Today’s Division II student athletes are more than a number you see on the field, rink or court. Outside of the hundreds of hours these young men and women put into practice and competition, many are involved in campus and community clubs and organizations and most are very successful in the classroom. A common thread tying Division II student-athletes together is their desire to succeed both in the classroom and on the athletic field and the determination to become a leader to their teammates and peers.
Treasure Clemons and Joey Kollar, two student-athletes at the University of Minnesota, Crookston recently had the opportunity to attend the NCAA Division II Leadership Academy in Dallas, Texas to learn more about what it takes to be a successful leader. The NCAA Division II Leadership Academy engages a diverse representation of student-athletes, coaches, administrators and faculty in leadership education to enhance self-awareness and facilitate partnerships that will affect progress on campuses, within conferences, throughout Division II, and beyond the collegiate realm. 850 Di
vision II student-athletes, coaches, administrators and faculty have enhanced their effectiveness as leaders by attending the Leadership Academy.
“It was great to see the student-athletes want to become better leaders at their institutions. All of the student-athletes had such great ideas and brought the desire to make things better on their campuses and in their athletic departments,” says Natasha Kuhle, Senior Woman Administrator/Assistant Athletic Director at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. “Joey Kollar and Treasure Clemons did an amazing job representing the University of Minnesota, Crookston and Golden Eagle Athletics. They had a great time and I feel that they many great ideas to bring back to our campus to help strength what we already have.”
At the NCAA Division II Leadership Academy, participants learn about, develop and apply leadership skills, gain insight into their personal styles through self-assessment and peer feedback, become better acquainted with NCAA and Division II structures and initiatives and work collaboratively with school teams to develop and implement action plans that promote positive change.
“Having the chance to attend the NCAA Division II Leadership Academy was an amazing opportunity and experience for me, especially for me only being a sophomore. The speakers were very inspirational, and the team leaders were fun and stayed enthusiastic throughout the long days while teaching us many ways to make me and fellow athletes better leaders for our teams,” comments Treasure Clemons. “I learned a lot, and also throughout the weekend found reassurance in why I choose Division II athletics. It’s a well connected family environment!”
"During my trip to the NCAA DII Leadership Academy we learned a lot about self awareness and personality types,” states Joey Kollar. “I took away a greater understanding for how to interact with teammates effectively and I hope it will help me out this year. I had a great time in Dallas and I would recommend it to anyone."
Fifty-three Division II institutions from across the country took part in the Leadership Academy including eight of the 10 colleges in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
Treasure Clemons is a sophomore on the Golden Eagle Women’s Basketball team. She is the daughter of Demitrius and Nina Clemons of Minneapolis, Minn. Treasure is undeclared on a major at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Joey Kollar is a senior, captain on the Golden Eagle Men’s Basketball team. He is the son of Jerome and Heidi Kollar of Norwood-Young America, Minn. Joey is majoring in Sport & Recreation Management at the University of Minnesota, Crookston
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Golden Eagle Hockey is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
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Pronunciations:
Kollar- (KOE-ler)
Kuhle- (KOO-lee)
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