Spiritual Formation | 4/6/2026 1:58:00 PM

Rather than simply developing athletes, Lipscomb Athletics continues to invest in developing leaders. Since its launch in 2020, the Leadership Summit has created a space where student-athletes are challenged to grow beyond their sport by cultivating character, deepening their faith, and learning what it means to lead with purpose in every area of life. This year's cohort has carried that vision forward, continuing to build meaningful connections and step into leadership with intentionality.

"The heart of the Leadership Summit is to create a space where student-athletes can grow not just in what they do, but in who they are, and who they are becoming," said Klotz. "We want to challenge them to think deeply about how they lead, to learn from one another, and ultimately to model their leadership after Christ. It's been incredible to see the way this group has grown over during this year! Encouraging each other, having honest conversations, and taking ownership of their influence both on and off the field."

The content of the Leadership Summit spans a wide variety of topics, including communication, conflict resolution, accountability, and growth mindset, while also emphasizing servant leadership modeled after Christ. Through intentional conversations, personal reflection, and practical application, student-athletes are equipped to lead with purpose.

Klotz emphasized that the cohort model continues to be one of the most impactful aspects of the program, creating meaningful relationships across teams and fostering a deeper sense of unity within Lipscomb Athletics.

What the student-athletes are saying about the Leadership Summit:

"My time in the Leadership Summit has been an incredible opportunity to reflect inwards and learn how to serve outwards. Using scripture to model servant leadership like Jesus has helped me better serve my team and create unity. The conversations each week sparked fruitful thoughts as I navigate my walk with the Lord and leadership on my team." – Toby Bishop, Golf

"I loved the time I spent with this group—it was not only about learning how to lead but also understanding different perspectives. It was awesome to build connections, share stories, and grow as a community. I learned how to better interact with the people I care about and become the best version of myself for them." – Deborah Dominguez Collado, Tennis

"Through this Leadership Summit I have been able to connect with other athletes from other sports; sharing our struggles trying to be leaders on our teams, and using how Christ led as an example. One of my favorite parts is just having real conversations about what we are going through, and being vulnerable—it's super powerful!" – Bridget Craig, Golf

"The leadership summit has been a very eye-opening experience for me, and a great way to connect with the other sports programs across campus. It has been very comforting to know that the adversity faced amongst teams is common across all sports, and all of us athletes are connected and bound together by the same struggles and failures, yet can lift each other up by sharing personal stories and ideas." – Oliver Thoeny, Tennis

"My time in the Leadership Summit has been both deeply formative and really fun. We got to learn about the greatest Leader who ever lived and discover what it means to model our lives after Him. It has given me a refined perspective: in whatever spaces I find myself, I hope to have purposeful influence and spend my life on what will far outlast it." – Tatum Ahlemeyer, Soccer

"Being at the Leadership Summit with fellow athletes was an unforgettable experience that reminded me how powerful it is to grow alongside people who share the same drive and heart. The community we built turned competition into connection and leadership into something we could pursue together." – Addison Melton, Basketball

"Being in the Leadership Summit has been very rewarding. It is always a great time to pause and reflect on our own character with other athletes and learn how we can pour into others' lives. I have learned a lot that I will carry into every aspect of my life." – Miles White, Basketball

"The leadership summit has helped me grow in confidence and leadership, and learn to serve others first and build God-centered relationships. It has led me to make decisions rooted in my beliefs and given me a deeper understanding of God's plan for my life." – Brooklyn Fuchs, Volleyball

"I thought the Leadership Summit would teach me how to be a good leader, but I learned that Jesus is the greatest leader to ever live. Learning His way of leading—so different from the world—showed me how to use my gifts to serve others. Creating a personal mission statement and learning to truly listen were some of the most impactful parts." – Bethany Wright, Track & Field

"Spending time with other athletes in the Leadership Summit was an incredible experience. It brought hard and honest conversations to the forefront, allowing all of us to grow. It taught me that leadership goes far beyond what people typically think—it's about being a servant, putting others first, and leading like Christ." – Brenna Sherman, Softball