NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Two Norwich student-athletes participated in the NCAA National Student-Athlete Development Conference late last month as Jaren Jeffcoat and Lisset Magdaleno traveled to Orlando, Fla., to take part in the event.

The conference provides NCAA student-athletes with a forum to openly discuss issues that may affect them on their campuses and in their communities, while also providing them with the opportunity to enhance their leadership, communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The conference also promotes better communication among student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty and communities. The NCAA has increased the number of opportunities for student-athletes to participate in the conference to 700 beginning with the 2008 event taking place May 25-29 in Orlando, Florida at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Jeffcoat, who is a rising sophomore on the Norwich men's basketball team, attended the first session from May 25-27.

"We took steps to learn how to improve ourselves as leaders," said Jeffcoat. "We analyzed our strengths and weaknesses as leaders, and learned how to take the proper steps to accomplish tasks. We were also able to improve our communication skills.

"I came away from the conference with a greater urgency to push our team to reach its limits in the classroom as well as on the playing court," added Jeffcoat.

A rising sophomore on the NU volleyball squad, Magdaleno represented the Cadets at the second session from May 27-29.

"I am so happy that I was able to attend the conference," said Magdaleno. "It was one of the most memorable, eventful and influential things that has happened in my life. I met so many amazing people while I was there. It was wonderful being surrounded by so many intelligent and outspoken people. I would recommend this conference to anyone that could apply."

In conjunction with the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program, the NCAA Foundation in 1996 created the NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference. The mission of the conference is to provide a diverse group of the nation's top student-athletes an opportunity to actively participate in challenging and thought-provoking activities that will enable them to become better leaders on their campuses and in their communities. 

The conference is an outgrowth of the successful CHAMPS/Life Skills Program and involves up to 350 student-athletes representing CHAMPS/Life Skills colleges and universities as well as the national Student-Athlete Advisory Committees. Each institution nominates four student-athletes who have demonstrated an ability or strong desire to be leaders and would benefit from a significant leadership experience. In order to be eligible, applicants must be in good academic standing and must have athletics eligibility remaining in the following academic year. 

As a result of participation, student-athletes will enhance their communication skills, decision-making and problem-solving skills, critical-thinking skills and collaborative skills. The conference also promotes better communication among student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty and communities. Topics for past conferences have included developing leadership skills; changing perception; developing political skills and utilizing the student-athlete committee. 

The inaugural conference sponsored by Entergy Corporation and Walt Disney World Sports was held in May 1997 in Orlando, Fla.