Union Catholic, which has embarked on a new leadership initiative, is very excited to announce a partnership with the 925 Leaders.
The 925 Leaders, whose mission is to inspire and equip students to become genuine, authentic leaders on their teams, clubs and in life; and provide effective tools and training to those who serve them, recently sent two members of their team, Sterling Brown, the CEO and Founder, and motivational speaker Tim Alexander (TA) to speak with coaches, club moderators, and all the students at Union Catholic.
In 2011, Brown pioneered the first full-time NCAA Division I Character Development program in the country (Kennesaw State University) where he served as Director of Character Development for over a decade. In that role, he oversaw the development and implementation of programming aimed at student-athlete leader development, improving team culture, and increased community engagement. He has advised leaders seeking to develop similar programs at dozens of schools and spoken on topics ranging from leadership to understanding and connecting with the next generation at over 60 different campuses.
Through his genuine, authentic style, Sterling empowers leaders and helps teams improve performance. He is passionate about teaching how to best connect with the next generation, helping leaders identify and implement their values, and providing students with the tools to improve their leadership, teamwork and performance.
Alexander is one of the most inspiring people you could ever hope to meet. A native of Birmingham Alabama, Timothy attended Erwin High School and was ranked the #8 high school football player in the state. As a 5-star athlete, Timothy had the opportunity to play for any college in the country; however, he was involved in a life changing car accident in 2006, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. From that point on, Timothy would discover his new purpose in life while paralyzed.
His incredible story is not one of tragedy, but of triumph. His drive helped him earn a Division I college football scholarship when many believed that dream was impossible due to his injuries.
He is a living example of his trademark quote: "We don’t need it to be easy, we just need it to be possible."
Alexander has been featured on ESPN's College GameDay, he's won an Emmy Award, has given a TEDx talk, written a best-selling book, appeared on Netflix's Last Chance U, and spoken all over the world to tens of thousands of students, athletes and leaders.
TA has presented at conferences, to professional and intercollegiate sports teams, Middle & High schools, and events across the country on a wide array of subjects. From overcoming adversity, to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, TA shines when teaching on grit, resilience and the power of our minds to influence our attitudes and outcomes.
Alexander delivered a passionate, energetic, heartfelt, powerful and inspirational message to the UC students about overcoming adversity, mental toughness, kindness, how to be the best version of yourself and to be all God calls you to be.
Brown and TA certainly made a great first impression and lasting one on their first trip to Union Catholic. So much so that when Alexander finished his speech, UC students, faculty, and staff were so moved by his story and his message that they lined up to hug and high-five him and pose for photos with him.
Students, faculty and staff are ecstatic about UC’s partnership with the 925 Leaders.
"The 925 Leaders, Sterling and TA, came to Union Catholic and far exceeded any expectations I had,'' said UC Assistant Principal Dr. Jim Reagan Jr. "Our coaches, club moderators, and faculty were engaged from the first moment of their presentation, and our students were moved and motivated like I've never seen them before. We eagerly anticipate their return to Union Catholic and are very excited about the partnership that we have with the 925 Leaders. This new leadership program differentiates Union Catholic from every other school. This is an opportunity for our students and for our school to push forward and improve our leadership capacity in this ever changing world.''
“I feel like through the years we have always prided ourselves in having the best for our kids,’’ said Union Catholic Athletic Director Dave Luciano. “And after seeing the 925 Leadership group, Sterling and TA, interact with our coaches, with our students, and with our athletes, it was extremely evident to me that they are the best. I feel extremely comfortable knowing that when it comes to leadership, when it comes to being a good teammate, when it comes to dealing with the stresses of life or the stresses of academics or the stresses of sports, our students are in the best hands with the 925 Leaders.’’
“I found TA to be one of the most inspirational speakers that I have heard here at UC,’’ said UC junior Reina Smith. “Some of my key takeaways from his overall message was that our mindset is the most impactful thing in our lives and that remaining stagnant is a choice. Whatever we do, it is important to keep moving forward. I even found myself taking notes on what he was saying. Some of my favorite quotes were, "They were being thermometers, I had to be a thermostat," "If you move and your mindset doesn't change, you've done this move an injustice," "If you can look up, you can get up" and "It's not about what they call you, it's about what you respond to." I felt that these were extremely powerful and really emphasized the importance of staying "intentional about [our] intentions." In my future, I will remain forward thinking and never believe that I have been defeated because if I can dream it, I can be it regardless of what stands in my way.''
“My takeaways were the importance of creating a vision, developing resilience and a growth mindset,’’ said Dr. Jennifer Dixon, UC’s Director of School Counseling. “Goal setting and supporting our peers/teammates will help us be better together! I am hopeful that this partnership will provide tools and support for faculty, staff, coaches parents and students when working together celebrating our victories and in the challenging times as well.’’
“I was so impressed with both Sterling and TA,’’ said faculty member Kathy Webber. “During the two presentations, they immediately connected with our students and engaged them from the moment they entered the auditorium. TA's story was not only inspiring, but also relatable in that his journey has not been easy with many obstacles. I think that this partnership with 925 will allow our students who may not have thought of themselves as leaders to find the confidence to try to step up and succeed. I'm going to check out TA's book Ever Faithful, Ever Loyal. I think it could be a great addition to our summer reading program!’’
“Sterling and TA. are not only tremendous speakers but they are tremendous people,’’ said Tim Breza, a faculty member and coach at UC. “The wealth of knowledge they both share and level of commitment to the growth of our student leaders, is only making an already great Union Catholic, even greater. I am so excited for their continued support to Union Catholic and I am so excited to see what comes next!’’