National Collegiate Athletic Association

NCAA News Archive - 2010

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Feb 3, 2010 8:39:34 AM

About three dozen student-athletes, administrators and coaches from Conference Carolinas schools took a dose of leadership medicine at the league's recent Student-Athlete Advisory Committee retreat.

Conference Carolinas hosted its second annual SAAC gathering, dubbed "Be About It," in High Point, North Carolina, last weekend. Two student-athletes and an athletics administrator from each member school participated in the event designed to improve leadership skills.

"It is so encouraging to see the qualities and innate leadership abilities of Conference Carolinas student-athletes," Commissioner Alan Patterson said. "It is apparent that their coaches and teachers have created a solid foundation. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to fine-tune those talents."

"Not only did the student-athletes get a chance to enhance their leadership skills, they were given the opportunity to learn life skills while being able to meet other athletes and administrators who share similar characteristics," said Assistant Commissioner Angela Tressel. 

Ellie Hanover, Belmont Abbey softball coach and SAAC advisor, said it was inspirational to see student-athletes from different schools work toward common goals.

"The leadership and camaraderie displayed this weekend are testaments to what we stand for as a conference," she said.

Conference Carolinas consists of Anderson (South Carolina), Barton, Belmont Abbey, Coker, Converse, Erskine, Lees-McRae, Limestone, Mount Olive, Pfeiffer, Queens (North Carolina) and St. Andrews Presbyterian.