WAXAHACHIE, Texas (Sept. 24, 2026) – Nelson University Athletics is proud to announce the launch of the ROAR Leadership Academy. ROAR is a new leadership development program designed to equip student-athletes with the skills, character, and confidence to lead with purpose.

ROAR stands for Relationships, Ownership, Authenticity, and Responsibility. The eight-week program will be held during the first half of each semester. It provides a select group of student-athletes with a structured opportunity to grow as leaders through biblical principles, mentorship, personal development and practical leadership training.

The inaugural fall cohort includes 17 student-athletes representing six Nelson athletic programs: women’s basketball, men’s basketball, softball, baseball, track and field, and esports. Another 13 student-athletes from football, volleyball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, and cheer will participate in the spring semester cohort as they enter their offseason. 

Student‑athletes will hear from guest speakers who help them build leadership skills that elevate their influence on their teams, across campus, and in the community. Each session begins with an icebreaker, moves into a hands‑on application, and features a speaker who brings focused expertise to that week’s topic.

Sophomore Cash Eckermann of the Baseball team said he’s learned that effective leadership requires adaptability. “You encounter all kinds of situations on a team, and you have to be ready to respond in the best way possible.”

That response reflects one of the academy’s central goals: helping student-athletes understand that leadership begins with people. Strong relationships create trust, strengthen team culture, and allow leaders to positively influence those around them.

Junior Robyn Puente of the Track and Field team said she’s learned that Jesus models leadership through servanthood. “It encourages me to serve even those who might be considered my ‘competition,’ because it creates real connection.”

Through the remainder of the semester, student-athletes will continue to sharpen their leadership skills while building meaningful connections with their peers and coaches.

The vision for the leadership academy has been years in the making. 

“Dr. Godding, Nelson’s director of athletics, has had a vision of this program for some time,” said ROAR Leadership Academy Director James Southerland. “I’m honored to be part of the Leadership Academy launch, where we use biblical leadership principles and hear from Nelson student-athlete alumni to help these student-athletes be better leaders on their teams, on campus, and in our community.”

The launch of the ROAR Leadership Academy represents Nelson University’s ongoing commitment to developing student-athletes who excel not only in competition, but also in character, service, and leadership. 

Learn more about Nelson Athletics here.

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About Nelson University 

Nelson University is a private Christian institution located in Waxahachie, Texas, just 30 minutes south of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Established in 1927, the university offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs on campus and online. With a mission to integrate faith and learning, Nelson equips students to pursue their God‑given callings within a Spirit‑empowered community. For additional details, Request Information or call 1‑888‑937‑7248.