ATHLETE LEADERSHIP
EQUIPPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ADVOCATES.
Athlete Leadership gives individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to stand up and let their voices be heard. It teaches the leadership skills needed to shape the direction of the Special Olympics Illinois movement. This is done by providing knowledge and skills, practical experience in roles of responsibility, and working with leaders without intellectual disabilities (ID) to develop inclusive environments.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Athlete Leadership University (ALU) is a learning experience, through a series of courses, designed for Special Olympics Illinois athletes. ALU helps athletes build confidence and learn leadership skills to create meaningful change in society. With the support of volunteer mentors, athletes go through core leadership courses, personal development workshops and then select a specific major to study. Athlete Leadership University exists to enhance the lives of athletes with ongoing leadership training and experience.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Ready to lead the way? Learn more about our Athlete Leadership Program by emailing Athleteleadership@soill.org or check out our Athlete Leadership Handbook. We’d love to connect with you!
BECOME AN ATHLETE LEADER
Special Olympics Illinois athletes are required to complete the foundational courses: Introduction to Athlete Leadership and Understanding Athlete Leadership. In addition, Special Olympics Illinois offers monthly Personal Development workshops designed to help athletes build and strengthen a wide range of leadership skills. Our workshops are flexible, virtual, and designed to fit your schedule—because we’re committed to helping you grow and succeed!
INTRODUCTION TO ATHLETE LEADERSHIP
Learn the basics of Athlete Leadership and explore future roles through interactive exercises. This course is required before taking other ALPs courses.
UNDERSTANDING LEADERSHIP
Personal Development Workshops
Explore some of our featured workshop topics below!
Setting Goals
Learn how to set meaningful goals, create actionable steps, and overcome challenges to stay focused and achieve success
MANAGING TIME
Your ability to manage your time is an essential skill for your success in meeting expectations and accomplishing your work as a leader.
Advocacy
Helps you understand yourself—your strengths, weaknesses, and values—so you can make informed choices, communicate your needs, and take actions that shape your life and those around you.
Nutrition
Discover the hidden sugars in everyday foods and how they impact your energy and health, plus practical tips for smarter choices.
ROLE-SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Special Olympics Illinois offers role specific classes for athletes, providing immersive training designed to dive deeper into an ALU major of their interest.
ATHLETE SPOKESPERSON
ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVE
HEALTH MESSENGER
EVENT Lead
Plan, promote, and execute engaging and successful Special Olympics Illinois events.
Athlete Leadership Council (ALC)
The Athlete Leadership Council (ALC) is a group of athlete leaders representing each region. These leaders are developing their leadership skills through projects that improve local Special Olympics Illinois programming. These athletes will serve as a liaison for different areas of the organization, discuss local program topics and issues, develop, plan, and implement projects and voice opinions about important issues related to Special Olympics Illinois.
If you are an athlete, and would like to share feedback to your local Rep, please email athleteleadership@soill.org. We will get you connected!
Athlete Leadership Council Members
Dawn Vanderhoof
Region A
Jon Steiner
Region B
Katie O'Neill
Region C
Amanda Propheter
Region C
Matt Gorski
Region D
Carter Sanders
Region D
Rikki Kirsch
Region E
Sandra Froman
Region G
Ben Simpson
Region H
Jossy Guana
Region I
Kennedy Elbe
Region J
Athlete Leadership Advisory Council Members
Lisa Noble
Region B
Jose Moreno
Region C
Daniel Smrokowski
Region C
Kaylee McLaughlin
Region F
Taylor Sweeting
Region H
Alex Huegen
Region J
Eric Baumann
Region K
CONTACT US
For questions about our Athlete Leadership Programs or to request an athlete leader presentation at your business, school or organization, please contact athleteleadership@soill.org.