Six Nittany Lions Attended Inaugural Big Ten Leadership RetreatSix Nittany Lions Attended Inaugural Big Ten Leadership Retreat

Six Nittany Lions Attended Inaugural Big Ten Leadership Retreat

Big Ten hostsed retreat at headquarters in Rosemont, Ill.

ROSEMONT, Ill.- Six Penn State Student-Athletes attended the inaugural Big Ten Leadership Retreat at the Big Ten headquarters in Rosemont Ill. from June 16-18. Representatives from six different sport programs were selected to travel to the event including Mason Carlan (football), Eli Rice (men’s basketball), Moriah Murray (women’s basketball), Erik Bolang (men’s swim and dive and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President), Drew Taylor (field hockey and Student-Athlete Issues Commissioner member) and Michaela Barbanenete (softball).

The retreat was designed by the conference to engage, educate and empower student-athletes by strengthening their leadership abilities, building teamwork and fostering personal growth. The attendees experienced several different workshops covering leadership training, financial literacy, mental health and brand building while also having the ability to listen to dynamic guest speakers. The retreat emphasized self-reflection, clear communication and the development of core values, equipping student-athletes to become more impactful leaders within their teams, campuses and communities. The participants also had the opportunity to attend a networking event with alumni across the different member institutions.

Penn State current student-athletes and alumni including Seth Kane (swim and dive), Destiny Marie Weber (softball) and Frankie DiLeo (football)Penn State current student-athletes and alumni including Seth Kane (swim and dive), Destiny Marie Weber (softball) and Frankie DiLeo (football)
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 "At the heart of the Big Ten Student-Athlete Leadership Retreat was the profound realization that true growth comes from within and extends outward,” said Penn State football member Carlan. “We focused on cultivating our present selves to shape our future, drawing on wisdom from successful leaders and forging invaluable connections. It was inspiring to connect with such high-achieving individuals, learn from their experiences, and gain practical skills. The opportunity to mentor young people in Chicago, right in the Big Ten's backyard, was truly and impactful highlight. It solidified our commitment to both personal development and community giveback. Thank you Big Ten."

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Meighan Juilbert, Penn State Assistant Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Development and Enrichment, said, "the Leadership Retreat was reflective of the values we instill in our leaders every day at Penn State. Meaningful connections with alumni, personal and professional growth, and serving the community are cornerstones of our mission so it was great to see the leaders chosen to represent our institution grow in those spaces. I'm proud of the impact our student-athlete leaders had connecting with others across the Big Ten and I can't wait to see how they take those lessons back to campus to impact their teams and the larger athletic community."

2025 Big Ten Leadership Retreat2025 Big Ten Leadership Retreat