Two student-athletes from my school and I recently attended the Division III Student-Athlete Regional Leadership Conference in Minneapolis. I found the conference to be one of the most outstanding experiences that I have been involved in for some time.

The program was lively and facilitated by talented, energetic NCAA employees and expert athletics professionals working in Division III. Sharing time with these talented professionals was rewarding and encouraging. A bonus was observing the enthusiastic student-athletes, hearing their optimistic perspectives and watching their leadership skills burgeon. From this, I know Division III is on course for continued success.

I left thinking this conference merits more attention from coaches, administrators and their student-athletes. I encourage my colleagues and their student-athletes to take full advantage of the opportunity to attend the Division III Student-Athlete Regional Leadership Conference when it comes to your area. If given the privilege, I'll be signing up to go back.

Mike Maynard
Head Football Coach
University of Redlands