NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk State University Department of Athletics hosted a successful third annual C.L.E.A.R. Leadership Academy this past weekend.

Standing for Commitment to Leadership, Excellence, Achievement and Results, the C.L.E.A.R. Leadership Academy aims to develop world-class leaders for a lifetime of service and success. The C.L.E.A.R. Leadership Academy focuses on four phases of leadership development focused on skill development, practical application, experiential learning, and self-reflection.

"Our mission is to provide our student-athletes with a holistic experience throughout their tenure at Norfolk State University. The C.L.E.A.R. Leadership Academy allows us to provide the student-athletes' access to resources that will help them excel beyond classroom and the field of competition," said NSU Director of Athletics Melody Webb. "The skills our student-athletes gain from both this Academy as well as their participation in sports, will build competencies and enhance their leadership abilities. We are thankful for Norfolk State University, NSU Alumni, our community, and our supporting campus partners for helping make this Academy a success."

This years' Academy welcomed guest speaker William Baggett, who discussed the importance of branding, perspective, interviewing, and developing ones 'elevator pitch'. Participants were given the opportunity to sit through mock interview sessions with NSU Alumni, friends and members of the community to develop valuable skills for the business world. 

After enjoying a dinner with Norfolk State University President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, a pinning ceremony was held for the participants during which they received their C.L.E.A.R. pins and were also awarded their Leadership Academy jackets. 

The participants of the 2023 C.L.E.A.R. Leadership Academy were comprised of 12 student-athletes who were nominated by either their coach or an athletic administrator as an emerging leader within their respective team and the campus community.

Pictured above as participants in the 2023 C.L.E.A.R. Leadership Academy from left to right:
BACK: Alexis Johnson; Volleyball, Makoye Diawara; Women's Basketball, Toby Willis; Football, Deonte' Walters; Football, Bryan-Madison Ahouman; Track & Field, Jalaya Allen; Bowling, Director of Athletics Melody Webb, De'Niya Gravely; Track & Field; FRONT: Zada McMorris; Women's Tennis, Trinity Gray; Bowling, Niya Grant; Women's Tennis, Kylah Hunter; Volleyball, Norfolk State University President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, Gabby Vaughan; Softball

For complete coverage of Norfolk State athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @NSUSpartans (Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.