Cabrini College

INDIANAPOLIS - Women's basketball's Maryellen Anastasio attended the NCAA Leadership Forum held May 11 - 14 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Anastasio is entering her senior season with the Cavaliers and has been a part of two Cabrini teams to appear in the NCAA Tournament.

How was the NCAA Leadership Forum structured?
There were two tracks that were available to take at the forum - the administrative track and the coaching track. I took the coaching track and I'm very glad that I did. There were three facilitators that helped us, each from a different division. Seeing the differences, such as rules and regulations in each division, was amazing.  

We were also taught about recruiting, practice schedules, and pre and postseason work. The amount of time and work that goes into coaching at the colliegiate level was something I never realized. We also had a day that we were able to go to the gym and coach eachother. I learned valuable information that will help me when I start coaching.

What were some of the activities at the NCAA Leadership Forum?
During the forum, every student athlete was expected to dress professionally. The sessions were designed to teach us about a variety of different topics like professional etiquette, new media and using it professionally, budgeting, values, resolving conflict, building effective relationships, generational differences, networking and so much more. We also had keynote speakers that each talked about one of these topics throughout the days at the forum.  

I found ESPN.com writer Jemele Hill to be most interesting. She talked about handling yourself with poise in tough coaching situations and using social media in a professional manner. There were also many other speakers that blew me away with their stories and messages.

What did it mean for you as a student-athlete to attend the NCAA Leadership Forum?
As a rising senior student-athlete, I believe the forum was the most beneficial experience that I have had during my college career. Not only did I get the chance to learn about coaching basketball, but I learned about myself and how to apply the information to being a student-athlete and leader.  

Through the many different activites I attended, I was able to gain a vast amount knowledge in a short amount of time. I will be able to transfer that knowledge into my school work, as well as, bring it to my teammates and the groups I'm involved with on campus.

What did the NCAA Leadership Forum mean to you professionally?
The forum prepared me not just for a career in sports, but any career path I choose to take. There was a huge emphasis on dressing and communicating professionally throughout the four days. We also learned about how to use Facebook, Twitter and other various forms of social media in a professional manner. 

Learning how to remain professional from a coaching standpoint was also a valuable learning experience. Between etiquite, interviewing and professional appearance, I learned a great deal that will aid me after graduation from Cabrini.

What was your favorite singular event from the NCAA Leadership Forum?
My favorite singular event had to be the career networking event. I was able to make contacts and network with people that work at the NCAA, NBA/WNBA, Indianapolis Star and with many other companies. It was a great event and experience because networking is something that can lead you down many different career avenues.