COLONIA, NJ – The East Coast Conference held a four-week Leadership Series throughout the month of April, bringing in four different speakers to address select leaders from the conference’s nine member institutions.
“This April, we were able to provide essential leadership education and tools to our ECC student-athletes through our Leadership Series," said ECC Commissioner Jessica Grasso. "Each speaker provided a unique session to address areas of leadership that will aid in the development of our student-athletes not only as a student, but after graduation, as well. We capitalized on the virtual space to impact a large pool of student-athletes and to complement their schedules. The sessions were concise and meaningful and allowed engagement and reflection. The positive feedback from this series will assist in exploring more series topics in the future to bring to our student-athletes.”
Angie Bennett (Dardis Communications) opened the series with the question “Is Your Virtual Presence Working For You or Against You?” Bennett’s key nuggets included preparing a professional environment, engaging in eye contact, and working on delivery.
"The ECC Leadership Series provided amazing learning experiences for athletes across the conference," said Kathleen Healy, a Molloy junior women's cross country and track and field student-athlete. "The sessions I attended were incredibly insightful and opened my eyes to new ideas and thought processes, offering insights on multiple topics. The first session on digital presence was most impactful for me since it provided us with tips and techniques for doing interviews or conferences over Zoom. This session, in particular, provided me with practical information I can take with me in the future when I do job interviews or have conference calls with my coworkers. The series allowed us to further the student part of student-athlete at the conference level and gave us tools to help us succeed in the future!"
The second week saw Chris Williams (Hear Chris Speak) motivate on the topic of “Positive Energy for Leaders.” Williams discussed the value of appreciation, presentation, and service, being a lifelong learner, and expecting the best.
On the heels of the ECC’s conference-wide Mental Health Awareness Week, Ivy Watts (Ivy Watts Speaks) presented “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” on April 16. Watts’ key points focused on practicing self-love and the importance of routine, identifying one’s energy point for emotional freedom, and allowing mindset to set one free.
“I really enjoyed being part of the ECC’s Leadership Series for student-athletes,” said Kitsa Scime, a Daemen senior women’s tennis student-athlete. “Listening to Chris Williams and Ivy Watts talk about the role of prioritizing positive energy and mental wellness in building team culture really stuck with me. Their insights will play a key role in how I approach coaching in the future, because I know a strong, supportive team culture is essential for driving both individual and team performance.”
Chris Short closed out the ECC’s April Leadership Series by presenting on “Strategic Thinking for Leaders.” Short reviewed reflecting on one’s purpose, went over different leadership styles, and discussed practices of a great leader.
“I enjoyed the Leadership Series because it helped me to grow not only as a student-athlete but also as a person and a future employee,” said Julian Lopez Bernal, a Staten Island sophomore men’s swimming and diving student-athlete. My favorite speaker was Chris Short because he taught us how to be good leaders on and off of the playing field."