A&M-Corpus Christi Launches Conni & Jay Wise Islanders L.E.A.D. Program

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Despite the uncertainty and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Department of Athletics moved full speed ahead with the launch of the Conni & Jay Wise Islanders L.E.A.D. Program, which began in August 2020 and will continue through April 2021.
 
The mission of the Conni & Jay Wise Islanders L.E.A.D. Program, which stands for Learn, Engage, Apply, Do, is to equip student-athletes with the skills to be effective leaders among their peers, facilitate personal and team success, and help one another accomplish their goals during their time on The Island and in life after graduation.
 
"This program is a commitment that our university and our athletics department is making to help develop strong leaders on our intercollegiate athletic teams. It will equip these young men and women with skills that will prepare them for leadership roles in life after their athletics careers. In the process, it will also bring value to their sport programs and the entire Islanders Athletics program. We are grateful to Connie and Jay Wise for their investment in this important program," said Director of Athletics Jon Palumbo.
 
This year's cohort is made up of 17 student-athletes representing all 16 of A&M-Corpus Christi's sports. These sophomores and juniors were identified as current and future leaders on their teams and were nominated by their coaches and teammates to participate in this program.
 
The program consists of monthly workshops focused on developing a myriad of skills related to effective leadership including communication, relationship building, teamwork, conflict resolution, resiliency, leading by example and more. The workshops frequently feature guest speakers, such as coaches and alumni, as well as engage the Islanders through group discussion, interactive exercises and self-reflection.
 
"Ultimately, the goal of this program is to enhance the student-athlete experience," said Rachel Rodriguez, L.E.A.D. Program Coordinator/Athletic Academic & Life Skills Coordinator. "We want to create an environment where our student-athletes can learn, grow and thrive as well as affect positive change throughout the Athletic Department, University, Corpus Christi community and beyond."
 
For all the latest Islanders' news, be sure to visit www.GoIslanders.com and follow us on Twitter (@Go_Islanders), Instagram (@Go_Islanders) and like the department's official Facebook page (GoIslanders).
 
2020-21 L.E.A.D. Cohort
Carissa Barnes, So., Women's Volleyball
Maria Beltran, So., Women's Golf
Ariel Bustamante, Jr., Women's Track & Field
Julia Carter, Jr., Women's Volleyball
Cambria Clark, So., Women's Cross Country/Track & Field
Emma Gibbs, So., Women's Soccer
Jordan Hairston, So., Men's Basketball
Ke'Tavion Humber, Jr., Men's Track & Field
Jenika Lombrana, Jr., Softball
Haley Morse, So., Softball
Samantha Palomino, Jr., Women's Soccer
Giuliana Poletti Corrales, So., Beach Volleyball
Juan Salinas, Jr., Men's Cross Country/Track & Field
Camille Townsend, Jr., Women's Tennis
Alecia Westbrook, So., Women's Basketball
Nathaniel White, So., Baseball
Kyohei Yamanaka, Jr., Men's Tennis
 
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