The University of Lethbridge Department of Athletics has launched a new student-athlete Leadership Academy in an effort to inspire Canada’s next generation of leaders through excellence in sport, academics, and community service.

Originally founded by Dr. Scott Rathwell, a faculty member from the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Lethbridge, Joshua Hoetmer, a mental performance consultant from the Alberta Sport Development Centre SW, and Spencer Pommells, the Director of Athletics at the University of Lethbridge, the University of Lethbridge will become the first University in Western Canada to offer a program of this kind.  At its core, the academy takes a social identity approach to leadership and will include representation of all 7 U SPORTS teams at the University of Lethbridge.

With our Pronghorn student athlete's, we will redefine what it means to be a Pronghorn and setting a new high standard. Together, we will create a shared Pronghorn identity and standard of excellence that motivates players and focuses their energy. This will help them succeed in three main areas: sports, academics, and community. The athletes in the leadership academy will also learn important life skills like taking initiative, teamwork, social skills, and networking. These skills will help them reach our standard of excellence and prepare for their future careers.

 

Sessions	Description
Introduction to Leadership	Foundations of leadership, self-awareness, and core values for future student-athlete leaders.
Communication & Difficult Conversations	Strategies for effective communication, providing feedback, and managing difficult conversations in team settings.
Resilience & Adaptability	Building mental toughness, managing setbacks, and thriving in challenging academic and athletic situations.
Team Building	Interactive exercises to foster collaboration, trust, and positive relationships among athletes.
Decision- Making	Techniques for responsible decision-making and handling pressure in sports, academics, and life.
Leadership in Crisis & Pressure Situations	Skills for effective leadership during crises, setbacks, and high-pressure moments.
Reflective Leadership	Leadership self-assessment, personal leadership style exploration, and growth planning.
Inclusive Leadership & Diversity	Leadership practices for equity, inclusion, and strengthening culture within teams and peers.