Walker-Welch & Young Represent UNC At Women Leaders In Sports Convention

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Twenty-two student-athletes representing 16 member institutions represented the Atlantic Coast Conference was represented by 22 student-athletes representing 16 member institutions during the Women Leaders in Sports 2024 National Convention, held from October 13-15 in Baltimore. The annual conference highlights Women Leaders' ongoing commitment to advancing its mission of enhancing the educational, athletic, and leadership opportunities for its student-athletes.

North Carolina's representatives were Brooklyn Walker-Welch of the women's lacrosse team and Spencer Young from women's track & field.

"We are thrilled to once again partner with Womens Leaders and offer this amazing experience to our student-athletes," said ACC commissioner Jim Phillips. "Our conference and member institutions recognize the immense value of connecting our student-athletes with top leaders across the country. We applaud Patti Phillips, and the entire Women Leaders organization, in being dedicated to women's advancement."

The three-day convention included Power Panels, Breakouts and PowHER Talks focusing on Leadership and Career Development and Industry Topics.

The ACC was proud to sponsor the Women Leaders Lunch with Leaders and Legends and select ACC Legend Jane Miller as its honoree. As part of the event, Miller engaged with all attendees, including the ACC student-athlete representatives.

Miller has a 35-year history with the Virginia athletics department, serving as both a head coach and an administrator before retiring in November 2018. She began her career at Virginia in 1983 as the head coach for field hockey and women's lacrosse. After stepping down as the head field hockey coach following the 1991 season, Miller became the Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator in 1992. She continued to serve as UVA's women's lacrosse coach until 1995, when she transitioned to full-time administrative duties.

Miller's career as a collegiate sports administrator extended far beyond her initial duties. Throughout her time in the profession, she opened doors for numerous women leaders, taking on significant roles at both the conference and national levels. In December 2014, Miller became the first Senior Woman Administrator appointed to the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, where she contributed to the governance of NCAA Division I Athletics. Additionally, she chaired the ACC Men's Lacrosse Committee and served on the committees for ACC Women's Basketball, Women's Lacrosse, and Baseball. Miller was also a member of the NACWAA (now known as Women Leaders in Sport) Board of Directors from 2009 to 2013 and again from 2017 to 2018.

In addition to the convention, the ACC held a workshop led by Associate Commissioner for Student-Athlete & Institutional Programs and Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Dr. Shelby McKay specifically for ACC student-athletes in attendance. The workshop included career exploration, networking practice, review of core competencies and transferable skills and an overview of what to expect at the convention.

Founded in 1979, Women Leaders in Sports is the only nationally recognized professional membership organization whose mission is to develop, connect, advance and champion women leaders working in sports. Women Leaders provides career and leadership training, access to a powerful network, and the resources to advance women at every stage of their careers.

2024 ACC Student-Athlete Representatives
Boston College
Emily Sapienza, Women's Soccer

Clemson
Aby Vieira, Softball

Duke
Aleyna Ozkan, Women's Swimming & Diving
Chyler Turner, Women's Track & Field

Florida State
Anna Long, Beach Volleyball

Georgia Tech
Madison Dobbins, Softball

Louisville
Soley Jean, Women's Track & Field

Miami
Kat Aguero, Women's Rowing
Mimmi Balaam, Women's Rowing

North Carolina
Brooklyn Walker-Welch, Women's Lacrosse
Spencer Young, Women's Track & Field

NC State
Madison Hayes, Women's Basketball

Notre Dame
Shannon Becker, Softball
Grace Weigand, Women's Lacrosse

Pitt
KK Esparza, Softball
Gracie Kahoun, Women's Lacrosse

SMU
Olivia Lind, Women's Swimming & Diving

Stanford
Atira O'Neil, Artistic Swimming
Ashley Thurston, Women's Lacrosse

Virginia
Devon Gogerty, Women's Lacrosse

Virginia Tech
Charlotte Rigg, Women's Swimming & Diving

Wake Forest
Alyssa Andrews, Women's Basketball

Walker-Welch & Young Represent UNC At Women Leaders In Sports Convention

Players Mentioned

Brooklyn Walker-Welch

Spencer Young

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