2024-25 Cohort Completes Leadership Development Institute Program
July 14, 2025 | General
The University of Louisville Athletics Department continues to prioritize and encourage the professional development and personal growth of staff members through the Leadership Development Institute, supporting one of the department's overall goals & priorities of making the UofL athletic department one of the best in the country.
The Leadership Development Institute is a nine-month comprehensive program open to athletic staff members who have three or more years of service and are looking to further develop leadership, strategic thinking, public speaking, and change management skills.
"This program was designed to encourage both professional advancement and personal growth among staff and we have seen tremendous results," Josh Heird said. "The program continues to evolve and elevate year after year and reflects our ongoing investment in our people and our culture. LDI fosters a workplace that is supportive, forward-thinking, and committed to making Louisville the premier destination to work in college athletics."
The 2024-2025 cohort members:Â Caroline Blincoe, Anne Burkhead, Marisa Carpenter, Tammy Davis, Zack Day, Hooks Hausman, Courtney Jackson, Stephanie Johnson, Brent Lamkin, John Leenerts, and Catherine Thompson.
"We believe we have one of the best, if not the best, internal leadership development programs in college athletics," Crooks said. "LDI is tailored to the needs of our staff and our industry. With engaging speakers, transformative mentor pairings that bridge athletics and broader leadership sectors, and solution-driven projects that spark real change, LDI empowers our people to lead with purpose and impact."
Throughout the program, the cohort gathered monthly to explore a range of leadership topics, engaging with dynamic speakers recognized as experts in their fields and accomplished in their careers. Featured guest presenters and panelists from the 2024–2025 cohort included:
Dr. Meg Hancock, Associate Professor in Sport Administration, University of Louisville
Jody Bilney, Retired C-Suite Executive, Humana, Bloomin' Brands, Inc, Openwave Systems, Charles Schwab
Dr. Ryan Quinn, Academic Director, Project on Positive Leadership/Department Chair for Management and Entrepreneurship/Assistant Dean of Innovation & Strategy/Associate Professor, Entrepreneurship PhD
Robert E. Gunn Jr, Chief Equity and Impact Officer, Metro United Way
Dr. Katie Nichols, Director of Mental Performance, University of Louisville
Dan Meske, Head Volleyball Coach, University of Louisville
Olivia Biven, Director of Brand Marketing & Licensing
Keith Schobert, Assistant Athletic Director, Facilities
Heidi Huebner, Assistant Athletic Director, Business Office
Kevin Addison, Senior Director of Sports Medicine
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Each cohort member was also intentionally paired with a mentor. 2024-25 cohort mentors included:
Rachael Cosgrove, Associate AD, Cardinal Athletic Fund
Allie Ware, Deputy AD, Development, Georgia Southern University
Laura Clemente, Chief Revenue Officer, Senior Associate AD
Bo Nahstoll, Director of Development, Florida State University
Samantha Radford, Associate VP, Marketing at LifePoint Health
Amy Calabrese, Deputy AD/SWA | Sport Admin: Women's Basketball & Volleyball
Keith Schobert, Assistant AD, Facilities
Jessica Loseke, Co-Founder and CEO, Midwest Barrel Company
John Carns, Senior Associate AD, Compliance
Lauren Rust, Associate AD, Compliance | Sport Admin: Swimming and Diving
Nick Bowes, Deputy AD, CFO | Sport Admin: Football
During the nine-months, members bring their diverse perspectives to a cross-functional project to identify and address current athletic department needs. Through collaborative problem-solving and strategic planning, the team developed actionable solutions and implementable programs designed to create immediate impact and long-term value for our staff and student-athletes. At the conclusion of the nine-months, groups presented findings to both Executive Team and to all staff.
This year's cohort focused on developing strategies for the assessment of the student-athlete experience, an internal fellowship program, consumer-focused merchandise research, peer institution analysis post-House, and student-athlete career mapping.
