UND Athletes and Administrator Empowered at 2025 NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum
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The NCAA’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes was on full display at the 2025 Student-Athlete Leadership Forum (SALF) in Dallas, Texas, November 19th-23rd. Representatives from the University of North Dakota – track & field/cross country athlete Brooklyn Brouse and Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development Tyler Burmeister – participated in the forum alongside over 250 learners from all three NCAA divisions.
A Legacy of Leadership Development
Established in 1997, the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum has impacted over 5,000 student-athletes, providing a transformative experience focused on personal and professional growth. Participants consistently return to their campuses equipped with enhanced leadership skills, a deeper understanding of their values, and a valuable network of peers.
The forum, organized and hosted by the NCAA leadership development staff, annually focuses on equipping participants with the tools to cultivate emotional intelligence, embrace vulnerability, and expand their professional networks. Nominations for attendance come from Division I and II conference offices, and Division III schools.
UND’s Brouse Selected as Summit League Representative
Brooklyn Brouse, serving as president of the UND Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), was chosen as the female representative for The Summit League. “Participating in SALF was genuinely transformative,” Brouse stated. “Being surrounded by student-athletes from across the country pushed me to reflect deeply, grow intentionally, and strengthen my commitment to leading with purpose. The conversations, challenges, and mentorship helped me understand my strengths in new ways and gave me the tools I will carry long after the forum.”
A key component of the program involved fostering relationships through small-group activities. Participants were organized into “color teams” of approximately 30 student-athletes, coaches, and administrators, guided by two trained facilitators – college athletics administrators from across the NCAA membership.
Summit League Praises Brouse’s Growth
Sarah Swanson, Assistant Commissioner for Sports, Championships, & Student-Athlete Services of The Summit League, lauded Brouse’s development. “Brooklyn has grown tremendously over the past few years, both as a student-athlete and as a leader within Summit League SAAC,” Swanson said. “We are incredibly proud to have had her represent The Summit League at SALF. Having experienced SALF myself, I know firsthand how impactful the programming and networking can be, and I’m confident this opportunity will further strengthen her leadership. We’re excited to see her bring those insights back to Summit League SAAC.”
“Adjust Your Sails” and Community Engagement
This year’s forum centered around the theme “Adjust Your Sails,” aiming to empower student-athletes with leadership skills applicable both on campus and beyond. The program also included division-specific governance sessions and a community service initiative focused on supporting survivors of domestic violence.
Burmeister, selected as one of twenty administrators from across the NCAA, served as a facilitator for the second time, having previously participated in the 2019 forum in Orlando, Florida. For administrators and coaches, Lamarr Pottinger, CEO of Determined To Be Great Consulting, led an interactive workshop on the leadership pipeline framework, exploring different levels and responsibilities within leadership roles.
“It was an incredible honor being selected to return to SALF and pour leadership lessons into the students-athletes and administrators,” Burmeister commented. “Being a small part in empowering these learners to make a positive impact on their campuses was truly a rewarding and transformational experience.”
The NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum continues to be a vital resource for cultivating the next generation of leaders in college athletics and beyond. More information about the forum can be found at https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2013/11/21/student-athlete-leadership-forum.aspx.
