South Dakota sophomore volleyball player Brittany Jessen was one of two Summit League athletes chosen to travel to Phoenix, Ariz., for the 2016 NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum from April 7-10. Jessen looked back over the weekend and reminisced about her experience.

The NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum was an amazing experience. It was so powerful to be around such incredible people with such a passion for not only their sport but also their impact on others. The four-day conference in Phoenix included keynote speakers, small group sessions, team building activities and community service. We also had information sessions about the NCAA and SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee). These two sessions were filled with valuable information that we all plan to share with our teams and schools.
 
Countless topics were discussed throughout the weekend. Some of these include leading selflessly, leaving a legacy on your team, being intentional, and being a transformational leader that leaves a lasting impact on the people around you. We also learned about communication skills and the best ways to handle tough team situations. One of the biggest takeaways from the weekend would be that everyone leads in their own way. While there were some very outgoing extroverts at the conference, the quiet introverted student's lead in just as powerful of a way. Their impact and influence on others is just as needed as all other forms of leadership and cannot be overlooked. Also, I heard the saying "lift as you rise". This refers to taking others with you as you lead. As leaders, we motivate and influence those around us. You can't meet people where they are if you think you are above them. It is important to invest emotionally in people's lives in order to build them up. Having clear goals and expectations will help all team members strive for success.
 
I also learned so much about myself. We took a StrengthsFinder test that included a packet of information about the five categories that most fits each of us and why. This activity helped us to become aware of our strengths and learn how to apply them in order to achieve goals.
 
The energy during the four days in Phoenix was remarkable. Everyone was very humble about their successes and willing to share their failures and how they have grown from the hard times. We all reminded each other of our common goals of being extraordinary players and people. I am looking forward to sharing many of the things I have learned with my teammates in order to help strengthen the culture of our team.

One of the quotes that was said over the weekend came from Maya Angelou, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." I will always remember the way those incredible student-athletes made me feel over the weekend and I will strive to pass along the inspiration and passion.
 
I want to thank the NCAA, The Summit League and USD administrators for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this amazing experience.