Rising high school student athletes recently gathered for the annual Section X Spring Leadership Conference, focused on developing leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, communication and collaboration skills.

Student athletes in grades 9-11 attended the conference, held on the Clarkson University campus. The event featured hands-on workshops and activities designed to push participants outside their comfort zones while strengthening problem-solving and team-building skills. Many students had also attended the fall leadership conference, where they began building their leadership abilities.

Athletic directors and coaches selected rising student athletes for the program to provide leadership opportunities they can apply throughout their high school careers. 

For nearly a decade, Section X has partnered with DiMarco Consulting Group to offer the conference to student athletes. 

Conference activities included Find, Sort and Store; Chain Reaction; Puzzles; and Cars and Buckets. Some sessions were facilitated by Clarkson University Army ROTC cadets. Student athletes worked in small groups, receiving instructions and time to plan strategies before attempting each challenge. 

Following each activity, groups discussed how the skills used could translate to everyday situations. When strategies failed, participants had to adapt and problem-solve, much like in athletic competitions or the classroom. Students identified vulnerability, empathy and adaptability as key skills for overcoming challenges.