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BALTIMORE -- Described as a "life-changing experience" in the first sentence on its website, the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum held April 14-16 more than lived up to its billing for the two Mount Holyoke College student-athletes who participated in the event, along with Senior Associate Director of Athletics Erica Lemm.
The two Lyons who hail from opposite corners of the United States, sophomore basketball team guard Marley Berano (Lady Lake, Fla.) and first-year rowing team coxswain Tobin Mayo-Kiely (Anchorage, Alaska), were selected from Mount Holyoke for a specific purpose as described by the program: "to build a leadership toolkit and develop vital self-awareness that allows them to realize their potential" via a wide range of well-planned activities.
As if to underscore the transformative power of the forum, Berano wound up taking the stage in a lip sync battle. "My comfort zone is completely crushed now!" she said.
Selected through a nomination and application process, the trio of Mount Holyoke representatives were able to attend with all expenses paid by the NCAA. Student-athletes across all three divisions participate, but in Division III only certain regions have the opportunity to apply each year.
"This was an outstanding program, and our student-athletes had such a great time and learned a ton," said Lemm, who engaged in some of the same programming as the student-athletes in addition to other specific sessions for administrators. "They're already asking what parts of the training we will be bringing to MHC."
Participants are assigned to a "color team" with about 30 other attendees, and within those frequent color team sessions, they work in an open environment with trained facilitators to engage in discussions regarding leadership and its many components. They build a family of team members that encourages vulnerability, challenges one another with diverse perspectives, and provides unconditional support during and after the program.
"I plan to bring a lot of the different activities and conversation topics back" to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Student-Athlete Leadership Team, and basketball team she participates in, Berano said. "However, in day-to-day life, I plan to just have a contagious attitude for growth and gratitude -- both on and off the court."
In addition to impactful color team sessions, they feel the rewards of a community service project, learn about the inner workings of the NCAA, and hear from resonant keynote speakers who share powerful stories and teachings.
"It was an honor to be nominated to attend the 2023 NCAA Student Athlete Leadership Forum," said Mayo-Kiely. "I have put in a lot of work to be a leader and dedicated member of my team, and it was wonderful to get to share that with other athletes from around the country. It was also an incredible experience to be able to learn from and work with great speakers, facilitators, and peers to better understand myself, my strengths, my values, and how to be the best leader I can. I look forward to bringing back what I learned to the team, MHC athletics in general, and my own coxing."
Active learning is a priority for all facilitators and speakers at the Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is the participants' ability to learn and grow alongside newly forged connections who often remain valuable for decades to come. The intention is that "participants return to campus or conference offices feeling rejuvenated, connected and confident."
"I am so grateful to have had this opportunity," said Berano. "It was a true privilege to attend and be able to represent my team. I would specifically like to thank Erica Lemm for giving me the keys and pushing me to grow as a student-athlete and as a person."
