Cal Lutheran Athletics sent four members of the athletics department to represent the Purple & Gold at the 2025 NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in Dallas, Texas. 

Katie Bell, Cal Lutheran's Associate Athletic Director/Senior Women Administrator, Sydney Shin of Regals Lacrosse, Madison Shaver of Regals Track & Field and Cross Country, and Kyle Howie of Kingsmen Football were all able to meet amazing leaders from across the country and take life lessons back to campus. Howard Davis, Cal Lutheran's Director of Athletics, selected these four individuals to attend the forum. 

"Cal Lutheran athletics is replete with phenomenal student-athlete leaders because our coaches do a tremendous job recruiting and developing leaders in their programs," Davis said. "Kyle, Sydney, Madison, and Katie have proven themselves as authentic and natural leaders throughout their time at Cal Lutheran, which is why they were selected for this prestigious national leadership training. I'm excited that they will now share and spread the leadership skills and practices that they have learned."

Every minute of the four day forum was packed with networking opportunities, leadership lessons, Division III meetings, breakout sessions, and fun activities. The conference invited attendees to step outside their comfort zone and grow as everyday leaders.

"We learned how to take the tools we have been given at the NCAA Leadership Forum and implement them at our respective schools. One thing I am extremely excited to bring back to Cal Lutheran is the idea that attitude reflects leadership," said Bell. 

Shaver elaborated on her experience and takeaways: "I learned more about my core values which has taught me how to apply them to the areas that I lead on and off campus. One ideal that stood out to me this weekend was, if service is beneath you, leadership is beyond you."

Along with many leadership skills, these members of the Cal Lutheran Athletics community made friendships and connections that will last a lifetime.

"I met many remarkable people from all around the nation who will be friends for life. One of many takeaways from the forum was becoming comfortable in uncomfortable situations," Howie said. 

Similarly, Shin said, "I am so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to go to this event. I met many amazing people and learned life-long lessons that I will take with me everywhere I go."

The Cal Lutheran community and athletics family are in great hands with the exceptional administrators and student-athlete leaders on campus.