Student athletes have many different roles. They serve as leaders on their team, and of course, many are known for their athletic talent. However, one of the most important roles that athletes serve is being a positive role mode. Serving as a mentor is something that student athletes enjoy, but it also comes with a great responsibility. A positive role model can inspire children to pursue their goals, teaches a sense of responsibility, and encourages them to make good choices. At the same time, the mentors get a sense of satisfaction from being able to guide others.
Great Crossing athletes have several different opportunities to become a mentor for younger students. One way they can become mentors they help teach in the camps and skills clinics many teams host for elementary aged children. Senior Kendra Adams has participated in several dance clinics for local children. Adams said, “Mentoring creates a cycle of growth and learning that benefits everyone involved, fostering a positive environment for both individual development and success.”
Another mentoring experience came with the second year of the Warhawk Readers program, where high school athletes traveled to all the county elementary schools and read to classes. Senior Mackenzie Hughes believes that mentoring and teaching the children helps them establish strong values. Hughes stated, “It is important to be a good role model for kids, because it makes them want to do better, and it can also help shape who they become as a person.”
The younger students aren’t the only ones that benefit from a mentoring program. Junior Michael Braum, a football player involved with the reading program this year, acknowledged that the younger students aren’t the only ones that benefit from a mentoring program. Braum said, “I have learned to be a better leader, and especially a better leader and role model for the youth. It makes my day when I get to hear about the different sports the kids play and the activities they participate in.” Feeling good about the outcomes of a mentoring program is key to keep both parties involved.
Athletic director Austin Haywood believes mentoring is beneficial for current students and upcoming students. He said, “I feel it is important for us to be as engaged as possible with all of our feeder schools. Those students at the elementary schools will one day be Warhawks. We want their experience with Great Crossing students to be one that leads to them being excited about being a part of Warhawk Nation one day. I think it’s important for our Warhawk athletes to have the opportunity to mentor and provide a positive role model for our younger generation in Scott County. To our elementary kids, our student athletes are heroes!”
