2017-18 Leaders of Distinction

Fifteen student-athletes received Tar Heel Leader of Distinction recognition for the 2017-18 school year, earning the highest honor the Richard A. Baddour Carolina Leadership Academy bestows upon its participants. The Leader of Distinction Award is given annually for extraordinary leadership – be it as a holistic, long-term pattern of behavior (journey) or in a more isolated, singular instance of achievement (snapshot).

As part of its reboot, the Leadership Academy restructured the award's identification process as well. Now, nominations can be submitted by coaches, student-athletes, and staff. In addition to basic qualifications, all nominees are rated on a series of dimensions from the Leadership Academy's leadership framework.

Recognition of the Leaders of Distinction will still include tiles on the Leadership Academy's wall of honor in the Loudermilk Center for Excellence. Additionally, beginning this year honorees receive a framed nomination proclamation, highlighting their extraordinary leadership qualities. Click here to see the proclamations.

"I like what distinguishes this award from others," said Shelley Johnson, the Leadership Academy's director. "It is not a certificate or acrylic award but an action shot of the student-athlete with a testament as to why they received the award. It is very personalized."

Each year, only 2% of UNC student-athlete earn recognition as Leaders of Distinction. In 14 years, that amounts to just 272 Tar Heels. Click here to see the comprehensive list.

2017-18 Leaders of Distinction
Marika Akkerman (Tennis)
Caroline Baldwin (Swimming & Diving)
Caitlin Beakes (Rowing)
Meredith Bozentka (Fencing)
James Casey (Swimming & Diving)
Samantha Galina (Fencing)
Ian Head (Fencing)
Maggie Kane (Tennis)
Naomi Lerner (Lacrosse)
Marie McCool (Lacrosse)
Kate Morris (Soccer)
Bryana Nguyen (Golf)
Phil Perdue (Swimming & Diving)
Kenny Selmon (Track & Field)
Emily Slabe (Swimming & Diving)

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