CHICAGO, Ill. – Chicago State University student-athletes Skylar McGhee of the men's track & field program and Marcus Freeman III of the men's golf program have been selected to participate in the 2026 NCAA Legacy Lab, scheduled for Sept. 10–13 in Indianapolis.
The NCAA Legacy Lab is a four-day, immersive student-athlete development program designed to help sophomore and junior student-athletes explore entrepreneurship while continuing their collegiate athletic careers. Participants will engage in interactive programming, mentorship, networking and hands-on learning designed to help transform their skills, personal experiences and ideas into sustainable ventures.
McGhee and Freeman will have the opportunity to select from three specialized learning tracks during the program: Brand in Motion, which focuses on responsibly and effectively monetizing name, image and likeness opportunities; Blueprint to Breakthrough, centered on the fundamentals of starting, operating and growing a business; and Built to Serve, which focuses on developing ventures that combine social responsibility with profitability.
The experience will also challenge participants to apply many of the skills developed through collegiate athletics including discipline, resilience, teamwork, leadership and goal setting to entrepreneurship and professional development.
McGhee, a sophomore on the Chicago State men's track & field team, has competed in multiple jumping events for the Cougars. During the 2025-26 season, he recorded a season best mark of 7.11 meters in the long jump at the Windy City Invite and has also represented Chicago State in the high jump.
Freeman, a sophomore from Charlotte, North Carolina, is a member of the Chicago State men's golf program. A graduate of Palisades High School, Freeman has competed for the Cougars during his first two collegiate seasons and was part of Chicago State's lineup at the inaugural Windy City Classic hosted at Harborside International Golf Center.
Their selection provides McGhee and Freeman an opportunity to represent Chicago State on a national stage while expanding their professional networks and developing skills that can benefit them beyond their collegiate careers.
The NCAA covers travel, lodging, meals and program materials for student-athletes selected to participate in Legacy Lab.
For more information about the NCAA Legacy Lab, visit the NCAA's official program page.
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