Leadership Academy Recap – University of Maryland Athletics

Session two went over the importance of having and understanding core values. Students went through an exercise to identify their top core values and had the opportunity to discuss with their peers how their values hold significance in their lives.

Session three was about emotional intelligence. The group learned about the four main quadrants: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management. Students discussed their preferences when receiving both negative and positive feedback, efficient ways to build relationships and how to handle talking about sensitive content.

Session four was about having crucial conversations. Students identified the three pillars of facilitating a crucial conversation: emotions are high, stakes are high and opinions vary. The group navigated scenarios of realistic crucial conversation situations with step-by-step instruction to ensure proper handling of difficult conversations. Input and feedback from peers allowed students to see different perspectives on how to approach having a crucial conversation. 

The academy concluded with an inclusive leadership session focusing on fostering diversity, equity and belonging in all environments. Papaziani and Berker shared similar experiences of connecting with individuals from different cultural backgrounds as international student-athletes.

Student-athletes who participated in the Maryland Made Leadership Academy gained skills that will prepare them for potential leadership opportunities across Maryland Athletics through student leadership groups. 

“As the program director of the Maryland Made Leadership Academy, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable enthusiasm and engagement of our student-athletes, regardless of their sport or class. It’s been truly rewarding to see how eagerly they embraced the opportunity to develop and apply their leadership skills within their respective teams. Their excitement and dedication to taking what they’ve learned back to their peers is not only inspiring but also a testament to the impact of our program. Watching them grow and flourish in their roles as leaders has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role.” – Lonnie Mulligan, Big Ten Diversity Fellow at Maryland