GROW Leadership Program
Student-athletes participated in a year-long leadership program. The student-athletes challenged themselves to step out of their comfort zone and GROW as a leader. They engaged in a wide range of professional development activities that can be applied to everyday life. They learned about emotional intelligence, core values, strengths based leadership, and how to enhance their crucial conversations. They took assessments on DiSC, Strengths Based Leadership, and their communication style under stress.
Leah Sterling, Synchronized Swimming
"The GROW program taught me that there are many aspects to being a great leader and by examining each of those facets you can grow upon yourself and help push others to grow as well. There’s much more than meets the eye when it comes to being a leader and identifying your own strengths and weaknesses allows you to support those around you better."
Cardinal Test Flight
Student-athletes participated in a virtual mock interview process led by a Head Coach or Athletic Administrator. They received valuable feedback after the interview. Student-athletes were evaluated on their resume, appearance and poise on the virtual call, skill presentation, and delivery and language.
Uzoma Okere, Football
"The Cardinal Test Flight is truly a hidden gem. I was interviewed by a staff member who had experience with the real world and since I will be out there soon, the valuable knowledge and feedback she shared helped me refine my interview skills and lead to making a lasting impression on my next interviewer."
Athletes in Mentorship (AIM)
The mission of the AIM freshman mentor program is to assist freshmen student-athletes with their transition into college. The AIM program goals are to: create a safe and healthy environment, provide education on key topics, help teammates find resources, increase academic and social engagement, promote involvement in the campus community, and enhance Cardinal spirit. The AIM mentor pairs met at least ten times throughout the academic year with guided trainings and questions. Topics that were discussed included: embracing change, remote learning and working, study tips and organization, mental health, getting involved, relationship building, growth mindset and much more!
Tah Mac Bright, Football
"My experience in the AIM program was great. My mentor/teammate Uzi made sure our relationship went further than what was required. There are things in life that I’ve had struggles with and have been comfortable enough to seek help for and my mentor really guided me in those things. No matter the situation I had someone to help me. The program opened us to having conversations we wouldn’t usually have as teammates and I’m glad I joined."
Student-athletes completed 4,895 service hours this year amid a worldwide pandemic. Student-athletes made a surplus of donations to the San Antonio Food Bank, Child Safe of San Antonio, and Haven for Hope. They participated in virtual service opportunities as well as multiple service leaning initiatives. To make matters even better, student-athletes assisted at over 70 home sporting events! UIW student-athletes made this year a success in multiple ways. Our top service performers were the Volleyball team and Men's Basketball team who completed 372 and 310 service hours respectively. To top that off, our highest service earner this year was a freshman student-athlete! Carolina Geyer has set the university ablaze with her service. Hear from her and head coaches below about their service involvement.
Carolina Geyer, Women's Fencing
"Community service creates a family of friends and mentors, and it is an amazing opportunity to engage in different types of activities. I challenged myself to participate in as many activities as possible because I wanted to experience adventures while campus slowly reopened. My favorite service opportunities were helping operate athletic games since they were active, fun, and I loved knowing my impact allowed athletes to play their passionate sport. Serving is more than an activity to participate for credit; it is a chance to interact with several people, strengthen a focus beyond self towards the interest of others, and expand your self-confidence by getting involved and trying new things."
Samantha Dabbs-Thomas, Head Volleyball Coach
“This past year has been hard on everybody and with all the new policies and procedures, every day task became difficult. Our program made the decision to still insert ourselves into the community as much as we could while keeping everyone safe. Whether it was virtually or in person my players showed up with a mask on and smiling with their eyes!”
Carson Cunningham, Head Men's Basketball Coach
"As a program, we're grateful to be part of a university that puts such value on community service - the Sisters have led the way for many decades & that permeates on through our entire school. Our players have been really receptive to helping out & we're grateful for that, too. Thank you Incarnate Word Life Skills for acknowledging their efforts."
Marissa Watters, SAAC President
“What a year it has been. When COVID-19 hit the States and our campus last March, I had no idea what the future of SAAC would look like for the 2020-21 academic year. With so much of our work being in-person initiatives and services, we had to learn how to adapt and overcome, and that we did." Some of SAAC's accomplishments include:
- Hosted 3 Athletics Open Forums to keep student-athletes informed of changes within the department and university
- Led 8 Virtual Word Wednesdays
- Collaborated with UTSA to donate $1500 to the San Antonio Food Bank
- Aided in voting and Life Skills initiatives
- Participated in the NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Campaign
- Started Hump day Giveaways to interact with our student population
- Hosted an Amazon Gift Drive to donate 140 gifts to San Antonio Child Safe
- Donated and created Cardinal Care Kits for 100 people without homes
- Adopted 2 elementary students to make their wishes come true
- Celebrated National Student Athlete day with donuts and our peers
- Learned about our Strengths based Leadership
- Completed 752 community service hours as a SAAC group!
