Coming into Mac, student-athlete Joey Falls ’29 had plenty of sports-based leadership experience as a three-year veteran on his high school football team’s leadership council and one year as captain. But, the first-year admits, “If you had asked me to define my leadership skills, I would have probably given you a blank stare and made up some on-the-fly response.”
That’s where Scots LEAD comes in. “In the First-Year Forum, the CliftonStrengths assessment helped me identify, define, and articulate my leadership skills,” the offensive lineman says, “allowing me to home in on my strengths, reflect and improve upon my weaker skills, and use my unique abilities to uplift the people around me.”
Falls’ experience is just the beginning of Scots LEAD, Athletics’ personal, professional, and leadership development program for student-athletes, intentionally sequenced to support each year of the Mac experience.
What is it?
“Scots LEAD is not only a program—it’s a statement,” says Devyn Smith, assistant athletic director, student-athlete success and development and Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) advisor. “We are preparing the Scots to lead authentically, intentionally, and impactfully, both on and off the playing surfaces.” Now in its fifth year, the program focuses on self-awareness, values, strengths, communication, and applied leadership to give students practical tools they can use within their teams and beyond athletics.
How does it work?
Core initiatives include leadership forums, retreats, and capstone opportunities designed for Scots at different stages of their leadership journey; a competitor series aimed at fostering resilience and confidence; and professional development designed to translate athletic experience into career success.
Does it work?
Our student-athletes think so. “One of my favorite takeaways from one of the Scots LEAD programs was from the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey—‘seek first to understand, then to be understood,’” says Adi Megiddo ’26, guard, women’s basketball. “It’s changed the way I approach conversations, helping me grow as a leader.”
Beyond leadership, one other theme continues to emerge, from first-years to seniors. “Our first week of school, we all got to know each other, and talk about our goals and values,” says Megiddo. “It’s provided me with long-lasting friendships to this day.”
“It’s given me an avenue to form strong relationships with other student-athletes,” echoes Falls. “The friendships I made during Scots LEAD helped me feel like I belonged within the Mac community.”
