Bogdan & Miller Attend Women’s Sports Foundation Athlete Leadership Connection

James Madison track & field and cross country student-athletes Isabella Bogdan and Paige Miller had the opportunity to attend the Women's Sports Foundation Athlete Leadership Connection in New York City on Oct. 11.

This was an event hosted by the Women's Sport Foundation at Morgan Stanley Headquarters designed for athletes to acquire hands-on leadership training, as well as providing action-driven discussions and learning experiences to provide new skills and resources.

At the event, many of the topics discussed surrounded the importance of mental health, Title IX, and Athlete Advocacy at universities and institutions across the country. Through these conversations, Isabella and Paige were able to take away key points that will further advance themselves personally and professionally.

"My biggest takeaway from the event was to use your voice/platform and continue being an advocate for all student-athletes." Bogdan said.

Miller also felt the impact of the time spent. "There are many opportunities for impact and change to be made, regardless of the collegiate level," Miller said. It is possible to become involved and stay involved in sports at the lowest or highest level, meaning playing or not playing there's always a way you can make an impact."

All of the guest speakers at the conference were inspiring in their words to push for change in athletics. These speakers offered suggestions to student-athletes for their institutions to implement to assist in enhancing the student-athlete experience.

"The most impactful person I heard speak was definitely the queen herself, Billie Jean King," Bogdan said. "She continues to show passion in wanting to improve athletics for women, athletes of color, athletes of disabilities, and more. She continues to fight for what is right, but also starting a foundation that brings women athletes together to support each other and work together to continue improving the world of athletics."

"The most impactful person I heard speak would be Scout Bassett, a track and field Paralympian, because she not only talked about mental and physical challenges, but economical challenges regarding her prosthetic leg and insurance issues pertaining to that," Miller said. "It really showed a side of athletics we don't hear much about."

This event was one full-day that consisted of a multitude of interactive activities and insightful information for Isabella and Paige. These athletes were able to learn from the best of the best in the sports industry.

"The layout of the day was guest speakers, guest panels, and networking," Bogdan said. "We got to listen to Billie Jean King, Coach Muffet McGraw, Arielle Chambers, Scout Bassett, and more professionals in the industry. We also had the chance to network with all the athletes that attended – Olympians, Paralympians, Special Olympians, professional athletes, and collegiate athletes and coaches."

This event was indeed impactful for both Bogdan and Miller. They challenge student-athletes to get involved, and set a standard within their peers to take the initiative to invest in themselves.

"I would recommend student-athletes to attend this conference; it was just an amazing opportunity that I am very grateful for," Miller said. "It's not every day you get to sit in a room with college athletes, elite athletes, world record holders, Olympians and Paralympians to discuss challenges that you all share. In addition to sharing hardship, you realize the shared commitment and dedication you all have for collegiate athletics."

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