and many other areas of the enterprise. “We’ve learned so much in these two weeks,” said Shea Groom. “We got to see so many career opportunities that exist outside of playing soccer, and working with a company like Nationwide who sponsors and is passionate about the NWSL has really furthered my professional knowledge beyond the pitch.” The five players had a busy schedule of immersive opportunities, including media training, appearances on Nationwide’s podcasts and a tour of Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, where they learned how several Nationwide-sponsored events support the hospital and patient families. Players also explored Nationwide’s full sports marketing portfolio, meeting virtually with NFL partners before making in-person visits to the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets and MLS’ Columbus Crew facilities, where they met with front office staff from both organizations, including former players.

“Hats off to Nationwide for putting together this program and recognizing an area of need for professional athletes,” said former MLS player Dante Washington, now the Columbus Crew’s Director of Team Strategic Partnerships and Business Development. “For these athletes to use their time to come to a city they’ve probably never been to before, to start preparing for life after their playing careers are over is very commendable, and I encourage more athletes to do that.” “Being an athlete is a huge advantage in business,” said Columbus Blue Jackets Team Relations Specialist Aaron Johnson, a former player for the club. “These players know what it’s like on the field and can bring their experience to the business side and make improvements. As athletes, we continuously work and find ways to improve and we’re really good problem solvers, which helps make the transition from playing to an office role.”

The players also spent a day volunteering at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, a local food bank that provides over 170,000 meals each day to 20 counties in Ohio. This experience highlights the importance of community impact, the core of the NWSL and Nationwide’s relationship. “People look up to us as role models and leaders, and one way that they can learn from us is by giving back,” said Cassie Miller. “So many people have given me so much and I love to give back. Being a Community Impact Award winner with Kansas City last year was really special, and now supporting our partnership with Nationwide by helping in the Columbus community is huge for us.” About NWSL The National Women’s Soccer League is the premier women’s professional soccer league in the world featuring national team players from around the globe. The clubs are Angel City FC, Bay FC, Boston, Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current, NJ/NY Gotham FC, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC, Seattle Reign FC, Utah Royals FC, and Washington Spirit. About Nationwide Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities, mutual funds and ETFs; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com . Follow the firm on Facebook and X .