Caroline Hannema, Hope College's assistant to Athletic Directors and assistant swimming coach, offered her insights and assistance to student-athletes during the 2016 NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum.

Hannema was selected to be one of 20 facilitators from all three NCAA divisions during the April 7-10 event in Phoenix, Arizona.

The leadership development and governance groups at the NCAA national office collaborated to host the forum, which included over 200 NCAA student-athletes and 70 athletics administrators, coaches and faculty from colleges and universities in attendance.

Facilitators worked with designated teams throughout the weekend to explore further leadership topics in-depth. Topics covered included effective communication, emotional intelligence, transformational leadership, strengths-based leadership and leadership challenges.

Hannema said facilitating at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum was a truly humbling and inspiring experience.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to come alongside these leaders and encourage them in their journey through our various conversations throughout the weekend," Hannema said. "The NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum provided participants with the tools and resources needed to grow in their personal leadership and prepared them for a lifetime of impact, both on and off the field of play."

Hannema and co-facilitator Caryl West, assistant director of accounting at the NCAA, were responsible for working with the Black Team, which consisted of 34 student-athletes, coaches, and administrators from all three NCAA divisions.

"Our time together as a color team provided the forum participants with a place to think critically about leadership and have conversation about how to apply the information to their personal leadership journey," Hannema said. "It was incredible to see the transformation that took place from Thursday to Sunday with the members of our color team and I'm excited to see how the participants of the leadership forum will inspire their campus."

In addition, the forum also provided information for participants about NCAA governance and SAAC. Participants heard from keynote speakers that included LaChina Robinson of ESPN, and a former student-athlete and Justin Patton, a certified body language and communications skills coach.

"The student-athletes in my color team reminded me why I pursued a career in collegiate athletics as it is all about using sport to impact lives, to then inspire others," Hannema said. "To hear their conversation and passion about making a difference on their teams and in their communities is something that will stick with me for years to come."