Danielle Swierczyna and Jerome Wiggins attend NCAA Leadership Forum

2017 Dec 20

More than 220 NCAA college athletes representing all sports and various campus academic departments met in Washington D.C. Nov. 16-19 for the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum.

Representing SUNY Oneonta at the Forum was junior tennis player Danielle Swierczyna of Hamilton and sophomore diver Jerome Wiggins of Binghamton. Accompanying them on the trip was Student Athlete Affairs Coordinator and head softball coach Sara Curran-Headley.

The NCAA leadership development and governance groups at the national office collaborated to host the forum, which also included 73 athletics administrators, coaches and faculty from colleges and universities. Eighteen administrators and coaches were selected earlier in the year by a committee from the NCAA membership to attend facilitation training in preparation for conducting the curriculum at the forum.

"The Student-Athlete Leadership Forum is an excellent way to provide student-athletes 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 student-athletes were separated into small teams for projects and discussions. The facilitators led the teams each day and spurred 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.

"Going to the NCAA Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. was one of the most amazing, unforgettable experiences of my life," said Swierczyna.

Attendees heard and engaged with keynote speakers including 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.

Swierczyna commented on her experience, "One of my favorite activities was our core values session in which we categorized our values under five categories: what we always value, often value, sometimes value, seldom value, and least value. Then we had to take everything away except the always value category, and after that we narrowed it down to five core values within that category, and then three values. It was difficult for me because there are so many qualities that I love and appreciate in people as well as numerous morals and values that I incorporate into my life, but some values are similar or they encompass other values so I rationalized with myself that it is okay to make choices and to do what I believe envelopes my top values. But I really enjoyed hearing everyone's perspectives with regards to their values because they all had valid reasons of why they abided by their core values on a daily basis."

"The leadership forum was a great weekend and one I will always remember," commented Wiggins. He continued on to say, "It was a great opportunity for me to meet so many new people from different schools and different divisions. The weekend was all about who we are as people and leaders while also created an amazing space where people could share life experiences. Overall it was an amazing weekend that I will never forget and I met people that will always be in my heart."

During the forum, the student-athletes learned about NCAA governance structures and how committees work and make membership decisions. They also learned 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 student-athletes participated in a community service project that benefitted Washington, D.C.-area youth and young adults who are in need.

About NCAA Leadership

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.