Mentorship Helped an International Student-Athlete Take His Best Shot
Kim Sheeter
Eagle basketball star David Velasco was part of a mentorship program for student-athletes that was so valuable to his academic success that he became a mentor himself.
“The BEST program was critical for me,” says David Velasco, a former Eagles basketball standout and current Systems Engineer II at Collins Aerospace. “Balancing my academic career with playing collegiate basketball at the NCAA level was demanding. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support from my coaches, professors, teammates and lab partners.”
David Velasco’s journey from international student-athlete to mentor and aerospace professional illustrates the lasting impact of Embry-Riddle’s Braddock Educational Success Team (BEST) program. Now, with a $1 million endowment from Braddock Philanthropies, more student-athletes will receive the same critical support that helped David thrive in both academics and athletics.
An International Talent on the Court
Originally from Spain, David’s passion for both basketball and aerospace engineering led him to Embry-Riddle, where he made an immediate impact as a guard for the Eagles. Known for his sharp shooting and defensive tenacity, David was a vital player in the Eagles’ performance in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC), contributing both on and off the court. His leadership earned him multiple spots on the SSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll and the D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award.
David’s basketball success was matched by his academic achievements. In 2022, he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, focusing on propulsion and aerodynamics. In 2023, he earned a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering with distinction.
From Player to Tutor to Graduate Coordinator
David’s introduction to the BEST program came early in his university career. “At the beginning of my Embry-Riddle career, I was on the basketball team, and I joined the tutoring program basically as a student,” David recalls. “One of my teammates was my tutor, and I got to meet all the other tutors.” This experience was pivotal in his development both as a student-athlete and a future mentor.
As he progressed academically, David moved from being a mentee to becoming a mentor himself. He became a tutor within the BEST program and eventually rose to the role of graduate coordinator, where he led a team of 12 study-mentors and provided tutoring to over 450 student-athletes. “I got to see all the aspects of the program and how it truly helps people,” David says. “Going from being one of the students and attending the program regularly for help to becoming the graduate coordinator was a rewarding experience.”
For David, the personal connections formed through mentoring were the most important part.
"The most important things are the relationships that you build and how encouraging it is to work with other student-athletes who go through the same things you do. You come together and make each other better."
As a tutor, David challenged his peers to think critically. “I didn’t just give answers. I liked getting students to reason through problems and consider what they were working on from a different perspective,” he explains.
A Future Built on Mentorship
Today, David applies the lessons learned from the BEST program in his role at Collins Aerospace, where he is part of the Head-up Guidance Systems division. The discipline, time management and leadership skills he developed at Embry-Riddle continue to serve him well in his professional life. “The relationships and skills I gained at Embry-Riddle have stayed with me through every challenge I’ve faced in my career,” he reflects.
David’s success, both academically and professionally, is a testament to the enduring impact of the BEST program. “The BEST program didn’t just teach discipline and time management — it instilled resilience and a strong sense of purpose,” David says. His achievements prove that the support provided by BEST extends far beyond the university, empowering students to become leaders in their fields.
Sustaining Brighter Futures
With the recent $1 million endowment from Braddock Philanthropies, the BEST program is poised to expand its reach and impact even further. The additional resources will double tutoring hours, extend study hall access and equip tutors with new laptops. Kathryn Nagib, Senior Director of Philanthropy for Athletics, believes the endowment is a significant motivator for everyone involved. “Seeing the Keemars' commitment to our success — and the difference it makes — pushes us to work even harder to give our students all the support they need for continued success,” she says.
As David's story illustrates, mentoring has the power to change lives. For former student-athletes like him, graduation isn't just a step into the workforce — it’s a confident leap, powered by resilience, time management skills and an unshakeable collaborative spirit. With the new endowment, more student-athletes will gain the support they need to pursue their dreams, showing once again that with the right backing, talent can be transformed into real contributions in fields that are critical to our economy and security.