Sophomore
Megan Scali (Garrison, N.Y.) was selected to attend the NCAA Student Athlete Leadership Forum this past weekend Baltimore, Md. The forum brought together 300 NCAA student-athletes across all divisions to discuss experiences and learn leadership skills to take back to their individual institutions and teams. The student-athletes were asked to split into groups to participate in leadership building activities and learn more about their leadership styles. All representatives also came together to stuff teddy bears as a part of care packages for local hospitals for children suffering from cancer. Upon her return, Scali prepared a reflection on her weekend, what she learned, and how it applies to student-athletes everywhere.
Megan: This past weekend, I was lucky enough to attend the annual NCAA Student Athlete Leadership Forum in Baltimore, Maryland. I sat through four days of extensive leadership building exercises and interactive lectures that attempted to strengthen each athlete's leadership abilities. But, instead of telling you more of what I did, I want to tell you, in, unfortunately a very abridged form, what I learned in hope that it can inspire some of you as it did me.
Everyone has the capacity to achieve excellence, but I am sure many if you have been told this before. Our conference started with a quote that I kept in the forefront of my mind over the course of the weekend: "Make your ceiling your floor". It reminded all of the participants early on that no matter where you are now, there is so much potential for you to grow. How are you going to get you and your team there?
The answer is simple; it stems from powerful leadership. But, what is a leader? Simply speaking, a leader is one who others follow. More extensively, a leader should be someone who empowers others to be their best. Someone who brings others up as they are going up. Someone who is conscious of their own mindset and core values in relation to the context they are placed in and those who surround them. Someone who sets a positive example 24 hours a day. Whether this person is someone who never misses the opportunity to improve, never misses a practice, gives 100% everyday in lift, eats one less cookie at dinner, is the loudest one cheering from the bench, or spends an extra hour in the library, it does not matter. Ultimately, to lead others, you have to lead and improve yourself first. When each team member is accountable for the hard work and dedication they put into themselves every second of everyday, they contribute to the success of the team. When each team member is accountable for their actions, they do not step on to the field questioning their excellence.
They are the ones who are proud to wear their jerseys each and every day, on and off the field, and therefore are the ones who live for success.
Fortunately and unfortunately, as a student-athlete, you know when your collegiate career is going to end. Before you step onto the field or court for the final time, you are aware that you are playing in the last game of your career. This is fortunate for those who are ready and unfortunate for those who are not. Winning is what we do but
how we win makes us who we are. Do not regret your collegiate career. It is an opportunity we are all very lucky to have and and very many wish they did have. At the end of it all, it only matters so much if you win your match today. What have you learned about yourself that makes you a stronger leader and a better person? Put in the work now. Set your standards high now. Get better now. Be proud to wear your jersey because you know you deserve it. This quality will follow you on and off the field and propel you forward in everything you do in life.
Finally, be aware of who and what you represent as Molloy athletes. In the scheme of things, as a Molloy Lion, you represent yourself, your team, your school, Division II, NCAA and student-athletes all around the nation. Strive to represent those aspects everyday. You are bigger than you think. Be proud to be a Lion. Be the one who empowers greatness among all. Be accountable for the goals, values and standards of your team and family. Take pride in all you have to give because
all it takes is all you got.