Leadership Academy FAQ's

What is this new GU Leadership Academy?
The GU Leadership Academy is a new program of the Georgetown Athletics Department designed to provide comprehensive leadership development programming for student-athletes. The purpose of the academy is to develop student-athletes to be effective and vocal team leaders on and off the field.

How does it work?
For now, Leadership development programming for student-athletes targets two specific groups based upon their classification as well as their readiness to assume leadership roles:
1) Emerging Leaders - The Emerging Leaders program is designed for a select group of high potential sophomore and junior student-athletes who are selected by their head coach or peers. Through on-going workshops and interactive exercises the Emerging Leaders program provides a strong foundation for student-athletes to develop into effective team leaders. 
2) Veteran Leaders - The Veteran Leaders program is designed for team captains and veteran student-athletes appointed by their head coach or peers. The program provides these team leaders with advanced leadership training and support. The program assists student-athletes in developing the skills and knowledge critical to be an effective and vocal leader as they navigate the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of team leadership.

I'm very busy with practice and academics, what is my time commitment going to be?
Just 90 minutes two times this fall semester and 90 minutes three times in the Spring. The first meeting will be a 90 minute meeting Thursday October 9th. There will be food provided and the Janssen Group is flexible and willing to meet with athletes and coaches that can not make the arranged times. More details to follow in the coming weeks.

Who are our speakers/instructors?
We have an unbelievable list of guest speakers. We have retained someone who is considered one of the nation's top experts on sports leadership His name is Jeff Janssen, and he founded Janssen Peak Performance. He is also bringing with him, Greg Shelly. Greg was hand-picked by Jeff to be a part of the Janssen Peak Performance team and help him with leadership training for student-athletes in athletic departments across the country. We will also be reaching out to influential alumni, business leaders, and internal staff to aid and support with our curriculum.

What do I get out of it?
First, the program will make you a better athlete by helping you become a better team leader. This should enhance team chemistry and overall team performance. In addition, you will be developing the one trait that employers desire the most - leadership. Those who complete the Academy as Veteran Leaders will receive a certificate and all participants will be able to list the Leadership Academy on their resume.

What if I have questions?
Then contact me, Augie Maurelli am86@georgetown.edu

Is this the same as our Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC)?
Our SAAC use to be all our team's respective captains and was basically a community service group. We are re-defining our SAAC Group, and would like to incorporate many of the Leadership curriculum into SAAC. SAAC, however, is different and athletes that want to serve as an intermediary between administration/coaches and athletes - are welcome to do so. In an ideal situation, the majority of your team's leaders should be your SAAC representatives; but they do not have to be.