CLEMSON, S.C. – In celebration of the annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Director of Athletics Graham Neff and Senior Associate AD/Senior Woman Administrator Stephanie Ellison-Johnson announced the formation of the POWER: Women’s Leadership Academy. POWER is a one-of-a-kind program for Clemson female student-athletes and believed to be one of few in the nation focusing in this area. Clemson Athletics currently offers an affinity group for all female student-athletes called WE, or Women Empowering, through Student-Athlete Development. “POWER” embodies the strength of Clemson’s female student-athletes, while also incorporating the WE name.
“We are very excited to launch our first women’s leadership academy that will provide an amazing opportunity for our young women, particularly this first cohort who have been instrumental in guiding our department in meeting the needs to empower and enhance leadership growth opportunities for women,” said Johnson. “This leadership academy would not have been possible without the generosity of our former and current Director of Athletics who have graciously provided funding to launch the program.”
The women’s leadership academy is a three-pronged women’s leadership program with curriculum developed by Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Development Tori Niemann and Dr. Janna Magette Butler, Clemson Athletic Leadership Graduate Program Lecturer.
Student-athletes must apply and be selected to participate in the year-long program focusing on identity, professional presence, self-leadership and community, along with an annual experiential trip and culminating with a summer leadership summit for all female student-athletes. The first POWER cohort will travel to Chicago, Illinois this summer for a chance to be exposed to unique leadership experiences and network with women leaders in various industries. The leadership summit is an opportunity for POWER participants to design, organize and execute a transformational leadership experience for their Clemson female student-athlete peers.
Inaugural Cohort
- Gracyn Burgess (golf)
- Ariana Daley (track & field)
- Devi Dudley (soccer)
- Colleen Finney (volleyball)
- Savannah Grewal (golf)
- Morgan Johnson (softball)
- Pepper Kolman (rowing)
- Alia Logoleo (softball)
- Dani Medvedeva (tennis)
- Makayla Mills (tennis)
- Chloe O’Brien (rowing)
- Madison Ott (basketball)
- Emerey Sampson (rowing)
- Danielle Sloley (track & field)
- Grace Wadas (track & field)
Funding Women’s Programs and Initiatives is a priority for IPTAY and Clemson Athletics. Last week, Clemson announced new and enhanced facilities for the expanding department, which includes the addition of women’s gymnastics and women’s lacrosse. Those interested in supporting POWER or other women’s initiatives can contact Associate Director of IPTAY Major Gifts Lauren Gaulin at lgaulin@clemson.edu.