Knights Leadership Council 2024-25

“How have you supported your teammates recently?”

That’s one of the common questions that student-athletes in the Knights Leadership Council ask of one another and themselves.

Menlo School Athletics has re-launched its student-athlete advisory committee to develop strong leaders on the field and in the community. The Knights Leadership Council is a dedicated group of 38, composed of coaches’ nominees and recognized team captains, which meets monthly.

Director of Athletics Earl Koberlein and Assistant AD Buffie Ward Williams ’89 serve as moderators and advocates to the council, which provides a platform for student-athletes to discuss and explore ways effective leaders can uplift their teammates, inspire through example, and navigate challenges.

“We’ve discussed how good leaders can inspire teammates and have heard personal examples from council members about their leadership styles and how they’ve seen teammates be good leaders,” said Ward Williams, who was a captain and student leader when she was at Menlo. “We’ve also talked about the fact that sometimes, being a leader or captain can be hard, the ways in which it is hard and strategies to navigate those tricky situations.”

Scarlett Bundy, a senior who has competed in flag football, lacrosse, and track & field during her years at Menlo highlighted the supportive environment of the council.

“It’s been a very positive experience, and I would say it’s a safe space because everyone in there I know is qualified, has been a captain, and I’ve seen how they work in their position, and how they have led,” she said. “Buffie and Earl do a really great job of making it seem like it’s a space where everyone’s opinions matter and everyone counts. Definitely a great room to be in with good vibes.”

Embracing leadership styles

The council has also talked about different types of leaders, recognizing that not all lead in the same fashion and the need on a team for a variety of leadership styles.

“I envision the leadership team contributing to the school community by fostering a more inclusive environment and by leading by example especially to underclassmen,” said junior Yuanye Ma, who plays tennis. “I think that the topics that have been brought up in KLC for me have been eye-opening and have made me more conscious of how I can be more of a leader.”

A key element of the council is its collaborative nature. “From the beginning of the year, we have asked the Council what topics they would like to discuss. It’s a two-way forum for sure,” emphasized Ward Williams. This approach ensures that the content is relevant and engaging for the student-athletes.”

Since its launch in October, the council has welcomed guest speakers, including a Positive Coaching Alliance trainer and former Stanford tennis player Peter Wood, who shared insights and led exercises on being a supportive teammate. These sessions, coupled with open discussions, have fostered a sense of vulnerability and shared learning.

“The response has been very positive. I see the student-athletes very engaged and willing to be vulnerable as they learn from each other, the guest presenters and the athletic administrators,” Koberlein said. “I think the topics that have fostered the most interest have been how to hold yourself accountable and how to make your teammates better (fill people’s emotional tanks).”

A crucial aspect of student-athlete leadership lies in fostering a culture of empathy and support.

“I feel that the leadership team has primarily contributed to the school community by entering our athletic and academic spaces with greater consideration for others,” said Connor Burks, a junior who plays water polo and swims. “A significant portion of our discussion has centered itself on how to support others, on athletic teams and in day to day life, as well as how we can combat harmful behaviors from peers.”

Scenario work

Discussions have extended beyond theoretical concepts, incorporating practical applications through role-play. “We do a lot of scenario work, we provide opinions on scenarios, where there isn’t always just one correct answer, but of course there’s maybe more of like a better angled approach that you can take,” Bundy explained.

The council also addresses the emotional side of leadership.

“We also talk about emotions a lot because it’s not just the performance on the field that matters. It’s the well-being of the player inside, and then that can kind of translate into how they’re playing on the field,” Bundy said. “We talk a lot about fueling tanks and draining tanks, and how there are teammates that can lift you up and there are teammates that either directly or indirectly, bring you down. We talk about how to be a good teammate, you need to be able to fill someone’s tank.” 

Even beyond the immediate team dynamic, the lessons of leadership hold significant potential for broader community impact.

”I’ve seen members be more active to keep teammates focused during practice, while still having fun,” Burks added. “More broadly, I imagine that the concepts we’ve learned would extend socially to make people more supportive of others and less tolerant of disrespect within the community.”

Ultimately, the goal of the Knights Leadership Council is to empower student-athletes to become impactful leaders both on and off the field. “I’d like them to come away with self-awareness and self-reflection, and feel empowered to put whatever leadership strategies into action that work for them and their team,” Ward Williams concluded. “I’d also hope they are now keenly aware that their actions both on and off the playing fields have a large impact upon the success of their teams and the culture that is created within.”