Offerings have allowed her to use her own story to inspire others to define success on their own terms
Sarah Naas pauses midsentence, her voice catching before the words can fully land. She reaches for a tissue, then another, dabbing at her eyes as emotion overtakes her.
Naas, associate director of student-athlete academic support services at Xavier, tries again, starting to read a note from a participant in one of the NCAA leadership development programs she facilitated. This time, she makes it a little further before stopping, exhaling softly, gathering herself.
"That postcard from a student is still on my bulletin board in my office," Naas finally shared once the tears stopped. "It reminds me that when I show up confidently and comfortably in my own skin, it creates a space where students feel safe to learn, grow and define success on their own terms."
She was describing more than feedback from a student she impacted. The impact of leadership development programs on her is identity-affirming, mission-clarifying and professionally empowering. Being in these spaces allows her to stand fully in who she is, using her story, vulnerability and perspective to shape how student-athletes see themselves.
A graduate of the Effective Facilitation Workshop program, Naas is creating room for student-athletes to name their own version of success — and that is deeply meaningful to her. She also has served as a facilitator for the Emerging Leaders Seminar and the Career in Sports Forum and has led DISC workshops.
"Every time I go to one of the leadership development programs, I’m reminded that sharing my story and being authentically who I am gives students permission to be who they are, too," Naas said. "There’s a reason each of us has taken the path we’ve taken, and especially in sports."
Naas’ journey has been anything but linear. A double major at Western Kentucky who "fell into" a computer lab job with student-athletes, she once aspired to become a sports information director.
As a junior, she spent her summers back home umpiring youth softball and baseball games, making calls, holding her ground and learning to be heard.
But during a media day, something shifted. She realized she wanted to work with student-athletes, not just share their stories. She needed more.
That realization led her to Louisiana Tech, where she operated as a one-woman academic support system for the entire football team, and eventually to her current role as a seasoned advisor for basketball at Xavier.
"I never thought I’d end up in the middle of nowhere, Louisiana, with an entire football team by myself, but I credit so much of who I am and the advisor I am today to that time at Louisiana Tech," Naas said. "With limited resources and no learning specialists, I had to stretch myself, be resourceful and do so much of the job on my own. That experience built my confidence and shaped the way I serve student-athletes now."
For Naas, intentionally seeking out leadership development programs has expanded her network, built resilience and proved she can create her own growth.
She is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership. Her personal interests outside of work include all things coffee, plants and hot yoga, which she calls her "go-to." She also shares her life with her mini Aussiedoodle, Sophie.
On the work front, she’s still relying on lessons she learned at Louisiana Tech to help others find their voice.
Only now, the field is bigger, the stakes are higher and the impact reaches far beyond the lines.
