Beyond the Play
Leadership Academy
Building leaders through sports in Southwest Wisconsin. Designed for 4th–12th grade student-athletes who want to grow in confidence, character, and leadership on and off the field.
Quick Snapshot
- Annual program for 4th‑12th grade student-athletes.
- 6 total sessions per year — 4 in-person, 2 virtual.
- Focus on leadership, mindset, service, and character.
- Built to complement school, club, and travel sports.
Who is the Leadership Academy for?
The Leadership Academy is for student-athletes who want to grow beyond stats and scoreboards. All sports, all positions, and all experience levels are welcome.
4th – 6th Grade
Foundations of Leadership
- Building friendships and trust
- Learning how to be a great teammate
- Simple goal-setting and habits
- Understanding kindness and respect
7th – 9th Grade
Emerging Leaders
- Taking ownership of effort and attitude
- Handling pressure and adversity
- Communicating with coaches and teammates
- Leading by example in school and sports
10th – 12th Grade
Leaders of Leaders
- Modeling leadership for younger athletes
- Mentoring and giving back
- Advanced mindset and preparation
- Captains, culture-setters, and role models
How the Leadership Academy Works
The Leadership Academy runs on an annual membership model. Athletes meet six times per year to build leadership skills that grow over time, with simple but powerful action steps between sessions.
- 6 total sessions per year — 4 in-person, 2 virtual
- Small-group discussions, team challenges, and reflection
- Goal-setting and check-ins at each session
- Practical leadership homework between meetings
- Helping Hands service project opportunities
- Access to guest speakers: coaches, former athletes, and community leaders
Core Leadership Pillars
- Goal Setting & Accountability
- Relationships & Communication
- Mindset & “Next Play” Thinking
- Visualization & Preparation
- Service & Helping Hands
- Leading with Heart & Character
What Will Athletes Learn
- Set meaningful goals and follow through on them
- Build strong relationships with teammates and coaches
- Develop a positive mindset and Next Play attitude
- Take ownership of daily habits and routines
- Visualization and preparation to perform with confidence
- Serve their community through Helping Hands projects
- Lead with heart, character, and integrity
- Carry lessons from sports into school, home, and life
Leadership Academy Tuition
Tuition is structured as an annual membership and covers six sessions, materials, and Leadership Academy participation for the full year.
Annual Membership
Standard Tuition
$199
per athlete / year
- 4 in-person leadership sessions
- 2 virtual leadership sessions
- Goal-setting and habit-tracking tools
- Helping Hands service opportunities
- Access to guest speakers
- Leadership Academy recognition & certificate
Family Discounts
- 2 athletes from the same household: $149 each
- 3+ athletes from the same household: $129 each
Tuition runs for a full year or 6 sessions, regardless of when you join.
Need-based assistance: We are working with local sponsors to support families for whom tuition may be a barrier. Please contact us if cost is a concern.
Session Themes at a Glance
Exact dates will be shared with registered families. Each session builds on the last, while still being approachable for new members joining mid-year.
Session 1
Foundation
Who you are as a leader, goal setting, and building trust.
Session 2
Mindset and ‘Next Play’
Positive thinking, resilience, and moving on from mistakes.
Session 3
Habits and Accountability
Daily habits, routines, and taking ownership.
Session 4
Communication/Impact
How leaders communicate, listen, and lift others up.
Session 5
‘Helping Hands’
Service, giving back, and leading in the community.
Session 6
Celebration & Next Steps
Sharing growth, setting future goals, and recognizing leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Invest in Your Athletes Leadership
Sports will eventually end. The lessons learned through leadership, character, and mindset last a lifetime. If you’re ready to help your athlete grow as a leader on and off the field, we’d love to have them in the Beyond the Play – Leadership Academy.