Overview
CONNECT is a one-year program designed to enhance student-athletes’ leadership abilities and increase their effectiveness on their teams, among their peers, and well into life beyond Auburn. In addition to taking part in intentional leadership curriculum, CONNECT leaders will hone their skills through organization of monthly activities for our freshmen student-athletes, such as mentorship and bonding opportunities as well as discussions on important topics aimed at improving the transition into student-athlete life.
Who
- A select group of sophomore, junior & senior student-athletes recommended by coaches and staff to participate each year.
- These individuals commit to developing their leadership skills through monthly meetings, collaboration with their peers and coaches, and mentorship of freshmen student-athletes.
Commitment
This program requires a one-year commitment that includes:
- 7 monthly leader meetings throughout the year (Wednesday evenings)
- 7 monthly CONNECT freshmen transition series events throughout the year (Wednesday evenings)
- Individual self-reflection assignments
- Application within their teams
| 2025-26 Leaders | |
|---|---|
| Sadie Berkhout | Equestrian |
| Charlotte Clark | Equestrian |
| Abby Eddy | Equestrian |
| Brooke Jolstad | Equestrian |
| Charlotte McLaughlin | Equestrian |
| Sydney Swallom | Equestrian |
| Elle Squires | Women's Golf |
| Olivia Greaves | Gymnastics |
| Hayden Colson | Soccer |
| Erin Flurey | Soccer |
| Jenna Sapong | Soccer |
| Thalia Martin | Softball |
| Kyla Stroud | Softball |
| Tate Cutler | Swimming & Diving |
| Bradford Johnson | Swimming & Diving |
| Ethan Swart | Swimming & Diving |
| Chloe Brothers | Swimming & Diving |
| Morgan Carteaux | Swimming & Diving |
| Olivia Dinehart | Swimming & Diving |
| Annika Finzen | Swimming & Diving |
| Wyllo Hanson | Swimming & Diving |
| Zoey Zeller | Swimming & Diving |
| Thomas Kennedy | Men’s Tennis |
| D.J. Bennett | Women's Tennis |
| Tyler Davis | Track & Field |
| Max Hardin | Track & Field |
| Matthew Rueff | Track & Field |
| Ja’Kobe Tharp | Track & Field |
| Camryn Massey | Track & Field |
| Ana-Liese Torian | Track & Field |
| Brooke Walden | Track & Field |
| Sydney Handel | Volleyball |