Game Plan for Life

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF SAINT MARY'S UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CARDINAL ATHLETICS

Game Plan for Life

Saint Mary’s University has implemented a student-athlete–oriented program designed to help Cardinals successfully navigate life after sports.

Thanks to the generous support of Tom and Annie Kiemel and their family, "Game Plan for Life" prepares graduating student-athletes with the tools, resources, and networks they need to successfully navigate their next steps—whether that means pursuing further education, entering the workforce, or exploring other professional opportunities.

FALL 2025 GAME PLAN FOR LIFE APPLICATION

Official Game Plan for Life Release

Brochure

The support of this program has been absolutely incredible and they have provided me with so much insight and advice on how to achieve success in all aspects of my life moving forward.

Saint Mary's graduate and women's hockey athlete, Allie Urlaub

The Minnesota Star Tribune Release

MEET THE COACHES

Jay Millar

Kylene Ruth

Contact: jay@myvirtualdad.net | (303) 475-8778

Jay Millar, a Colorado native and first-generation college graduate, empowers men to become heroes in their homes. Overcoming a childhood shaped by domestic violence and alcoholism, he found success in both career and family life. Jay holds a degree in Engineering Physics and an MBA from the University of Colorado. He’s the author of Be a Hero In Your Home and founder of My Virtual Dad and Confident Man Enterprises, offering resources to help men thrive at home. Jay finds joy in family, continuous learning, and traveling with his wife and their dog, Baxter.

Contact: kruth@falconp2.com | (406) 201-9347

Kylene Ruth is the CEO of Falcon Performance Partners LLC, a Certified Executive Coach, and an Insights Discovery Licensed Practitioner. A U.S. Air Force veteran, she led large teams over her 20-year career, both at home and abroad. Today, she helps leaders drive meaningful change and create environments where teams can thrive. Kylene holds advanced degrees in Educational Psychology and Military Operational Art, and a B.S. in Behavioral Sciences from the U.S. Air Force Academy. She lives in Montana with her husband and two sons.

PURPOSE

This program emphasizes self-awareness, meaningful personal growth, and essential life-management skills to support your success beyond your college athletic career.

Through a group cohort model, you'll connect with others who share similar experiences and are navigating the same transition.

I highly recommend Game Plan for Life for every athlete looking for a successful plan. It will give you tools for faith, discipline, education, career, and self-care.

Saint Mary's graduate and men's hockey athlete, Nick Kiemel