PHILADELPHIA - What happens when you connect Ivy League Softball Player of 2008, Christina Khosravi (once Penn's shortstop and now the Los Angeles Laker's Director of Business Analytics and Strategy) with Penn pitcher Jennifer Brann (named Ivy League Pitcher of the Week multiple times)? You get a pair that understands solid defense and offense both on and off the field.

Penn's Athlete Mentor Program connected the softball athlete and alum after discovering that Jennifer was interested in sports marketing and statistics. Since March the pair talks, texts, and exchanges emails. In May they met for coffee while Christina was in town for her 10-year reunion.

"Putting a name to the face was great," shares Jennifer. "We talked for an hour about this year and upcoming summer."

"Jennifer shared her goals, as my former teammate who joined us, Erin Boyle ('07), and I peppered her with questions about the team, student-athlete life, and social life," says Christina. "Hearing how connected the players are, their involvement with clubs, activities, and charitable events, all while making the time to grab breakfast as a team impressed us."

From ideas and projects to internship opportunities, goal setting, and prep for Jennifer's future job-search, the pair checks in with one another often.

"Jennifer is driven, motivated, and inquisitive. She really does the heavy lifting here," says her mentor. "Her maturity and planning allow our conversations to be organized and effective. In fact, each time I hop off the phone, I've learned something new!"

Likewise, Christina has impressed Jennifer time and time again. "At first I was surprised how nice and willing to help me she was," says Jennifer. "Her experience and wisdom have been so helpful and she's given me advice on what I should and shouldn't do to hopefully get into the sports industry."

Jennifer interviewed with a global sports and entertainment company and ultimately accepted a summer internship with Penn in a concentrated business analytics program called, Wharton Moneyball. Together, the athlete-mentor match has much to look forward to.