Leadership Council Emphasizes Community Service

The Bristol Sports Hall of Fame Leadership Council had a breakfast meeting at the Giamatti Center on April 8, 2025.  This was the first of three sessions with this group of student athletes. Students were provided an overview of the Leadership Council program, and how the program is designed to help them become better leaders on their specific teams, in their schools, and in the local community.  Students participated in a discussion about the various attributes good leaders have and examples of good leaders. The students’ leadership skills were then put to the test when they were presented with scenarios on issues they may need to address as team captains and were asked how they would navigate these challenges. The student athletes were very engaged and participated in a lively dialogue.

Mark Ziogas, Chair of the Leadership Council, emphasized how community service was central to both leadership and the goals of the Leadership Council. Through the Leadership Council, student athletes at Bristol Central, Bristol Eastern, and St. Paul will volunteer at Indian Rock Nature Center in May. Students also discussed other ways that they could impact the community, including supporting Team Impact, an initiative started by Bristol Eastern alumni Jay Calnan, which matches children facing serious illnesses and disabilities with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life changing experience for everyone involved. These student athletes are organizing to see how they can raise funds to support this initiative and impact the community.