HIGH POINT N.C. - Conference
Carolinas hosted the Strengthening Our Athletic Reputation Summit
for Conference Carolinas’ female athletics administrators,
coaches and trainers on September 5th – 6th in Charlotte, N.C.
The S.O.A.R. Summit was designed to empower and educate those in
attendance on how females in athletics can better fulfill their
roles on their campuses, not only within the conference, but
nationally.
The S.O.A.R. Summit kicked off Friday evening with Seeds of
Empowerment LLC Consultant, Monique Smith, who conducted a workshop
titled Becoming A Person of Influence From Any Position.
The workshop, based on concepts from the book “The 360 Degree
Leader” by John Maxwell, focused on identifying
attendees’ leadership styles and the strengths and weakness
of each style.
Later that evening, Converse College President, Dr. Betsy
Fleming, followed Smith. As the only female president within
Conference Carolinas, Dr. Fleming conveyed a unique perspective on
how to enhance one’s communication skills and effectiveness
in her presentation titled Activating Your Voice for Effective
Leadership. Attendees also participated in a networking social
on Friday evening that allowed them to get familiar with their
fellow Conference Carolinas representatives as well as broaden
their professional connections.
Friday’s speakers were praised as being inspiring and
informative by attendees and the momentum continued through
Saturday’s programming. University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete
Development, Cricket Lane, started the morning with a presentation
titled: The Brand Called You.
In the presentation, Lane helped attendees identify what message
they are trying to send to those they encounter professionally and
how to convey that message through their actions, communication
style and appearance. In addition, the importance of social media
in the professional world today and how it can be utilized to
project one’s brand was a significant focus.
The branding presentation was followed by a breakout session
offering two different programs. The first being a career
development session designed for newer athletics professionals. The
session, led by University of North Carolina at Asheville Associate
AD for Athletics Operations and SWA, Terri Brne, focused on
improving one’s interviewing skills and cover letter and
resume writing.
The second offering was another workshop conducted by Monique
Smith titled Setting Boundaries Within Limits. The
workshop, intended for experienced athletics professionals, helped
attendees identify what a good work-life balance looks like and how
to define professional boundaries that allow one to sustain that
balance.
The Summit then wrapped up with The Next Step panel
discussion. Panelists included Belmont Abbey College Athletic
Director, Stephen Miss; Erskine College Head Softball Coach, Alleen
Hawkins; Belmont Abbey College Director of Student Development and
Engagement and SWA, Ali Bahr; University of Mount Olive, Head
Softball Coach Mandy Sansbury; and Erskine College Assistant
Athletic Director for Compliance and SWA, Rebecca Magee.
Each shared their unique perspective on their progression
through different roles within athletics, what they have learned
through that progression and provided advice to attendees on how to
best prepare for their future in collegiate athletics.
“Overall, the S.O.A.R. Summit was deemed to be a huge
success with those in attendance leaving rejuvenated and empowered
and a bit more educated on how to fulfill their roles within
collegiate athletics more effectively,” stated Conference
Carolinas Assistant Commissioner for Compliance and SWA, Ashly
Berry.
Podcasts from several sessions will be made available weekly on
www.conferencecarolinas.com. The first podcast that has been posted
is Becoming A Person of Influence From Any Position, by
Monique Smith can be listened to below:
Podcasts
Becoming A Person of Influence From Any
Position, by Monique Smith