COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland Athletics Brand U Leadership Academy held its inaugural Men In Leadership Development (M.I.L.D) session with male student-athletes from a host of different teams on Wednesday evening. 

The M.I.L.D. Men's group will serve as an opportunity to develop leadership skills and be an outlet for the current male student-athletes to share their thoughts, concerns, and feelings to the men of the Terrapin family. The group will meet once a month during the spring semester with Director of Student-Athlete Engagement and Professional Development Dr. Jamie Williams serving as a facilitator for the program.

"The fact that young men from various sports made a decision to come together to grow their leadership skills and self-awareness as men is extraordinary,” said Williams. “I am so proud of them and I hope they bring others for our next think tank".

Following the talk on leadership the group was able to discuss being a leader in society, especially as a male and most specifically a student-athlete. At the end of the conversation, NFLPA Externs, Adam Gettis of the New York Giants and Bishop Sankey of the Minnesota Vikings, spoke to the men on their experience and left them with some words of wisdom.

"My biggest advice to you is to try to discover who you are and it is a process,” said Sankey. “It won't happen overnight. Try your hardest to not remain in a box. It is something I am still trying to do. Before college I only considered myself as a football player, but at the University of Washington I was able to meet people and be a part of something that helped me to open my mind and form my identity".

"Don't let where you come from define you and where you are going,” said Gettis. “Make something bigger of yourself at every step. Grow and recreate yourself throughout life. We are all doing it. Once you find yourself and find you identity things start to fall into place."

Nick Pulli – Junior, Men's Track and Field

"I think it is extremely productive and important for young men to have this sort of guidance and figure out and know what it takes to be a successful man in society".

Jalen Brooks – Senior, Football

"I think M.I.L.D is going to be a good way to help student-athletes step outside their comfort zone and the way they think. They will feel more comfortable and confident to explore new experiences. It will help challenge us all and help us to find our true identity and self".

Earlier this month, Brand U launched its Women In Leadership Development (W.I.L.D) program for female student athletes.

-Terps-