CONFERENCE CAROLINAS SOAR SUMMIT EDUCATES AND EMPOWERS FEMALE ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATORS

 

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