CHARLOTTE, NC – Two student-athletes and one MVC conference administrator represented The Valley at the 2024 NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum November 21st through 24th. The NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum, created in 1997, has served as a life-changing experience for more than 5,000 student-athletes who have grown personally and professionally from their attendance. Student-athletes selected to attend the forum return to campus with invaluable leadership skills, a refined understanding of the relationship among personal values, core beliefs and behavioral styles, and the support of a close personal network of like-minded peers to provide continued connection and dialogue after the program concludes. This experience serves as a transformational opportunity for student-athletes and administrators to build a leadership toolkit and develop vital self-awareness that allows them to realize their potential. 

Belmont softball student-athlete, Brenna Blume, and UIC Track and Field/Cross Country student-athlete, Luke Malone, shared their growth and experiences from this weekend.  

What where some key takeaways you had from this experience? Was there anything you will be bringing back to campus?

“My overarching takeaway was knowing when my specific leadership style is what best fits the situation at hand. Some individual takeaways that I had were fear makes you play small, whether we are fearful of what others will think of us, what the outcome may be or if we are the only ones to believe what we believe we cannot play small just because we are afraid. Another being there is a cost to leadership, it is not always glamorous to be a leader, it comes with many sacrifices. I am going to take back to campus that we cannot just be interested in our teammates, we must be invested. I believe that plays into this year’s theme of light the torch. We cannot light another’s torch if we are not truly invested in them.” -Brenna Blume

“One of my key takeaways is that everybody is 1 of 1, and with that, everybody leads in unique ways based on their individual strengths and values. Another takeaway is that although leadership never gets "easier," we learn to handle challenging situations better as we grow. Although I'll never have "all the answers" as a leader, I hope to empower my peers further to own their unique strengths and values as leaders. Valuing our uniqueness as leaders allows us to appreciate different perspectives and approaches to challenges. "We over me!"  I plan to implement many of our breakout leadership activities into UIC SAAC meetings. I will continue to work on empowering others by creating an environment where student-athletes can speak, express, share, and make an impact. In the future, I will listen not just to respond but to understand.” -Luke Malone

What impact did this experience have on you?

“The impact of this event has been like any other that I have experienced. I have never been to an event where I have been constantly poured into the way I was at SALF. I learned about myself that it is okay to not always be the leader. We discussed knowing when to be a driver and when to be the passenger in different situations that fit our leadership style best. I believe I know my leadership strengths at a higher level now. Through this I will be able to serve who I am leading better and allow myself to be a better version of myself for them. I loved the breakouts. I was surprised by how much energy and vulnerability everyone was willing to share. There were so many organic conversations about our personal experiences that really drove the breakout sessions. I also think the admin brought a unique perspective to our conversations and fully embraced us, student-athletes, as their own.” -Brenna Blume

“I am grateful for the experience at the 2024 NCAA SALF, which profoundly impacted me. I'm leaving Charlotte with new perspectives, strategies, and leadership lessons. I discovered my leadership strengths, which are guided by my core values. We formulated a habits game plan based on our values to live by these values consistently. Our group also had the opportunity to learn about Emotional Intelligence and the importance of personal and social competence. I'm grateful I had the chance to reflect on my abilities and make a plan for how I will improve. I was surprised by how vulnerable myself and my Pink Team teammates were able to be with one another within 24 hours of meeting each other. It was refreshing to share honest experiences and perspectives in a safe space.” -Luke Malone
 
How did you feel going into this experience verses coming out?

“I had absolutely no clue what to expect going into the event. I did not know anyone going into SALF, so I was hoping to make some friends and gain leadership knowledge. After, I left truly feeling refreshed. I feel hopeful and enthusiastic about leading knowing that I have all the possible tools in my toolbox.” -Brenna Blume 

“I felt excited but unsure of the experience going in. I didn't know what to expect. I was blown away by the fantastic people who made the experience so special. I feel equipped, inspired, confident, grateful, and excited to share my growth with my current and future teams following the SALF.” – Luke Malone
 
What was it like to connect with other student-athletes and administrators from around the NCAA?

“Connecting with the other student-athletes and being in a room with so many diverse but also like-minded people was so refreshing! It did not matter what division, conference, or sport, we were all truly one this week. I feel like the people on my color team are friends for life from the connections that were made.” -Brenna Blume
 
“Connecting with other student-athletes and administrators from around the NCAA was wonderful. Discussing different experiences and perspectives helped me grow in my own scope as a leader.  Everybody I interacted with at the event had a growth mindset and made the most of the experience. I was pushed to better myself by matching the energy and engagement of others. Thank you to all of the NCAA staff, facilitators, coaches, and student-athletes who made the SALF memorable and impactful.” -Luke Malone

What were a few of your favorite quotes from this weekend?

“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” – Ferdinand Foch
“True leadership lies in lighting the path for others, not holding the only torch.” – Unknown
"Attitude reflects leadership." 
"Face it till you make it." 
"What will happen if things GO WELL?" 
"Not everything I lose is a loss." 
"Pursuing purpose leads to happiness."
My favorite quote from Mark Trumbo is, "The pain of purpose weighs ounces; the pain of regret weighs tons."
 
About the Forum

Both participating student-athletes and attending administrators and coaches return from the forum with enhanced leadership capabilities that allow them to thrive personally, professionally and even athletically. Participants are assigned to a “color team” with about 30 other attendees, and within those frequent color team sessions, they work in an open environment with trained facilitators to engage in discussions regarding leadership and its many components. They build a family of team members that encourages vulnerability, challenges one another with diverse perspectives, and provides unconditional support during and after the program.

In addition to impactful color team sessions, they feel the rewards of a community service project, learn about the inner workings of the NCAA, and hear from resonant keynote speakers who share powerful stories and teachings. Active learning is a priority for all facilitators and speakers at Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is the participants’ ability to learn and grow alongside newly forged connections who often remain valuable for decades to come. After four days on-site, participants return to campus or conference offices feeling rejuvenated, connected and confident.