CHARLOTTE, N.C.- The Queens University of Charlotte Department of Athletics is celebrating The Royal Leadership Academy's first cohort ahead of the winter break. The Royal Leadership Academy sponsored by Lowe's is in its first semester of existence led by Queens Director of Compliance, Julius Scott.
"The inaugural cohort was a tremendous success," Scott commented. "Seventeen diverse student-athletes graduated, and it was truly fascinating to witness their growth and transformation from the initial session in September to our concluding one in December. Looking ahead, we are inspired to propel future cohorts to even greater heights, fostering a legacy of excellence and empowerment for all Queens student-athletes."
The Royal Leadership Academy is a four-month program where student-athletes who aspire to be first-rate leaders receive hands-on leadership training that includes public speaking workshops, one on one mock interviews, and educational resources. Part of the academy's mission is to provide the Queens University of Charlotte student-athletes the opportunity to develop into world-class leaders who strive to better themselves and those around them while making a notable impact in their community.
"I am extremely impressed with the group of athletes that made up this first cohort for The Royal Leadership Academy," Queens Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout stated. "We are all looking forward to seeing how this opportunity to develop our student-athletes into tomorrow's greatest leaders will continue to shape and grow in the coming years."
The inaugural graduating cohort, made up of 21 student-athletes from 10 different sports, concluded the academy with a graduation this week celebrated at Sullivan's Steakhouse.
STUDENT-ATHLETE QUOTES
"The academy gave me the perfect opportunity to grow into the best leader I can be for my team, school, and greater community through new personal relationships, life lessons, and a thorough personal journey!"
-Zac Baker | Men's Triathlon
"This academy has opened my perspective to new avenues of leadership and has helped me grow as an individual, student, leader, and athlete."
-Olivia Beane | Women's Soccer
"During my time in The Royal Leadership Academy, I got to learn a lot about myself as a person and what my strengths are as a leader. Together with other incredible student-athletes we got to discuss many relevant topics about how to succeed in our sports and life after college. We created a safe space where we had the chance to get to know each other and grow as individuals. I liked that we were presented with all the tools to find who we are and what leadership is to each of us. This opportunity has not only helped me grow as a leader on my team, but also created a great foundation and connections for my future career."
-Tova Andersson | Women's Swimming
GRADUATES
Avery Marquis- Cheer
Kennedy Fuller- Women's Basketball
Peirce Griffith- Men's Lacrosse
Mia Leech- Women's Swimming
Campbell Van Rooyen- Men's Rugby
Adam Holomoucky- Men's Triathlon
Ryley Heck- Women's Swimming
Stephen Falkner- Wrestling
Maike Jung- Women's Swimming
Annika Huber- Women's Swimming
Zac Baker- Men's Triathlon
Matt Shanahan- Men's Swimming
Halle Perry- Women's Track and Field
Richard Kuhn- Wrestling
Tova Andersson- Women's Swimming
Casey Osiecki- Men's Golf
Frances Huffman- Field Hockey
Kyle Niekerk- Men's Rugby
Sydney Smith- Field Hockey
Gabriel Anderson- Wrestling
Olivia Beane- Women's Soccer
SOCIAL MEDIA
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