University of Georgia Athletics
Sixteen Student-Athletes To Be Inducted Into Leadership Academy
October 14, 2014 | General
ATHENS, Ga. --- Sixteen University of Georgia student-athletes will be inducted into UGA's Student-Athlete Leadership Academy during a ceremony on Mon., Oct. 20 in the Richard B. Taylor Room in the Coliseum Training Facility. University President Jere W. Morehead will serve as the event's keynote speaker.
This marks the fifth year of the L.E.A.D. program after 11 student-athletes were inducted in 2013, 17 in 2012, 20 in 2011, and 26 in the inaugural class in 2010. Among the prestigious group of past inductees are six-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Allison Schmitt and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Aaron Murray.
Inductees are chosen based on academic and athletic success, leadership, campus and community service involvement, and recommendations of head coaches and academic counselors.
"The Leadership Academy provides an outstanding opportunity for a select group of our student-athletes to further their leadership journey," said J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Greg McGarity. "These students are highly motivated and engaged in the total collegiate experience, and we are proud to have them represent UGA and the Athletic Association."
Along with encouraging leadership development and providing resources to compete for awards and scholarships, the student-athletes will have a chance to meet with local, state and industry leaders. It is one of the program's goals to have the student-athletes visit a company where superb leadership has had a visible impact on the organization and/or surrounding community.
Additionally, these student-athletes will be provided with resources to be competitive for conference and national awards and postgraduate scholarships, such as the NCAA Top VIII award, NCAA Woman of the Year award, and the SEC H. Boyd McWhorter Postgraduate Scholarship. L.E.A.D. participants will also have the opportunity to compete for a highly coveted graduate assistantship position within the UGA Athletic Association.
2014-15 inductees are:
Michael Bennett, Football; Olivia Boggs, Swimming and Diving; Sylvie Brick, Golf; Marjorie Butler, Basketball; Reggie Carter, Football; Chelsea Davis, Gymnastics; Alina Jerjomina, Tennis; Morgan Justiss, Equestrian; Houston Kessler, Basketball; Jordan Mattern, Swimming and Diving; Sean McLaughlin, Baseball; Gaby Smiley, Volleyball; Kisean Smith, Track and Field; Ty Stewart, Swimming and Diving; Lauren Teknipp, Volleyball; Chantal VanLandeghem, Swimming and Diving