Participants are assessed both pre and post-LDI. For the third consecutive year, the cohort showed measurable gains in all surveyed areas, most notably considerable growth in the following areas: overall leadership skills, public speaking skills, conflict management, navigating change, and creating and managing 360-degree relationships.
Feedback from the 2024-25 Cohort:
Developing a relationship that blossomed into a friendship with my mentor was hands down my favorite part of the experience. We met consistently throughout the year, and conversations initially were centered around work. Over time, personal topics began taking more of the focus of our meeting time with a side of professional talk. I know I can always approach my mentor with a question or an idea, and he'll give me solid feedback; it was clear John was invested and cared about our time together. Zack Day, Assistant Director of Marketing
I truly loved the project. It was something that was fulfilling-- both on a project-based/professional sense, as well as personal. I was able to connect with others I NEVER had the opportunity to before, which is a goal of mine. I also was able to co-create something that I hope we successfully bring to life within the Department and make an impact, which is also a goal of mine. I felt I made new friends and reliable colleagues, and created something powerful, at the same time. Catherine Thompson, Associate Director of Academic Services
Do it. There is something you can take away from it. If it doesn't relate to your experience now it will likely benefit you in the future. If you have aspirations of being a leader this is fundamental on how to do it effectively and build a better department around you. Caroline Blincoe, Sports Dietitian
One of the biggest benefits I gained from this program was personal growth. I think that it really pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I am not someone who usually does a lot of introspections, but each session made me think about my own skills and goals. It helped me better understand how I handle different situations in the workplace and helped pinpoint areas that need more improvement. Without the program, I think I would have stayed comfortable where I was at instead of finding ways to improve. Courtney Jackson, Director of Operations, Lacrosse
An increase in confidence to be able to speak up and speak to a room. Confidence that I gained skills to be able to go into a situation and find a solution without stressing. Stephanie Johnson, Associate Athletic Trainer
The Leadership Development Institute is a nine-month comprehensive program open to athletic staff members who have three or more years of service and are looking to further develop leadership, strategic thinking, public speaking, and change management skills.
"This program was designed to encourage both professional advancement and personal growth among staff and we have seen tremendous results," Josh Heird said. "The program continues to evolve and elevate year after year and reflects our ongoing investment in our people and our culture. LDI fosters a workplace that is supportive, forward-thinking, and committed to making Louisville the premier destination to work in college athletics."
The 2024-2025 cohort members:Â Caroline Blincoe, Anne Burkhead, Marisa Carpenter, Tammy Davis, Zack Day, Hooks Hausman, Courtney Jackson, Stephanie Johnson, Brent Lamkin, John Leenerts, and Catherine Thompson.
"We believe we have one of the best, if not the best, internal leadership development programs in college athletics," Crooks said. "LDI is tailored to the needs of our staff and our industry. With engaging speakers, transformative mentor pairings that bridge athletics and broader leadership sectors, and solution-driven projects that spark real change, LDI empowers our people to lead with purpose and impact."
