When Tara Berger '19 first stepped onto the Wesleyan basketball court in the fall of 2015, she knew she was joining one of the most demanding athletic and academic environments in Division III sports—the NESCAC. Four years later, as Berger prepared to graduate, she left behind not only a legacy of leadership and resilience on the court but also the foundation for a thriving professional career built on the principles she developed through basketball. Balancing the intensity of NESCAC basketball with her rigorous studies in psychology and data analysis, Berger quickly learned that leadership wasn't defined by simply being the most vocal or talented player. Instead, true leadership emerged from consistency, accountability, and a commitment to lifting those around her. The basketball season at Wesleyan was uniquely challenging, spanning both fall and spring semesters, with winter breaks spent practicing in Middletown while classmates went home for the holidays. Berger credits this demanding schedule with shaping her disciplined mindset and perseverance—qualities she relied on heavily when motivation or momentum flagged.
Managing her academic workload alongside athletic commitments forced Berger into meticulous routines. Between traveling for games, squeezing in homework, running from classes to practice, and finding brief moments for socializing, Berger learned the art of intentional time management. Ironically, she found herself most academically focused during basketball season, when free time was scarce. Yet this dedication came with sacrifices—missing out on experiences such as studying abroad or attending holiday celebrations became the norm. Fortunately, her teammates became a supportive community, forming bonds Berger likens to a sorority, making every sacrifice worthwhile.
After graduating, Berger continued her athletic journey by playing professional basketball in Israel, where she faced some of her toughest personal and professional challenges. Midway through the season, struggling with her performance, Berger vividly recalls her agent's tough criticism—that she would be better if only she were taller. While initially stinging, the comment ultimately taught her a valuable lesson: to control the controllables. Unable to change her physical attributes, Berger instead sharpened her basketball IQ, work ethic, and positive attitude, turning perceived limitations into strengths.
These experiences directly translated into Berger's current role as an Account Executive at Wellhub, a corporate wellness platform that partners with organizations to improve employee health and wellbeing. In her position, Berger finds herself drawing consistently on her Wesleyan basketball experience—especially the discipline and resilience forged through long practices, tough games, and high-pressure situations. Much like reviewing basketball game films, Berger meticulously analyzes her professional performance each quarter, using metrics and feedback to refine her approach.
Her leadership experience at Wesleyan—two years as team captain—also prepared her to navigate complex interactions with HR executives and corporate partners today. Berger emphasizes that the empathy, clarity, and active listening she developed as captain directly inform her approach to conversations about employee engagement, talent retention, burnout prevention, and workplace wellbeing strategies. Just as she once had to understand and motivate teammates, she now connects with diverse clients, aligning Wellhub's solutions with their organizational challenges.
Teamwork remains central to Berger's professional success. At Wesleyan, she learned that egos have no place on a small basketball roster, where trust, communication, and accountability were paramount. Now at Wellhub, she collaborates daily across sales, marketing, customer success, and customer experience teams, ensuring alignment and driving collective results—always prioritizing shared goals over individual interests. Reflecting on her Wesleyan journey, Berger is clear about how athletics shaped her mindset toward life beyond college sports. She firmly believes the resilience, time management, and leadership skills developed as a student-athlete provide an invaluable competitive advantage in the professional world. Berger encourages current student-athletes to recognize and leverage these unique strengths, emphasizing that collegiate athletics isn't just about the game itself—it's about building a foundation of discipline and character that transcends the court. As Berger continues advocating for workplace wellness, she embodies the enduring legacy of Wesleyan athletics: fostering not only competitive excellence but lifelong leadership and personal growth.
