Sanford has hosted the annual summit since 2019
By Gavin Hebler, STAFF WRITER
Dec 12, 2024
SANFORD, Maine – Sanford High School Athletics hosted the annual Sports Leadership Summit on Dec. 4, to teach leadership values to athletes around Maine. Sixteen other league schools attended for an experience for 170 student-athletes.
This year’s theme focused on “Being the One.” Three speakers presented topics in the Partners Bank Gymnasium, Practice Gym, and PAC.
The leadership summit has a long history in Maine sports with this year being the 25th year of the event. Sanford was keen to be the hosts yet again. According to Athletic Director Zach Lemelin, it’s a way to “make our staff and students proud of the beautiful school we hold.”
Sanford has been a proud host since 2019, showing the excellence of the facilities that SMAA members and students enjoy going to. Lemelin stated, “We are beyond fortunate to have that space that allows an additional 200 students and athletic directors to be involved in leadership discussions.”
The athletes and directors gathered to discuss the importance and traits of a great leader with multiple speakers from college referees to NFL champions.
“We hoped that each attendee took the information learned from the summit back to their schools and teams and used the new knowledge to positively impact their schools” shared Lemelin. “There has been nothing but positive reaction from athletes and other directors in the league so it is viewed as another successful SMAA Leadership Summit.”
Boys Soccer Sophomore and SHS attendee Aiden Hill, who viewed the experience as a great opportunity to learn about what it takes to be a leader even in tough times. “This was a great way to involve athletes in a positive discussion amid all the stress that comes with the regular season.”
He also stated he enjoyed the opportunity to speak with someone who climbed the mountain in the best football league there is and won a championship.
There has been nothing but positive remarks about this year’s summit and they will hope for the same next year.
