TUCSON, Ariz. - Elevating Leaders in Team Environments (ELITE) is a leadership skills training program that was developed by C.A.T.S Clinical and Sport Psychology and C.A.T.S Student-Athlete Development, in collaboration with Student Engagement and Career Development's Build the Skill Program.

The first cohort was launched in Spring 2022 and the program just graduated its third and largest cohort. Through discussions and interactive activities, students evolve their understanding of personal strengths, the function of empathy in working with others, identifying emotionally intelligent leadership skills, and how to effectively analyze and positively contribute to group dynamics and culture.  
 
The 2024 cohort included 16 students from volleyball, beach volleyball, gymnastics, track and field, triathlon, women's tennis, baseball, softball, and swim and dive.

The 2024 cohort celebrated their achievements on February 26th with a presentation of their leadership philosophy, reflecting on the program, and leading their coaches through leadership activities and discussions.

Throughout the program, students build a website to document their leadership process, reflect on their unique perspectives, and set goals for the future. They also conducted an interview to practice answering questions about transferable skills and their student-athlete experience.  At the conclusion of the program, students earn a digital badge that captures and celebrates their skills.

2024 Participants Feedback:

"When you truly want to understand yourself (as well as a leader) you have to dig deep. There are no shortcuts. If you're willing to put in the work during this six-week program, you can understand your behavior better, which is key to becoming a good leader." - Laura Holanszky, Triathlon.

"Elite is a great experience for student-athletes, exposing us to different philosophies and forms of leadership while allowing us to make connections with other athletes in similar situations to ours." - Tanvi Narendran, Women's Tennis.

"ELITE is a wonderful program. I noticed how my players took more ownership in how they addressed and presented themselves to the team. The amount of excitement that was demonstrated by my players while and after being a part of the program. I've seen the program evolve since the beginning and I love everything about it." - Head Volleyball Coach Rita Stubbs.

"My favorite part of the ELITE program was interacting with other student-athletes and learning about how culture and context are related." - Tayler Biehl, Softball