Olympian urges local high school athletes to develop leadership

Phoebe Duval– Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – On Tuesday Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) student-athletes gathered for the last Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) presentation.

PCA is a national non-profit organization with the mission to create a positive, character-building youth sports environment that results in better athletes and better people.

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The last meeting focused on what makes a leader a leader. Work ethic and encouragement, and not specifically talent or ability are some qualities that form leaders.

Sherman Armstrong has led the PCA meetings once a month throughout the year.

Armstrong attended the University of Illinois, where he was a four-time NCAA All-American, nine-time Big 10 Champion, and was the only collegiate athlete to make the Olympic Trials finals for the USA team in the 400-meter hurdles in 2000.

PCA gains support from a National Advisory Board of elite coaches, professional and Olympic athletes, organization leaders, and academics.

Through the workshops, the athletes have discussed setting goals, bullying/hazing, the mental side of the game, the good and bad consequences of social media, and how to be a good leader.
Junior softball player Jillian Herbst said, “PCA has given me the skills to be the leader I want to be for the upcoming softball season and in life in general.”

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