Finding their thrive: Student-athletes reflect, lead and grow

The ping pong balls flew. Students ducked, stretched and laughed as they scrambled to keep one bouncing ball from hitting the floor. Then two. Then three. It was chaotic, but every scramble became a lesson in focus, self-awareness and leadership under pressure.

“Pause. Think. How’s your state of mind?” Stephen Vaughn, a senior consultant with Always About People, called out. “Notice your reactions. What’s working? What’s not?”

Vaughn guided the Union County Public Schools Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) through exercises in leadership, self-awareness and stress management. His mix of games and reflection helped students recognize how they respond under pressure, make intentional decisions and communicate effectively—skills they could bring to their teams and classrooms.

Active for three years, the council brings together student-athletes from high schools across the district to grow as leaders and support one another. Through sessions spread over the year, they build self-awareness, practice decision-making and carry lessons from one meeting to the next. By the end of the session, students felt more confident about who they are and what kind of leaders they want to be on and off the field.

“This isn’t just about winning games,” Vaughn said. “It is about thriving in life, knowing who you are and leading from a place aligned with your values.”

The session was part of Find Your Thrive, a four-session program designed to help students reflect on seven areas of life: physical health, family, community, finances, mindset, professional growth and spirituality. Students completed a brief assessment earlier in the program to identify their strengths and goals. They explored how these strengths and values affect their leadership, stress management and decision-making. The program encourages reflection and skill development applicable to both sports and daily life, encouraging their growth as individuals and leaders.

SAAC and its programming are funded through a generous donation from Founders Credit Union. The support covers all session expenses, including speaker fees, snacks and supplies, ensuring students can fully participate in the experience throughout the year.

District Athletic Director John Sullivan said the council meets a critical need.

“Sports put students in high-pressure situations,” he said. “This council teaches them to handle that pressure in healthy ways and share those skills with teammates.”

Students are selected by their coaches to join the council, providing them with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and support their peers across the district. It also gives them a chance to share their voices, represent their school and support peers. Sullivan has seen students applying what they learn in the sessions back at their schools. Many have started leadership groups, spreading the strategies from the council to classmates and teammates.

For Colin Keenne, a junior at Weddington High, the lessons hit home.

“It's been helping me figure out who I want to be as a leader and what I want to bring back to my school,” he said. “I learned ways to manage stress and communicate better with my team.”

Bryson Simpkins, a senior at Monroe High, said the council gave him perspective on his role as a team leader.

“This year I’m one of the few seniors on my team, so I really need to set an example,” he said. “Coming here has helped me understand who I want to be and how I want to lead others.”

Rayley Wells, a senior at Central Academy of Technology and Arts, added, “We learned how to talk openly with our teams and share experiences. It wasn’t just about sports. It was about leadership, stress management and helping everyone thrive.”

In another exercise, Vaughn asked students to describe themselves using three brands. The room buzzed with ideas as they considered which companies or products reflected their personalities. Some chose sports brands, while others picked tech or lifestyle labels. The activity prompted students to reflect on how they want to show up for others and the traits they want to embody as leaders.

“Your identity is bigger than any moment,” Vaughn said. “It’s about the choices you make, how you handle challenges, and the leader you decide to become.”