Student-athlete leaders gather in Winona

Student-athletes from around the state showed sportsmanship and teamwork on the campus low-ropes course.

Our Athletic Department hosted 112 undergraduates from around the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference for the semi-annual Student-Athlete Leadership Conference. This is the second time Saint Mary's has hosted the conference event. Several of our athletics alums were involved in the presentations, and Athletic Department staff helped coordinate the weekend's activities.

These exceptional student-athletes were nominated by their institutions as leaders — or potential leaders — on their campuses. Activities made the most of our Winona Campus facilities and natural setting, with workshops stressing topics such as sportsmanship, team chemistry and team building, goal setting, life after athletics, and wise use of social media. Participants gained leadership and communication skills, and each formed a plan on how they can be effective leaders and work with others at their home institutions.