University of New Hampshire Athletics
Ande Allison and America East Associate Director Sierra Whitlock
Learning to Lead
5/16/2023 7:32:00 AM | Women's Soccer, Academics
By Molly McAteer
Special to UNHWildcats.com
Junior Ande Allison (Carlisle, Ohio) has had the chance to gain various perspectives in collegiate athletics from being a student-athlete on the UNH women's soccer team to now serving as a student coach. She is also the Mental Health Chair of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Recently, Allison traveled to Baltimore to represent UNH and America East at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. The forum brings together student-athletes from all conferences and divisions as the weekend consists of keynote speakers sharing their powerful stories as well as times for open discussion allowing the attendees to speak about the components of leadership.
Allison was very excited when she heard the news about the opportunity to meet various student-athletes from all around the country and listen to different perspectives.
"I think you learn best from others, and I had the endless opportunity to do that at this event. I cannot express how grateful I am that I was given the opportunity and I want to thank the administrators that advocated and picked me to have this amazing experience."
When talking with Allison about leadership, she spoke very strongly about the role service plays in leading.
"I believe that leadership stems from a desire to advocate for others. Leadership is about serving those that need it and not only leading when it's easy, but when life gets hard."
As a student-athlete and a student coach, Allison has experienced both sides of collegiate athletics. The transition showed her the importance of advocacy, inclusive leadership, communication and listening.
Head coach Steve Welham, spoke very highly of the role Allison plays on the team.
"Ande has been the very essence of a players' coach and is showing the ability to connect with and lead young athletes. Ande's maturity and former past playing experience offers her the 'street cred' she needs with the players…it's wonderful to see her come alive as a coach. Watching and observing her passion and love for the game every day has certainly been one our high points this year."
There were many unforgettable times at the forum, but one keynote speaker really stuck out to Allison. Jonathan Sprinkles was one of the last speakers to present to the attendees and Allison enjoyed listening to him speak about the fire in our lives, what it teaches us, and how we should have a perspective on it. A specific four sentences resonated with her that she will now continue to live by.
Sprinkles said during his speech, "Going outside the box means you use your gift to elevate yourself. You have to keep thinking outside the box, living outside the box, and believing outside the box. Never let that box define who you are. You are born an original so don't live like a copy."
Participating in open discussions and listening to professionals, Allison summarized three values she learned while attending the forum. They are gratitude, growth and learning how to handle hardships.
"You cannot experience growth without getting pushed outside of your comfort zone."
Moving forward, Allison has new ideas as she helps lead the UNH women's soccer team and serves as co-president of SAAC next school year.
"Next preseason I want to give everyone on my team an affirmation bag that will help build team chemistry and help with creating encouragement through tough times. With SAAC, I think having the members do the activities I experienced at the forum would be beneficial for their development as leaders."
Special to UNHWildcats.com
Junior Ande Allison (Carlisle, Ohio) has had the chance to gain various perspectives in collegiate athletics from being a student-athlete on the UNH women's soccer team to now serving as a student coach. She is also the Mental Health Chair of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Recently, Allison traveled to Baltimore to represent UNH and America East at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. The forum brings together student-athletes from all conferences and divisions as the weekend consists of keynote speakers sharing their powerful stories as well as times for open discussion allowing the attendees to speak about the components of leadership.
Allison was very excited when she heard the news about the opportunity to meet various student-athletes from all around the country and listen to different perspectives.
"I think you learn best from others, and I had the endless opportunity to do that at this event. I cannot express how grateful I am that I was given the opportunity and I want to thank the administrators that advocated and picked me to have this amazing experience."
When talking with Allison about leadership, she spoke very strongly about the role service plays in leading.
"I believe that leadership stems from a desire to advocate for others. Leadership is about serving those that need it and not only leading when it's easy, but when life gets hard."
As a student-athlete and a student coach, Allison has experienced both sides of collegiate athletics. The transition showed her the importance of advocacy, inclusive leadership, communication and listening.
Head coach Steve Welham, spoke very highly of the role Allison plays on the team.
"Ande has been the very essence of a players' coach and is showing the ability to connect with and lead young athletes. Ande's maturity and former past playing experience offers her the 'street cred' she needs with the players…it's wonderful to see her come alive as a coach. Watching and observing her passion and love for the game every day has certainly been one our high points this year."
There were many unforgettable times at the forum, but one keynote speaker really stuck out to Allison. Jonathan Sprinkles was one of the last speakers to present to the attendees and Allison enjoyed listening to him speak about the fire in our lives, what it teaches us, and how we should have a perspective on it. A specific four sentences resonated with her that she will now continue to live by.
Sprinkles said during his speech, "Going outside the box means you use your gift to elevate yourself. You have to keep thinking outside the box, living outside the box, and believing outside the box. Never let that box define who you are. You are born an original so don't live like a copy."
Participating in open discussions and listening to professionals, Allison summarized three values she learned while attending the forum. They are gratitude, growth and learning how to handle hardships.
"You cannot experience growth without getting pushed outside of your comfort zone."
Moving forward, Allison has new ideas as she helps lead the UNH women's soccer team and serves as co-president of SAAC next school year.
"Next preseason I want to give everyone on my team an affirmation bag that will help build team chemistry and help with creating encouragement through tough times. With SAAC, I think having the members do the activities I experienced at the forum would be beneficial for their development as leaders."
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