ARLINGTON, Va. -- The SaintsStrong Leadership Academy is off and running for its fifth year, continuing Marymount Athletics' commitment to developing student-athletes who lead with purpose, serve others, and make a meaningful impact within their teams, campus, and communities.

This year's cohort includes 39 student-athletes representing 15 Marymount athletic programs, bringing together a diverse group of emerging leaders with different experiences, perspectives, and leadership styles.

The academy opened in August with an introductory session led by Deputy Director of Athletics Ryan Wildenhain, Head Men's Basketball Coach Chris Rogers, and Head Softball Coach Leigh Winstead. The session established the foundation for the year ahead while challenging participants to think about leadership not simply as a title or position, but as a responsibility and an opportunity to influence those around them.

In September, the academy welcomed back Marymount men's lacrosse alumnus Chris "Tex" McQuilkin of Captains and Coaches. McQuilkin led the group through an interactive session focused on conflict resolution and peer leadership, giving student-athletes practical tools to navigate the difficult conversations they may already be avoiding with teammates.

Through hands-on scenarios, participants worked through situations that progressively increased in complexity, ultimately addressing some of the most challenging conversations captains and team leaders can face. The session also challenged each student-athlete to consider the type of leader they want to become.

McQuilkin closed the session by helping the group develop their individual and collective leadership identities. Each participant left with resources and a concrete action plan they could take back to their teams.

Later this month, Wildenhain will facilitate a NCAA DiSC Behavioral Assessment session designed to help student-athletes better understand their individual behavioral styles and preferences, as well as how those styles interact with the people they encounter most often. The experience will encourage participants to recognize differences, improve communication, and build stronger relationships across their teams and within the Marymount community.

The fall semester will conclude in November with a visit from Brooke Brozowske of Up Until Now Coaching. Brozowske will work with each member of the cohort to develop their own personal narrative, helping student-athletes reflect on their experiences, values, and the stories that have shaped who they are as leaders.

The SaintsStrong Leadership Academy will continue its programming throughout the spring semester with several opportunities designed to take leadership development beyond the classroom. Plans include one-on-one meetings with each participant, a Leadership Reaction Course experience at Marine Corps Base Quantico, breakfast with local community leaders, and a community service experience.

Now in its fifth year, the SaintsStrong Leadership Academy continues to evolve while remaining grounded in a simple idea: leadership is not reserved for captains, seniors, or those with a formal title. It is demonstrated through everyday choices, difficult conversations, service to others, and the willingness to make those around you better.

Through the SaintsStrong Leadership Academy, Marymount Athletics is investing in student-athletes who are prepared not only to lead their teams, but to carry those lessons into their careers, communities, and lives beyond Marymount.

SaintsStrong Leadership Academy Participants for 2026-2027 include:

Jaden Beyer- Baseball
Logan Garey- Baseball
Louis Panunzio- Baseball
Jack Richards- Baseball
Alex Russell- Baseball
Evan George- Baseball
Jerome Lowery- Men's Basketball
Thomas Primrose- Men's Lacrosse
Riley Hickam- Men's Lacrosse
Connor Howard- Men's Lacrosse
Broxzmyn Chang-Stroman- Men's Soccer
Diego Prieto- Men's Soccer
Otis Yahn- Men's Volleyball
Sam Cook- Men's Volleyball
Seth Richards- Men's Volleyball
Josh Estrada- Men's Wrestling
Valeria Gutierrez- Softball
Adyson Lease- Softball
Gracie Himmelman- Softball
Zoe Mayes- Softball
Olivia Kendrick- Softball
Haley Bohrer- Softball
Tarianna Hayes- Women's Basketball
Hermela Shimels- Women's Basketball
Saleema Tinner- Women's Basketball
MaKayla Keys- Women's Basketball
Madison Washington- Women's Basketball
Mya Adkinson- Women's Basketball
Euphemia Lamptey- Women's Flag Football
Josephine Ives- Women's Lacrosse
Adrina Cantarelli- Women's Lacrosse
Lily Heatherman-Women's Soccer
Olivia Krowicki- Women's Soccer
Angela Gomez- Women's Soccer
Great-Praise Wisdom- Women's Tennis
Aurana Pickett- Women's Track and Field
Kate Craver- Women's Volleyball
Khamarra Nickell- Women's Wrestling
Margaret Pegoue- Women's Wrestling