University of Cincinnati Leadership Academy

The UC Student-Athlete Development Academy provides innovative, intentional, and impactful programming to enhance student-athletes’ success at UC and as future professionals.
Through workshops, events, and virtual learning tools the Academy enhances personal and professional growth by focusing on four core pillars: 

• Leadership
• Career Exploration
• Personal Development
• Community Impact

Every Bearcat commits to meeting annual goals under these four pillars, and the Academy commits to providing the tools, resources, and guidance needed to help them achieve success.
Signature experiences such as Bearcats Go Pro, International Extravaganza, and ONE TEAM Honors provide transformative opportunities that elevate the student-athlete experience, ensuring comprehensive development and preparing them for life beyond the game.

Leadership
At the Academy, we believe in the concept of EVERYDAY LEADERS— everyone, everywhere, every day can be a leader. Whether you're a freshman or a senior, a starter or a role player, every student-athlete has the ability to inspire and influence others.

Through our partnership with the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute, the Academy offers workshops that help development in skill areas like self-awareness, communication, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Plus, through our student-athlete affinity groups, you’ll find leadership opportunities that let you put these skills into action each year:

• Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC)
• Black Student-Athlete Association (BSAA)
• IEC: Inspire, Equip, Connect (female student-athletes)
• Athlete Ally (LGBTQ+ student-athletes and allies)

Career Exploration
Success doesn’t stop when the game ends. Your experience as a student-athlete is about more than just the game—it's about preparing you for life after college. The Academy is dedicated to helping all Bearcats Go Pro, whether that’s in their sport, chosen career field, or through grad school. 
The Academy’s Career Exploration programming offers student-athletes the resources, connections, and tools they need to start laying the foundation for their future success:

• Skill-building workshops for the fundamentals (interviewing, resumes, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Info sessions and lecture series with industry leaders
• Networking mixers to connect with professionals and peers
• Annual student-athlete career expo to explore opportunities

Personal Development
We know student-athletes are more than just students or athletes—they're well-rounded individuals. At the Academy, every Bearcat gets the support and resources needed to thrive both during and after college.
Our Personal Development programming covers a wide range of topics because personal growth looks different for everyone. Bearcats can fulfill their commitments under this pillar through opportunities like:

• Mastering mindfulness and stress reduction techniques with UC Sport Psych
• Learning how to grocery shop and cook with UC Sport Performance
• Building and growing a personal brand with UC NIL Impact
• Managing finances confidently with expert advice from key external partners
• E-learning modules on Civic Engagement and more with GamePlan

Community Impact
At the Academy, we believe that having a service mindset not only helps communities grow and thrive but also enriches the student-athlete experience—having a meaningful impact on the community is a key part of what it means to be a Bearcat.

The Academy encourages Bearcats to do more than just engage in the community. Our Community Impact pillar emphasizes the outcome of the work we do, to show student-athletes that every act of service has the potential to benefit someone’s life. Each year, Bearcats get involved through:

• Cincinnati Public School visits to inspire and mentor young students.
• Saturday Hoops weekend activities to spend time having fun with local youth.
• Bearcats Pantry donations, whether by donating goods or time to help those in need.
• …and so much more. In 2023-24, UC student-athletes completed nearly 4,700 hours of community service work, benefiting 40+ organizations, non-profits, and events.

By participating in these meaningful experiences, student-athletes grow as leaders while giving back to the community that supports them.