EUGENE – The Second annual Captains Camp concluded last Saturday at North Eugene High School, where team captains and aspiring captains from Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) member schools across the state gained insights and skill development on leadership through inspiring local role models, energizing break out sessions, and a revival of school spirit.
“We don’t think that there’s enough education around what it means to be a captain,” said Missy Smith, OSAA assistant executive director. “A lot of times we say to high school kids, ‘Okay, you’re a captain, go lead.’ Okay. Does that mean I get the water? Does that mean I boss people around? … Every kid is a leader. It doesn’t matter if you have a captain title. All these skills that we’re talking about make you a better leader and a better team.”
Sofia Bell, playing her junior year with the University of Oregon women’s basketball team, was the keynote speaker. She is also an exemplar off the court – she graduated with a business degree concentrating on finance in only two years at UO. She is now in Oregon’s MBA program.
“The most important (quality) is to be a servant leader first,” Bell told the student/athletes on Saturday. “Focus on serving others, serving your teammates, and leading by example. It’s hard to lead others if you’re not following your own leadership.”
‘Intentional leadership’ focus of OSAA event
