University of Richmond Athletics
Spiders Challenged to “Leave Their Mark” at Leadership Kickoff Event
09/01/2026 | General, Spider Performance
RICHMOND, Va. — "I don't think your mark is something you decide to leave at the end," Coordinator for Leadership Development and Engagement Jalynn Spaulding told Spider student-athletes at last week's Leadership Cohort kickoff event. "You're leaving it every single day through the way you show up, the way you treat people, the way you respond when things don't go your way, the way you use your voice, the way you make people feel and the way you choose to lead."
Spaulding was introducing "Leave Your Mark," the theme that will guide Richmond Athletics' leadership programming throughout the 2026-27 academic year. The concept challenges student-athletes to recognize that leadership is about more than accomplishments, titles or recognition. Instead, it is found in the consistent actions that shape teams, strengthen relationships and create lasting change.
Women's golf coach Calle Barlow delivered the event's keynote address after being introduced by junior golfer Katie Magner. Barlow emphasized that leadership is measured by how leaders improve the people around them, challenging student-athletes to "leave the jersey better than you found it" by positively influencing their teammates and program.
Barlow also reminded the group that adversity and failure are unavoidable parts of leadership and often provide the greatest opportunities for growth. Her message encouraged the Spiders to build their legacies through the people they impact, not simply through victories or statistics.
During a reflection activity, student-athletes considered one of the central questions behind this year's theme: "What do you want people to say changed because of you?"
"The kickoff event was an inspiring and motivating way to start the year," said women's soccer senior Gwen Howell. "With this year's focus on 'Leave Your Mark,' I'm looking forward to understanding more about how we can make a lasting impact on our teammates, programs and everyone around us."
"The leadership kickoff really resonated with me, especially with the football season and games starting up," said football's Lee Bruner IV. "After hearing the speech, I got to reflect on my own practice habits and the standard I want to set. We've got a lot of young, inexperienced freshmen who haven't learned that standard yet, and I see it as my job to help instill it in them."
The kickoff was the first of several leadership events planned for the academic year. Cohort members will participate in skills-based training, one-on-one mentoring sessions and check-in meetings before coming together for a leadership graduation celebrating their growth at the end of the year. Leadership programming for student-athletes is an integral part of Spider Performance, Richmond Athletics' student-athlete success program.
