Amherst, N.Y. - Daemen College Head Women's Soccer Coach Dan Dolan recently attended the 2016 NCAA Division II Identity Workshop, a professional development retreat for coaches held at NCAA Headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind. from June 22-24.
The workshop, a first-of-its-kind offering from the NCAA for Division II coaches, featured leadership training, best practices for community engagement opportunities, social media training and risk management training. Dolan was one of approximately 60 coaches from across the country to attend as each Division II conference was asked to send three representatives.
"It was truly an honor to represent Daemen College and the East Coast Conference at this prestigious event held by the NCAA," Dolan said. "I found the experience to be eye-opening and engaging, and it was great to hear from other industry professionals about what sets us apart as Division II coaches and institutions, as opposed to other levels. We talked about issues that are incredibly relevant to today's collegiate athletics environment, and as a coach, I don't think you can ever stop growing as a leader, so the leadership development piece was especially worthwhile. I would certainly recommend this workshop to any of my fellow coaches who are interested in attending future sessions."
In addition to discussions of relevant topics with industry professionals such as Terri Steeb Gronau, vice president of Division II, Maritza Jones, director of Division II, and Jill Wilson, president of Double L Consulting, attendees were asked to take part in team challenges, working together to brainstorm community engagement and game day environment ideas.
Attendees were also presented with a session focusing on the resources available to them as Division II coaches, and a lengthy discussion of academic and membership affairs.
In attending, Dolan becomes just the latest Daemen representative to benefit from the different programming provided by the NCAA. In April, women's basketball player Rachel Pawlak (North Tonawanda, N.Y./Niagara-Wheatfield) was one of approximately 300 student-athletes from schools across the country to attend the NCAA Leadership Forum, held this year in Phoenix, Arizona. Then, last month, Pawlak was joined by teammate Somara Colon (Bronx, N.Y./Mott Haven Village Prep) and women's volleyball player Alicia Contreras (Arcadia, Calif./Arcadia) in attending the NCAA Career in Sports Forum, also held in Indianapolis.
Dolan will enter his eighth season leading the women's soccer program at Daemen this fall. He's led the Wildcats to a 67-61-4 record in his tenure.
Provided by the Daemen Sports Information Department.
