HUNTSVILLE | The NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum was recently held in Houston, and The University of Alabama in Huntsville's Maddie Tankersley was one of 300 student-athletes from across the country selected to attend.
 
The forum is an annual experience held every year since 1997 as an opportunity for college student-athletes, coaches, and administrators to collectively learn about themselves and grow as the next generation of leaders, and it occurred over a four-day period this year just prior to Thanksgiving.
 
"It was such a huge honor to be chosen and have the opportunity to attend the Leadership Forum," said Tankersley. "The trip itself was absolutely life-changing. I was able to learn so much about my strengths and my values and how to use those qualities in order to lead others. I am so thankful for what this trip taught me, but I am most thankful for the incredible friendships I built over the few days I was there. Those people became like family and allowed me to grow within myself and develop tremendously as a leader."
 
Tankersley – a member of the softball team at UAH – was selected as a representative from the Gulf South Conference, as all participants at the forum are chosen by the respective conference offices.
 
The event is described by the NCAA as a best-in-class programming experience that serves as a transformational opportunity for student-athletes and administrators to build a leadership toolkit and develop vital self-awareness that allows them to realize their potential. 
 
While at the forum, participants took part in numerous breakout sessions within smaller groups, and they also completed a community service projected, learned about the inner workings of the NCAA, and heard from resonant keynote speakers who shared powerful stories and teachings. 
 
Attendance at the forum was offered at no cost to the participants, NCAA member schools, or conference offices. The NCAA covered all expenses related to the event.