ABOUT
ABOUT
Mission & Vision
ACU Center for Sports Leadership and Learning
Transforming lives in and through sport
The Center for Sports Leadership and Learning utilizes instructions, development programs and in-depth sports research to, we equip athletes, coaches, and sports professionals to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction — on the field and in life.
We believe leadership in sport is more than performance — it’s about purpose. Our mission is to unlock human potential through sport by cultivating deep self-awareness, emotional intelligence and a vision for human flourishing that lasts far beyond the game.
Foundations of Purpose & Practice
1. Deep Self-Awareness
Great leadership begins with knowing yourself. We guide coaches, athletes, and sport professionals in discovering who they are, what they value and how they show up — so they can lead with authenticity and clarity in every environment.
2. Emotional Intelligence to Lead and Inspire
We help individuals develop the skills to connect, communicate, and lead under pressure. With a foundation in emotional intelligence, participants learn how to build trust, manage relationships, and inspire high performance through empathy, presence and self-regulation.
3. Foster Human Flourishing
We are committed to nurturing the whole person — spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Our approach prioritizes well-being, personal growth and purpose-driven performance to build lives, not just resumes.
Pillars of How We Deliver
1. Innovative Education Aligned to the Rhythm of Sport
We create learning experiences that match the pace of your season. Our academic programs, short courses and professional development offerings are flexible, modular, convenient and personalized — designed for players, coaches and staff navigating the demands of competition and life.
Learn on your time. Grow at your pace. Perform with purpose.
2. Integration and Implementation for Impact
This isn’t theory for theory’s sake. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with organizations to embed leadership development into the heart of your culture. From one-time sessions to full-scale integration, we tailor solutions that align with your mission, amplify your impact and elevate your people.
Let us meet you where you are — and grow with you from there.
3. Research and Innovation at the Intersection of Sport and Leadership
We combine cutting-edge research, experiential learning and world-class sport leadership to redefine what’s possible. The Center bridges the gap between knowledge and action, constantly evolving to offer the most progressive and relevant programs in today’s dynamic sports landscape.
We’re not just keeping up — we’re setting the pace.
Ready to Lead?
Whether you’re looking to develop yourself, provide growth for staff, invest in your athletes or build a leadership culture from the ground up, we’re here to help you take the next step. From in-person workshops and hybrid learning to long-term strategic advising, we offer customized support that scales with your goals.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Daryl L. Jones
Executive in Residence, Center for Sports Leadership and Learning
Dr. Brenda McAdoo
Executive Director, Executive Education and Professional Advancement
Dr. Tara Franklin
Strategic Partnership Executive for Sports and Fitness
Dr. Joenie Guerra Myers
Director of Development and Design
Jeremy James
Admissions Advisor for Sports Leadership Programs
Leticia Cueto-Borsani
Spanish Language Admissions Advisor
Dr. Nicholas Zoroya
Professor and Researcher in Sport Management, Big Ten Network Commentator
Joe Bohringer
Dr. Aimee Kimball
Phd, MBA
Nayli Russo
PharmD, MBA
Kyle Stark
Dr. Daryl (DJ) Jones
Board Chair, Executive in Residence, Center for Sports Leadership and Learning