Throughout the program, the cohort gathered monthly to explore a range of leadership topics, engaging with dynamic speakers recognized as experts in their fields and accomplished in their careers. Featured guest presenters and panelists from the 2024–2025 cohort included:
Dr. Meg Hancock, Associate Professor in Sport Administration, University of Louisville
Jody Bilney, Retired C-Suite Executive, Humana, Bloomin' Brands, Inc, Openwave Systems, Charles Schwab
Dr. Ryan Quinn, Academic Director, Project on Positive Leadership/Department Chair for Management and Entrepreneurship/Assistant Dean of Innovation & Strategy/Associate Professor, Entrepreneurship PhD
Robert E. Gunn Jr, Chief Equity and Impact Officer, Metro United Way
Dr. Katie Nichols, Director of Mental Performance, University of Louisville
Dan Meske, Head Volleyball Coach, University of Louisville
Olivia Biven, Director of Brand Marketing & Licensing
Keith Schobert, Assistant Athletic Director, Facilities
Heidi Huebner, Assistant Athletic Director, Business Office
Kevin Addison, Senior Director of Sports Medicine
Â
Each cohort member was also intentionally paired with a mentor. 2024-25 cohort mentors included:
Rachael Cosgrove, Associate AD, Cardinal Athletic Fund
Allie Ware, Deputy AD, Development, Georgia Southern University
Laura Clemente, Chief Revenue Officer, Senior Associate AD
Bo Nahstoll, Director of Development, Florida State University
Samantha Radford, Associate VP, Marketing at LifePoint Health
Amy Calabrese, Deputy AD/SWA | Sport Admin: Women's Basketball & Volleyball
Keith Schobert, Assistant AD, Facilities
Jessica Loseke, Co-Founder and CEO, Midwest Barrel Company
John Carns, Senior Associate AD, Compliance
Lauren Rust, Associate AD, Compliance | Sport Admin: Swimming and Diving
Nick Bowes, Deputy AD, CFO | Sport Admin: Football
During the nine-months, members bring their diverse perspectives to a cross-functional project to identify and address current athletic department needs. Through collaborative problem-solving and strategic planning, the team developed actionable solutions and implementable programs designed to create immediate impact and long-term value for our staff and student-athletes. At the conclusion of the nine-months, groups presented findings to both Executive Team and to all staff.
This year's cohort focused on developing strategies for the assessment of the student-athlete experience, an internal fellowship program, consumer-focused merchandise research, peer institution analysis post-House, and student-athlete career mapping.
Participants are assessed both pre and post-LDI. For the third consecutive year, the cohort showed measurable gains in all surveyed areas, most notably considerable growth in the following areas: overall leadership skills, public speaking skills, conflict management, navigating change, and creating and managing 360-degree relationships.
Feedback from the 2024-25 Cohort:
Developing a relationship that blossomed into a friendship with my mentor was hands down my favorite part of the experience. We met consistently throughout the year, and conversations initially were centered around work. Over time, personal topics began taking more of the focus of our meeting time with a side of professional talk. I know I can always approach my mentor with a question or an idea, and he'll give me solid feedback; it was clear John was invested and cared about our time together. Zack Day, Assistant Director of Marketing
I truly loved the project. It was something that was fulfilling-- both on a project-based/professional sense, as well as personal. I was able to connect with others I NEVER had the opportunity to before, which is a goal of mine. I also was able to co-create something that I hope we successfully bring to life within the Department and make an impact, which is also a goal of mine. I felt I made new friends and reliable colleagues, and created something powerful, at the same time. Catherine Thompson, Associate Director of Academic Services
Do it. There is something you can take away from it. If it doesn't relate to your experience now it will likely benefit you in the future. If you have aspirations of being a leader this is fundamental on how to do it effectively and build a better department around you. Caroline Blincoe, Sports Dietitian
One of the biggest benefits I gained from this program was personal growth. I think that it really pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I am not someone who usually does a lot of introspections, but each session made me think about my own skills and goals. It helped me better understand how I handle different situations in the workplace and helped pinpoint areas that need more improvement. Without the program, I think I would have stayed comfortable where I was at instead of finding ways to improve. Courtney Jackson, Director of Operations, Lacrosse
An increase in confidence to be able to speak up and speak to a room. Confidence that I gained skills to be able to go into a situation and find a solution without stressing. Stephanie Johnson, Associate Athletic Trainer
FB: Highlights v. Bowling Green (9/20/2025)
Saturday, September 20
CAULLIN LACY AND KEYJUAN BROWN Post Game vs. Bowling Green Presser 9.20.25
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Jeff Brohm Postgame vs. Bowling Green Presser 9.20.25
Saturday, September 20
DEANGELO HUTCHINSON AND ANTONIO WATTS Post game vs. Bowling Green Presser 9.20.25
Saturday, September 20
