North Carolina State University Athletics
Football’s Isaiah Shirley Participates in 2024 NCAA Leadership Forum
5/21/2024 10:05:00 AM | Football
"It will never get easier; what happens is you handle hard better."
A quote from Duke women's basketball coach Kara Lawson was one of the many that resonated with redshirt freshman defensive end Isaiah Shirley after attending the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum.
Shirley was selected as the lone ACC representative to attend the conference. It had been quite some time since a representative of NC State attended one of these forums, so when Isaiah got the call, he didn't hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity.
Over the three-day weekend in Bethesda, Md., Shirley, an active member of NC State's Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), met student-athletes from other schools, conference administrators, and coaches. They participated in impactful team sessions, participated in a community service project, and learned about the inner workings of the NCAA while hearing from keynote speakers who shared powerful stories and teachings.
"I've become more self-aware," Shirley said. "I can relate better to teammates, seeing our strengths and weaknesses and finding ways to improve one another or just being there for them when needed. One of the biggest things I took away was working with my team to develop as not just a leader but as a person and help develop other leaders throughout the team."
Family, integrity, and faith are some values that stood out to Shirley after he narrowed down a long list of options at the forum. These values drive him daily, both as a student in the classroom and as an athlete on the football field. They also allow him to better assist his teammates on and off the field.
Shirley highlighted Coach Lawson's quote as one that resonated with him because he believes everyone can relate to it and you don't need to be a student-athlete to be a good leader.
"As a competitor, you don't want it to get easier; you want to experience the hard to make you better," Shirley said. "Thinking that it will get easier in the summer or fall because we made it through spring practice isn't true. We succeed because we experience the hard times and are prepared to deal with whatever comes our way. You don't have to be in sports to see that."
George Midgett, the director of Student-Athlete Engagement and Leadership at NC State, attended the forum as a facilitator. Midgett worked closely with participants to provide an engaging and enriching programming experience. He was assigned to lead open dialogues on various topics, emphasizing personal leadership development. His role at the forum was integral to the participant experience and helped to shape the mindset of 28 student-athletes and administrators on his team.
"The lessons I saw being learned at the Student-Athlete Leadership Forum extend far beyond the meeting rooms, influencing every aspect of their lives in sports," Midgett said. "I see them bringing newfound leadership to their teams, becoming proactive in rallying and setting examples. The forum's emphasis on resilience helps them to bounce back from setbacks while improving communication skills to enhance their on-field teamwork."
"Equipped with mental toughness, these students are set up to handle high-pressure situations with composure, turning forum insights into game-changing actions that elevate their individual and team performance."
It was a transformational opportunity for Shirley, helping him expand his leadership toolkit and realize his limitless leadership potential. He believes that more student-athletes at NC State and nationwide should seek similar opportunities for all they can gain and share with others.
"As student-athletes, we are all competitors," he said. "After attending this forum, I've asked other student-athletes how they will develop themselves outside of their sport - mentally and personally. When competing, we need to find the edge on our opponent, and these experiences give us that opportunity."
Created in 1997, the student-athlete leadership forum has served as a life-changing experience for more than 5,000 student-athletes who have grown personally and professionally as a result of their attendance. Student-athletes selected to attend the forum return to campus with invaluable leadership skills, a refined understanding of the relationship among personal values, core beliefs, and behavioral styles, and the support of a close personal network of like-minded peers to provide continued connection and dialogue after the program concludes.
"One of the most valuable aspects of the Student-Athlete Leadership Forum is the network of support and leadership opportunities it creates," Midgett continued. "Beyond the immediate lessons we facilitated, the connections with people from various sports and backgrounds formed a community of peers who inspire and challenge each other. These relationships offer ongoing support, provide diverse perspectives, and foster a sense of camaraderie that extends well beyond the forum."
