Written by SJC Sports Information Intern Christopher Theodores '25

BALTIMORE, Md. - Saint Joseph's College students Zach Creekmore '25 and Maeghan Perkins '24, accompanied by Professor of Sport Management Dr. Chris Woodside, had the opportunity to represent the college at the Student-Athlete Leadership Forum, which was held at the Baltimore Convention Center & Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor April 13-16.

Founded in 1997, the Student-Athlete Leadership Forum has provided more than 5,000 student athletes the opportunity to develop personally and professionally. At the 2023 conference, 250-plus athletes, coaches, and administrators were in attendance. Saint Joseph's College was one of four Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) institutions at the forum and one of three Maine schools. 

This year, the Student-Athlete Leadership forum centered around the theme "Beyond the Box." This means challenging yourself to be uncomfortable and developing a growth mindset. At the conference, participants are divided into 'color' teams which consist of 30 members. Each group, facilitated by two college athletics administrators, pursues more personal and contemplative conversations. The conference welcomed guest speakers Julianne Sitch, the first female head coach of a men's soccer team to win an NCAA championship, and Jonathan Sprinkles, a best-selling author and motivational speaker whose work centers on the power of connection. 

Given the opportunity to reflect, each of the participants had high praise for the event. 

Meaghan Perkins, a member of the Women's Alpine Ski Team, stated, "I take a lot of pride in being selected to go to this conference. It meant that not only my coaches who I work with on a daily basis, but the athletic department staff have confidence in my ability to lead and make a positive impact on those around me." 

Zachery Creekmore, a multisport athlete, elaborates, "It was super meaningful to attend this conference, not only to have the opportunity to represent my school, but also to work with like minded passionate people who are invested in their own growth and the growth of others."

A weekend full of meaningful lessons, the Saint Joseph's participants had many key takeaways. Perkins says, "something that stuck with me from the weekend was this: when there is a first, there is a next; don't shy away from being the first because there will always be others behind you, supporting you." Creekmore adds, "My biggest takeaway absolutely has to be the power of bringing people with you. This weekend we saw 250 student athletes and administrators come together to accomplish greatness in learning about themselves and how internal growth reflects into our ability to help others grow."

Dr. Chris Woodside had a different perspective. Customarily being a person who is in the front of the room inspiring others about leadership, he had the opportunity to take the backseat "It was a pleasure sitting back and learning from the facilitators at the conference. This allowed me to be thoughtful about when I interjected my insight and I was able to interject more impactful ideas into the conversation. It helped me realize I can be just as impactful as a participant as I can be as a leader. This type of event is one that inspires administrators to keep providing leadership opportunities to students because the things they can do are limitless."

Each member is thankful for the opportunity to attend the Student Athlete Leadership Forum and credits Saint Joseph's College for this unique opportunity. In return for this opportunity, each participant hopes to spread their knowledge and leadership skills. With two of the three attendees overseeing the Monks Leadership academy, they hope to continue to grow the program for the betterment of our future leaders. Each of these individuals have already grown as leaders on campus and the college is extremely fortunate to have granted these three standouts the opportunity to attend this forum.