April 13, 2005

Indianapolis, IN - WSSU Department of Athletics Officials announced on Wednesday that Lady Ram softball player SaRhonda Hawkins has been selected to represent Winston-Salem State University at the NCAA Leadership Academy Conference in Orlando, FL from May 29th-June 2nd, 2005.

The NCAA Leadership Academy was developed in order to ensure that Division II student-athletes and administrators would have the opportunity to enhance leadership skills and become more familiar with Division II issues. The Leadership Academy seeks to develop student-athletes not only in academics and athletics, but also as leaders on campus and in their community.

As part of the program, participants will develop leadership skills and address important NCAA Division II Strategic Plan initiatives. Once the team of participants returns to campus, they will implement a team-directed project created at the Leadership Academy.

Hawkins, a junior member of the WSSU Lady Rams' softball team was nominated by WSSU NCAA CHAMPS LifeSkills coordinator Leslie Rowls and was selected by a panel of NCAA decision-makers to attend the Leadership Academy based upon her qualifications and involvement at WSSU. Hawkins is a member of the WSSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and is also a very active participant in several community-service organizations. The 2005 season marks Hawkins' second year as a member of the Lady Rams' softball team following her transfer to WSSU from Southern Union State Community College. A Rehabilitation Studies Major at WSSU, she plans to pursue graduate studies at WSSU following her 2006 graduation.

For additional information on WSSU's CHAMPS Life Skills Program, or to arrange interviews with SaRhonda Hawkins, contact the WSSU Office of Sports Information at (336) 750-2143.