BOSTON – Emily Briand of the inaugural Suffolk women's lacrosse team partook in the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Multiracial Leadership Academy over winter break.
The academy, a transformative series of virtual sessions aimed at empowering currently and future leaders in women's lacrosse, helpdd Jan. 5-19, 2025 featured a robust line-up of guest speakers, group discussions and leadership-building activities designed to engage participants in meaningful conversations on culture, leadership and inclusion in lacrosse.
"The IWLCA Multiracial Students Leadership Academy was an amazing, immersive experience which allowed me to obtain a multitude of new skills such as how to properly support my teammates in uncomfortable situations, how to connect with them on a deeper level by understanding contrast in personality types, and most importantly the IWLCA provided me with the recipe for embracing team culture regardless of our differences," Briand said. "I am truly grateful to have been a part of this program, and I will continue to take this experience and knowledge with me as I move through my collegiate career and life itself."
The kickoff session featured Kennedy Goss, the 2024 Tina Sloan Green Award winner and a Graphic Designer at USA Lacrosse. Goss, a former student-athlete at the University of California, Berkeley, shared insights into her journey balancing her creative career with her passion for the sport. In her discussion, she encouraged attendees to embrace their individuality and use their unique experiences to shape the future of lacrosse.
The next sessions featured talks from top leaders and covered important topics like team culture, resolving conflicts, and finding your personal identity in women's lacrosse.
Cassandra "Bean" Minerd, Assistant Coach at Buffalo State University and Haudenosaunee National Team Captain, led a session where she discussed the intersection of sports and cultural identity, highlighting her work to uplift Indigenous communities through lacrosse.
Dr. Jen Fry, owner of Jen Fry Talks, wrapped up the series with a talk on building leadership skills that help people succeed in today's challenging world. Fry's ideas on using conflict as an opportunity for growth made a strong impact on attendees, highlighting how leaders and organizations can engage, listen, and make positive changes.
In addition to the impactful presentations, the Academy also included several small group discussions where participants shared personal experiences and developed their leadership skills through collaborative exercises.
Karen Healy Silcott, Head Coach at Howard University and a facilitator for this year's Leadership Academy, shared, "Addressing diversity issues is a challenge for everyone willing to engage in the conversation. The IWLCA did an excellent job of gathering feedback from past Academies and using that input to create a meaningful experience for participants this year. The Academy provided a space where student-athletes could find support in community and gain valuable insights about themselves. The additional support given to both the facilitators and student-athletes was key in creating a safe environment to discuss tough topics. The ideas that emerged from the sessions were inspiring, and I'm excited to help these young women bring them to life with the support of the IWLCA."
Jen Wong, Head Coach at California Berkeley, who also served as a facilitator, echoed this sentiment. "The 2025 Leadership Academy brought together student-athletes and coaches from all walks of life for an unforgettable experience of growth, problem-solving, and connection. With the support of passionate facilitators and inspiring guest speakers, everyone had the chance to sharpen their communication and leadership skills to bring back to their teams. Participants tackled real-world challenges, decision-making, conflict resolution, and leading with empathy. By the end, I hope everyone left with a boost in confidence to lead, inspire, and make a difference."
The Leadership Academy concluded with a celebratory networking social on January 19, where participants had the chance to network and reflect on the lessons learned over the course of the program. The event served as a reminder of the importance of community, leadership, and continuous personal growth within the lacrosse world.
Briand and the Rams are in preparations for the first-ever Suffolk women's lacrosse season that is set to get underway Saturday, Feb. 22 at Dean at 12:00 p.m.