DeNillo Attends NCAA Leadership Forum
Alfred State softball coach Suzie DeNillo is attending the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in Washington DC this weekend. DeNillo is one of 73 administrators, coaches, and faculty from colleges and universities that will attend the conference along with 220 NCAA college athletes representing all sports and various campus academic departments.
"The Student-Athlete Leadership Forum is an excellent way to provide participants with a nontraditional form of education that centers on developing them as leaders in their communities and on their campuses, and it ultimately prepares them for life after their collegiate playing days are over," said Curtis J. Hollomon, NCAA director of leadership development.
During the forum, the participants will be separated into small teams for projects and discussions. The facilitators lead the teams each day and spur conversations that will help the student-athletes with analytical thinking and ways to address any topics and concerns they may have on issues that impact them on their campuses.
Attendees are scheduled to hear and engage with keynote speakers. Appearing at the November event will be Jacqie McWilliams, a former two sport NCAA athlete and NCAA champion in women's basketball at Hampton. McWilliams is currently the Commissioner of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. She is the first African-American woman to hold this position. Also appearing will be Chicago native Curtis Hill, a successful entrepreneur, author, and leader in diversity and inclusion.
During the forum, the participants will learn about NCAA governance structures and how committees work and make membership decisions. They'll also learn more about Student-Athlete Advisory Committees and how impactful they can be at the national, campus and conference levels. SAAC is the voice of the student-athlete within the NCAA governance structure. Student-athletes are encouraged to share their knowledge with the SAAC on their campuses.
Additionally, the participants will take part in a community service project to benefit Washington, D.C.-area youth and young adults who are in need.
NCAA leadership development, located in Indianapolis, coordinates and facilitates education and training for student-athletes, coaches and athletics administrators. The staff annually hosts programs, at little or no cost to members, using expert curriculum designed to enhance the well-being and personal development of college athletes. The staff also provides ongoing education and topical training to athletics professionals who identify and serve student-athlete needs.
For more information, visit www.NCAA.org/leadershipdevelopment.