AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward's track and field student-athlete Mary-Kate Havens took on a different kind of competition last week, helping lead the university's team as co-captain at the national HSI Battle of the Brains.

Havens became the first Hilltopper student-athlete to participate in the event, which brought teams from Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the country to Austin from Sept. 28 through Oct. 2 for a week of academic competition and professional development.

At the center of the event was a 24-hour business and technology case challenge, requiring teams to bring different areas of expertise together to develop solutions to real-world business problems. Teams then presented their work to industry leaders and corporate sponsors, including Dell Technologies.

As co-captain, Havens helped guide St. Edward's collaborative efforts through a challenge that demanded preparation, communication, and the ability to work under pressure. Her participation added a new setting for Hilltopper student-athlete leadership, representing the university beyond athletic competition.

The week also included professional networking workshops and corporate facility tours, giving Havens and her teammates opportunities to connect with industry professionals and explore potential career paths.