By Donald Gilpin

With an emphasis on cultivating leadership skills through sports, the “She Leads, She Wins” Girls Athletics and Leadership Conference will take place at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Stuart is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever middle school girls’ leadership conference and athletics clinics, an exciting and inspiring event designed to empower young women both on and off the field,” said Stuart Interim Director of Athletics Missy Bruvik. “This unique program will encourage middle school girls to try new sports, take risks, and develop leadership skills that will serve them well in athletics, academics, and beyond.”

Sponsored and organized by the National Center for Girls’ Leadership at Stuart, along with LaunchBreak and LetHerPlay, the event is designed to empower middle school female athletes in grades 5-8.

Participants will spend the morning on April 26 refining their skills in basketball, cross country, tennis, field hockey, or lacrosse, led by Stuart’s coaching staff. The afternoon will include a keynote address by Gia Fruscione, Stuart 1996 graduate, a member of Stuart’s Athletics Hall of Fame, and also founder and executive director of LetHerPlay. Interactive leadership development sessions fostering teamwork, resilience, and confidence will also be featured in the afternoon.

“It is critical for young girls to experience firsthand how sports participation builds leadership skills and to learn from women who have developed confidence, resilience, and teamwork through athletics,” said Marissa Muoio, director of the National Center for Girls’ Leadership at Stuart. “The link between sports and leadership is well documented, and we are fortunate to partner with LaunchBreak and LetHerPlay to bring visibility to this path for girls. Beyond the well-being benefits of sports, we see how participation fosters discipline, collaboration, and the ability to navigate challenges — essential traits of strong leaders.”

Describing the event as “a celebration of collaboration, mentorship, and empowerment,” Bruvik promised athletic growth in the morning, leadership development in the afternoon, and lunch provided for all participants in between.

“Our sports clinics will offer expert coaching tailored to all skill levels, from beginners picking up a stick or a racquet for the first time to seasoned athletes eager to refine their techniques and prepare for high school competition,” Bruvik wrote in an email. “These sessions will be led by experienced Stuart coaches and accomplished Stuart players, creating an engaging and supportive environment for young athletes to build confidence and skills.”

The afternoon sessions, Bruvik said, will be led by Stuart alumni “who credit athletics as an integral part of their success stories.” They will discuss how sports helped them to acquire leadership abilities and resilience and to achieve personal growth.

Featured speakers will include Kelly Fitzpatrick — Stuart Hall of Fame member and former field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse player — who will speak about leadership and her role models; Lauren Klein, Stuart basketball alumna now playing for Susquehanna University, who will discuss communication, teamwork, and balancing academics with athletics; and Michelle Kwafo, a former Stuart track and field athlete who attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and is a national champion in the 100 meter dash, who will speak about self-confidence and overcoming challenges.

To register and learn more about the Girls Athletics and Leadership Conference at Stuart, including group rates and sponsorship opportunities, visit stuartschool.org/galc.