FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University men’s soccer standout Emilio Blanco (Fr., Weston, Fla.) was selected to represent the Sunshine State Conference at the 2015 NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in Orlando, Florida from April 9-12.
According to the NCAA, “The NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum engages a diverse and dynamic representation of student-athletes, coaches, faculty and administrators. Student-athletes selected to attend Leadership Forum return to campus with invaluable leadership skills, the experience of exploring the relationship between personal values, core beliefs and behavioral styles, and a thorough understanding of the NCAA as a whole, the different divisional perspectives and the valuable role of Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAAC).
“The Leadership Forum, created in 1997, has been a life-changing experience for nearly 5,000 student-athletes, many who have grown personally and professionally, gained a new network of peers and friends, as well as felt the rewards and importance of community service.”
Blanco was nominated by Associate Athletic Director/SWA Kelley Kish and ultimately selected for displaying great potential in leadership on the field and around campus. As a freshman this past fall, Blanco was an immediate starter for NSU and the only player on the roster to start in all 17 matches. He logged a team-best 1,420 minutes played, almost 100 minutes more than anyone else on the team.
“Emilio will be an outstanding representative for the Sunshine State Conference at the NCAA Leadership Forum,” said head coach Giuseppe DePalo. “He is the true definition of a student-athlete. A role model on and off the field, he has quickly earned the trust and respect of his teammates and coaches alike. His leadership qualities are demonstrated through his actions. He is an example to other student-athletes and has the ability to have people want to follow him.
“His growth potential is limitless and we are all extremely excited about seeing him continue to learn and develop, as a student, person and player.”