Leadership Academy Launched for Student Athletes

CLEMSON, S.C. – In its continued efforts to enhance student-athlete development in preparation for life after collegiate athletics, Clemson Athletics’ division of Student-Athlete Wellness and Development launched this semester a new Leadership Academy program.

“Our commitment to providing training and development opportunities to our student-athletes in preparation for life after college has never been more evident than in the work Dr. Loreto Jackson and our Student Athlete Wellness and Development group is engaging in on a daily basis,” Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich said. “The Leadership Academy is another of a great series of programs which focus on developing young men and women for the next phase of their lives.”

Through seven sessions during the off-season semester, students develop their skills through behavioral assessments, research-based leadership education, individualized feedback from coaches and peers, personalized professional development, and alumni mentorship. Additionally, each cohort will get to attend a networking workshop put on by a professional sports team, and gain insight from current players about their experience with leadership in a professional setting.

Developed by Coordinator of Student-Athlete Development Sunny Dueland, the Tiger Leadership Academy is a three-year program intended to prepare student-athletes to be leaders at Clemson and beyond. This progressive leadership curriculum focuses on building self-awareness and an understanding of effective leadership practices and learning how to apply these concepts on teams and in a future career. The program intends to create a more rewarding college experience for student-athletes, build cohesive teams, promote athletic success and prepare student-athletes to succeed in life.

The inaugural Fall Semester group includes:

Seth Beer, BaseballDarron Coley, Men’s Track & FieldBrooks Crawford, BaseballAlyssa Debski, Women’s Track & FieldSirah Diarra, Women’s BasketballErsula Farrow, Women’s Track & FieldMorgan Fiske, DivingJake Higginbotham, BaseballCaylin Hirapara, DivingMarie LeDuc, Women’s TennisJohn Lewis, Men’s Track & FieldEmily Marshall, RowingJulia Meredith, RowingImani McGowan, Women’s Track & FieldVictoria Nelson, RowingRebekah Stein, Rowing