Abbey Curtis Represented Xavier At The NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar

CINCINNATI --- The NCAA leadership development staff hosted the Emerging Leaders Seminar earlier this month at the national office in Indianapolis. The three-day event welcomed nearly 200 interns and graduate assistants from NCAA member schools, conference offices and affiliate organizations, including Abbey Curtis, Xavier Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant.

The professional development event, which has been held every year since 2008, provides leadership, educational and transitional programming for selected participants. This year's theme, Lead Like a Superhero: Unleash Your Superpowers, emphasized the importance of participants using their unique abilities and sense of leadership to positively impact the future of college athletics.

"I was very grateful for the opportunity to represent Xavier at the NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar," said Curtis. "It was a great experience getting to connect with other young leaders in the college sports industry who are looking to make an impact in their professions as well. I had the opportunity to learn from some of the leaders in the industry who shared their insights on making an impact at every level."

Throughout the program, attendees engaged with NCAA staff and industry professionals through breakout sessions, panel discussions and a networking reception. Sessions provided insight into different areas of the industry, such as academics and student-athlete development, business and finance, coaching and compliance.

"At the Emerging Leaders Seminar, we offer not only the opportunity for learners to network with their peers and decision-makers on the campus, conference and national levels of college athletics but also the opportunity to grow and enhance their abilities in a supportive and nurturing environment. At the seminar, learners find fellow emerging leaders and like-minded individuals who understand the challenges they face and will help them develop both as a person and as a hero," said Ashley Jocelyn, assistant director of leadership development.

Other sessions provided tips for personal and professional development and covered topics such as mentorship and relationship management, personal branding and interview best practices. The program also featured a DiSC assessment workshop, in which learners developed an understanding of their personal and professional communication styles.

In a group case study activity, attendees were tasked with creating solutions for common concerns within college athletics departments. Each group delivered final presentations to a panel of experts for review.

"This was a great opportunity for Abbey to learn and network in the college sports industry," said Tom Eiser, Associate Athletics Director for Communications. "She is getting the benefits of the course work in the master's program in sport management at Xavier in addition to the valuable hands-on experience she receives assisting us in covering our 19 NCAA Division I sports. She has been a great addition to our Athletic Communications team and I think she has a bright future in college sports."

Curtis at NCAA event

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