The NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum is a four-day program designed to help student-athletes grow as leaders on their teams and campuses. Participants learn about their personal values, leadership styles and the role they play in creating a positive student-athlete experience.
The forum is designed for student-athletes, with selected coaches and administrators attending to elevate and enhance the overall program experience.
What You'll Learn
Participants work in small, facilitator-led groups to explore:
- How values, identity and behavior shape leadership
- Effective communication and conflict management
- Working with others and building healthy team dynamics
- Issues that affect student-athletes across divisions
- NCAA governance and the role of SAAC
- How service connects to leadership
Program Benefits
By the end of the forum, participants will:
- Gain confidence in their leadership abilities
- Strengthen communication and relationship-building skills
- Build connections with student-athletes from across the country
- Learn ways to support well-being on their teams and campuses
- Bring new ideas back to their SAACs, coaches and administrators
Who's Eligible
Divisional Selection
- Division I: Conferences nominate two student-athletes
- Division II: Conferences nominate three student-athletes
- Division III: Nominations are accepted from Region 4 institutions for 2025
Coaches and administrators who attend the forum are nominated through a separate process. For details, visit the Student-Athlete Leadership Forum Facilitators page.
Student-Athlete Requirements
Student-athletes must:
- Have NCAA eligibility during the 2025–26 academic year
- Be in good academic standing
- Compete in an NCAA-sponsored sport
- Demonstrate leadership ability or potential
- Represent different sports within each nomination group
Additional Requirements
- Nominations must include student-athletes of different gender identities
- (single-gender institutions are exempt)
- Institutions are encouraged to include at least one participant who is a person of color or an international representative
- Coaches and administrators who attend the forum are nominated through a separate process. Visit the Student-Athlete Leadership Forum Facilitators page for details.
Who Can Submit Nominations
Nominations for student-athletes must be submitted by athletics administrators from their conference office.
Coaches and administrators who attend the forum are nominated separately. For more information, visit the Student-Athlete Leadership Forum Facilitators page.
How to Apply
Student-athletes who believe they qualify should contact their athletics academic counselor or Faculty Athletics Representative. They can confirm eligibility and assist you in navigating the nomination process.
Quick Guide — How to Apply in Program Hub (PDF)
Cost
There is no cost to attend. The NCAA covers airfare or mileage, lodging, meals and shuttle transportation.
- Participants within ~400 miles travel by ground transportation (mileage reimbursed at $0.70/mile).
- Participants traveling more than 400 miles book flights through the NCAA national office.
