GORHAM, Maine – Three University of Southern Maine student-athletes have been chosen to participate in the NCAA's 2021 Student-Athlete Leadership Training (SALT) program June 17-18.  Sophomores Hannah Shields (Buckfield, Maine) and Rona Scott (Beverly, Mass.) of the Huskies' softball team and freshman Franny Ramsdell (Wells, Maine) of the women's basketball team will each participate in the two-day virtual immersive leadership training.

The theme of the 2021 developmental program is "What's Your Leadership DNA?"  Program outcomes are set to provide participating student-athletes with opportunities to discover their leadership style and identity, and to equip each participant with the skills needed to thrive as a leader on campus, within their teams, and in their next steps as they complete their undergraduate education.  Already taking active leadership roles within their respective teams and on campus, all three student-athletes are members of the Huskies' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and will use the two-day training to sharpen their personal development skills to prepare them for various roles on and off the field of competition.

Shields, a Nursing major, was recently voted in as the next SAAC President, while Scott, a Biology Education major and a 2021 first team All-LEC pick, was recently elected as the student group's Treasurer.  Scott is also a member of the team's five-person leadership group. Both Shields and Scott helped lead the Huskies' softball team to a historic 2021 season that included the team's first Little East Conference regular season championship since 1998 and its first trip to the NCAA tournament in 22 years. 

"Hannah has been a tremendous leader not only for our softball program but for the athletic department. She is an example for our all student-athletes maintaining an exceptional GPA as a nursing major, and excelling on the field," said USM head softball coach Sarah Jamo.  "She is a team player and puts in an extra effort in all she does."

"From the moment Rona became a Husky, she has made an impact," said Jamo of her first baseman.  "She has an infectious personality, and is consistent, committed and selfless in everything she does.  She is one of the strongest teammates I have ever coached, and her presence on the field makes everyone else stronger."

Recently completing her first year at Southern Maine, Ramsdell, a Mike Direnzo and Bob Butler Award winner from Wells HS, quickly established herself as an emerging leader in the USM Athletics community.  Twice earning the team's Rookie of the Week honor during its abbreviated six-game COVID-19 schedule, Ramsdell volunteered with Special Olympics Maine for its 2021 Virtual Basketball Skills Competition, and participated in the National Girls and Women in Sports Day. She is a Business Management major.

"Franny established herself as a tremendous leader in the Wells community throughout her high school career, and she's ready to build upon that foundation during her time at USM," said Samantha Norris, head women's basketball coach and SAAC Advisor.  " She has gained confidence in her first year of college and shown herself to be a dedicated student, a tough competitor, a dependable member of SAAC, and a friendly and inclusive volunteer with Special Olympics basketball.  We are excited to see her grow in her leadership skills with this event."

Nominated for participation by USM Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Kim Turner, each student-athlete, Scott, Shields and Ramsdell, will engage with keynote speakers, participate in a virtual community service event, break out into focus groups, and take part in an impactful schedule of curriculum activities over the two days.

"Hannah, Rona and Franny have quickly shown themselves to be leaders on campus and within their teams," said Turner.  "As student-athletes they have each recognized very early on in their careers that they have a platform to engage their peers in a positive way.  Each of these young women are outstanding members of our community and I look forward to their continued growth in leadership roles in sport and in their futures.