FRISCO, Texas – University of Dallas student-athletes Keely Mathis (Softball) and Ryan Dahl (Men's Soccer) joined more than 200 peers from across the country at the 2025 NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum, a four-day experience built around growth, connection, and understanding what it means to lead with purpose.
The forum opened with a challenge, drawn from Thomas S. Monson: "We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails." For Mathis and Dahl, that quote became a guiding thread throughout the weekend as they dove into sessions designed to strengthen emotional intelligence, clarify personal values, and expand leadership potential.
Hosted in Frisco, Texas, the Leadership Forum brought 245 student-athletes, administators and coaches together, representing every division of the NCAA. Division III programs, including UDallas, nominated student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional promise as emerging leaders on their campuses.
Building Connections Beyond the Comfort Zone
Upon arrival, participants were placed into "color teams," small groups of roughly 30 student-athletes, administrators, and trained facilitators. Across four days, these teams pushed each member to open up, collaborate, and build relationships with people they had never met.
(Pictured, Green Team - Dahl. | Black Team - Mathis)
That intentional discomfort sparked powerful connections. As one attendee put it, the structure forces participants to "find bridges between a bunch of different people," a dynamic Mathis and Dahl experienced firsthand as they learned alongside athletes from all over the country.
Values That Guide the Journey
Day two emphasized the importance of personal values. NCAA Senior Vice President Felicia Martin reminded learners that values leave unmistakable marks on everything they do, "like fingerprints," she said, quoting Elvis Presley.
Mathis and Dahl joined division-specific governance sessions, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at how NCAA policies and student-athlete voices shape campus athletics. They also took part in a community service project, assembling care packages and writing supportive notes for residents of Genesis Women's Shelter and Support in Dallas—an experience that connected leadership to compassion in action.
Leadership, Wellness, and the Road Ahead
Administrators and coaches attended workshops on leadership pipelines, while student-athletes focused on well-being on day three. Speakers emphasized mental health, personal balance, and the importance of monitoring emotional strain—critical lessons for young leaders balancing academics, athletics, and campus involvement.
The forum closed with keynote speaker Will Baggett, who delivered a powerful message on overcoming adversity and stepping boldly into leadership roles. His challenge to the learners—to stop waiting for change and become the catalyst themselves—left a lasting impression on both UDallas representatives.
Returning to UDallas Ready to Lead
For Mathis and Dahl, the weekend in Frisco was more than a conference—it was a transformative moment. Surrounded by peers who share their passion for sport and service, they explored what authentic leadership looks like and how to "adjust their sails" when faced with challenges.
Both return to the University of Dallas ready to bring renewed energy, insight, and purpose to their teams and campus community. To embody and display the very spirit of leadership the NCAA forum aims to ignite.
Photos from the Event