"Words cannot express how incredibly proud I am of this organization. Each member has left a lasting impact not only on their team but this organization, athletics, and university."
Ese Akpoyoware, Vice President
"Adopt-A-Kid was an eye opening experience for both SAAC and myself. It addressed and met the needs of two families that both have experienced trial and hardship. To be in a position where we can help provide some type of comfort, relief, and hope to another family is humbling. I am proud to be apart of an organization that is active and attentive to the needs of the communities around us."
Iliana Stowers, Community Service Chair
"Being a part of the Cardinal Care Kits initiative was such an awesome opportunity and experience. Knowing that we are serving and making an impact in our community is such a great feeling. I am so proud of SAAC for making this initiative happen and for going above and beyond to exceed our expectations!"
Alyssa Carlin, Volleyball
"I couldn’t imagine a better place to call home these past four years. UIW has impacted me more than I ever knew was possible. I grew as a person, teammate, student, and friend. I will forever cherish every moment and opportunity spent at this amazing university and I am extremely grateful for all that it has done for me and all that it has provided me."
Tom Bibby, Men's Soccer
"I would like to thank UIW for providing me with the platform to grow into who I am today, as and athlete and as a person. In my 5 years at UIW I was faced with challenges on and off the field, and I am grateful for every win, tie and loss, for they all provided a lesson to grow and learn from. I’m excited for what the future holds and will never forget my time here at this great school."
Natalia Vega, Synchronized Swimming
"I couldn’t be more grateful to UIW for the experience it gave me. The support system I got allowed me to be a better student in the classroom and athlete in the pool. In these 4 years, UIW became my home and the people I met here became my family. Thank you to my coaches, teammates, teachers, and athletics staff for all being a part of this incredible journey."
Cody Graham, Men's Basketball
"Not being from San Antonio, I did not know what to expect in my years at UIW. However, what I experienced was an extension of my family. My teachers, coaches, and advisors welcomed me with open arms. UIW provided me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be successful in my career and I will be forever grateful. UIW is a pillar of community and I cherish the relationships I created in my four years there."
Jade Piper, Women's Soccer
"My experience at UIW has been awesome. The people I’ve met and the memories I’ve made will stay with me forever. My professors, coaches and mentors have taught me more than I could ever ask for. I have developed into a better person because of them. UIW has not only allowed me to grow as person but given me the opportunity to do much more in my next journey. I appreciate all the things I’ve done and people I’ve met because of UIW."
Rodney Littlejohn, Men's Track
“My experience at UIW has been a life changing one. Over the years, I faced trials and tribulations of many sorts. Those times taught me the importance of patience, prayer, and perseverance. With the available resources and support from the UIW community, I became the person I am today. Thank you UIW!”
Genevieve Pena, Women's Swimming Alum
- Grad year: 2017
- Degree: B.S. Rehabilitative Sciences, minor in Nutrition
- Job Title/Organization/City: Pediatric Physical Therapist at Beelieve Pediatric Therapy, Fort Worth, TX and Physical Therapist at S2S Functional Performance in Flower Mound, TX
- Job responsibilities: Getting to work with children and adults of all ages improve their ability to successfully participate in their community whatever that may look like for them! Whether it is learning to walk, run, improve their balance, return to sport, or create an active lifestyle, I am honored to be a small part of their journey.
- Favorite UIW class: Tough choice- but I really liked all my rehab science courses!
"UIW helped me understand how I can balance my passion for not only serving others, but serving my community. I was able to participate in the community in multiple ways that continued to push me to not only be the best student-athlete that I could be, but also the best person that I wanted to be for my future career. The mentors and friends that UIW has provided me with are a constant reminder of how important community is for truly achieving your goals."
Joey Vatanadilok, Men's Tennis Alum
- Grad year: 2018
- Degree: BS Kinesiology
- Job Title/Organization/City: First Lieutenant, USMC / Camp Pendleton, California
- Job responsibilities: Platoon Commander - Lead, mentor, guide and train a platoon of Marines. Directly responsible for the welfare, morale, physical and medical readiness, and deployable readiness of a platoon of Marines.
- Favorite UIW class: Care and Prevention of Injuries
"Being a Cardinal was an esteemed honor and privilege. The tight knit community formed a strong bond of camaraderie amongst all students, staff, and instructors. The institution upheld the highest moral and ethical standards that prepared me for service as a company grade officer in the United States Marine Corps. My four years at UIW directly influenced me to foster a positive and enthusiastic work environment while serving this nation."
Thank you for a great year! We pray you all have a safe and productive summer! Let's get ready for the 2021-22 academic year! - UIW Life Skills