PEORIA, Ill. -- Sophomore softball player Mariah Cole (Springfield, Ill./Chatham Glenwood) and men's tennis player Ashton Kalhorn (Colorado Springs, Colo./Coronado [Nev.]) along with Coordinator of Student-Athlete Services Jessi Searby recently represented Bradley at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in Chicago, Nov. 3-6.
The forum was established to engage a diverse and dynamic representation of student-athletes, coaches, faculty and administrators and provide pertinent and customized sessions that will enhance personal awareness and leadership skills needed to impact student-athlete development.
According to the NCAA website, participants had the opportunity to explore how values and behavior shape their unique leadership style, discuss issues affecting student-athletes today and explore the role of service in leadership success in addition to gaining a better understanding of the NCAA, their Division and the role of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAAC).
Cole made 20 of her 26 starts in 2011 in the outfield for the Bradley softball team as a freshman, after being used primarily as a pinch runner early in the year. She also started five games at second base and drew six walks on 41 plate appearances during the year.
"The forum was a place where all athletes from different schools, divisions, and states could come together and learn more about the NCAA, other fellow athletes, and themselves," Cole said. "Most importantly, we realized how important being a leader is not only within our teams and sports, but within our campuses and our universities. The opportunity has provided me with numerous life lessons, leadership skills and friendships that I will utilize and remember forever."
Kalhorn was second on the men's tennis team with 20 singles victories in 2010-11, splitting time between #3 and #4 in the BU lineup. After posting a 6-4 record at #3 singles last year, he capped a strong fall campaign with a 2-2 singles record at the ITA Central Region Championship last month. Kalhorn reached the main draw consolation semifinals.
"Attending the NCAA Leadership Forum was an amazing opportunity which only a small fraction of college students get the privilege to experience," Kalhorn said. "The relationships, learning skills, and values that I built while at the forum have deeply impacted me as a student, a leader and friend."
