Cassidy Clements Appointed Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Leadership Development

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne announced the appointment of Cassidy Clements returning to JMU to fill a role on the department's administrative team as assistant athletic director for student-athlete leadership.

"Cassidy demonstrated inspired leadership during her previous experiences in JMU Athletics with our Dukes Lead program and Student-Athlete Services," Bourne said. "She funneled knowledge gained at JMU and built upon it in early career opportunities at other institutions in Virginia. As a result, she is well-equipped to step into this role as a member of our athletics administration and to mentor our student-athletes as they grow as leaders and as well-rounded contributors to society both in and out of sports."

In her new role, Clements will steer Dukes Lead, the department's leadership program for student-athletes to develop as well-rounded individuals both in competition and off the playing field. The program involves various speakers, learning opportunities, mentorship arrangements and practical experiences. Dukes Lead also incorporates the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

"This is an exciting time for James Madison University, and it is a tremendous honor to rejoin the dynamic Student-Athlete Leadership Development team. The JMU community has left a lasting impact on my personal and professional growth, and I am thrilled to pour back into the Athletics Department that has given me so much. I am grateful to Jenn Phillips for the trust and support as we strive to elevate Dukes LEAD through a commitment to educating and empowering student-athletes on their individual journeys."

Clements returns to lead JMU's Dukes Lead program having served as a graduate assistant for student-athlete leadership for two years from 2018 to 2020. As part of that role, she structured workshops and guest speakers for student-athletes, tracked departmental community impact hours, advised SAAC and served as a tutor for student-athlete services. During her undergraduate experience, she also contributed as a student manager for the field hockey program.

Most recently, Clements filled the role of career readiness coordinator within athletic academic affairs at Virginia, providing career preparation and mentorship support to 14 sport programs for the Cavaliers. That followed two years as assistant director of athletic academic services and compliance at VMI, focusing on the academic progress of VMI's cadet-athletes and advising SAAC.

Clements holds additional volunteer experience through the NCAA Leadership Development office and volunteered at both the men's and women's Final Fours. She is an active member of the National Career Development Association (NCDA), Women Leaders in College Sports and the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A).

A "double Duke," Clements earned a Bachelor of Science in sport and recreation management from JMU in 2018 and completed her master's degree in sport and recreation leadership in 2020.

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