Tar Heels Gain From ACC Summer Development Program

Eleven Tar Heels representing 10 different teams were among the more than 130 Atlantic Coast Conference student-athletes who participated in the ACC's Professional Development Academy over the summer, gaining valuable experience during a time when many plans were derailed by Covid-19. The six-week virtual program, which included student-athletes from all 15 league schools, gave participants the opportunity to forge new connections, learn from a range of speakers, and develop personal and career goals.

"We wanted it to be something useful for them, something they would learn from now and also be able to put on their resumes to show that they did something productive during a summer when so much was canceled," said Cricket Lane, UNC's Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development and a facilitator for the program. "I would definitely say it was a success – I've heard great feedback from those who participated."

Tar Heels who completed the program were Valdas Abaliksta (men's swimming & diving), Brian Cernoch (men's tennis), Cameron Fisher (men's soccer), Christopher Holliday (football), Nicole Lu (women's golf), Alexis Lynch (women's fencing), Cameron Morra (women's tennis), Jaelynn Murray (women's basketball), Joe Taylor (men's fencing), Malu Tshitenge (women's basketball), and Anna Williams (rowing).

The academy's curriculum, which was designed and delivered by student-athlete development administrators from ACC schools, guided the students in exploring core values, identifying and developing circles of influence, establishing effective communication and leadership skills, and charting career plans.

In addition to the educational sessions, the academy featured guest speakers who shared personal stories and tips for success. The list included Victoria Garrick, former women's volleyball student-athlete at the University of Southern California and founder of The Hidden Opponent, an organization created to raise awareness for student-athlete mental health; Jay Bilas, ESPN men's basketball analyst and former Duke men's basketball student-athlete; Dion Williams, a national recruiter for NASCAR's Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program and former Wake Forest football student-athlete; and Lamarr Pottinger, NCAA Associate Director of Leadership Development and former track student-athlete at Eastern Illinois.

"I liked that I was able to meet many different athletes from the ACC and get to know them," said Tshitenge, a sophomore majoring in business administration. "The program never had a dull moment, and all the staff members were always full of energy and made it fun."

For more information and a complete list of those who completed the course, click here.

"Throughout the six-week course, I feel like I learned a lot about my core values and the things and people that mean the most to me," said Cernoch, a junior majoring in exercise and sport science who was able to balance the programing with a summer job teaching tennis. "I was also able to identify and build my inner circle and realize how the connections I have and will continue to make can play an impactful role in my career after I complete my education at UNC. What I enjoyed most about this program was getting the opportunity to listen to guest speakers like Jay Bilas and Victoria Garrick. I enjoyed learning about their career paths and getting useful information on how to be a better leader and competitor."

"I thought the Development Academy was an awesome experience," said Taylor, a senior economics major. "It was very well-run, chock full of awesome speakers and a staff that was engaged, enthusiastic, and genuinely caring. It was also an excellent opportunity to meet athletes from other ACC schools outside of a competitive setting, allowing me to expand my network significantly."

"One thing about the program that I really loved was that all the speakers were transparent and I was able to connect to them on a deeper level," said Murray, a senior majoring in information science. "I also learned about having tough conversations, and as a leader I'm glad I was able to gain that knowledge because it will help in the long run."

Although the 2020 version was born of necessity, Cernoch for one hopes it becomes an annual offering. "Being a part of this academy is not only something I enjoyed but I would also recommend to all athletes," he said. "It's a great tool to grow as a person and leader throughout college and life after college."

Players Mentioned

Valdas Abaliksta

Brian Cernoch

Cameron Fisher

Christopher Holliday

Nicole Lu

Alexis Lynch

Cameron Morra

Jaelynn Murray

Joe Taylor

Malu Tshitenge

Anna Williams

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