Owls Learn about Leadership on and off the Field

Right before the start of school this year, almost five dozen Overlakers returned to campus for a day-long leadership workshop.

Presented by California based Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), 68-students made up of team captains, ASB representatives, and members of our Student Review Board gathered in the Campus Center on August 24th to learn about becoming better leaders.

“Far too often, we give kids the opportunity to lead without the tools,” says Athletic Director John Wiley. “I think it’s important for all our kids to be able to get the right coaching about becoming leaders.”

PCA’s workshop demonstrated how team and student leaders have to redefine the idea of being a competitor. Using an elm tree as an approach, they stressed “E” for effort, “L” for learning, and, most importantly, “M” for mistakes. “Let’s face it. Sports is full of mistakes,” says Wiley. “It’s the ability to come back from them and not dwell on them that makes you a much better competitor.”

He adds that it was a great suggestion by Upper School Dean of Students, Meghan Waddle to invite our student leaders to the workshop as many of the lessons go beyond athletics.

At this time, Wiley's working with attendees to host an US lunchtime forum called “Athlead” where they’ll discuss integrity both on and off the field. Click here to learn more about Positive Coaching Alliance.