By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech women's soccer defender Bella Garrett has been selected to represent the Golden Eagle athletic department and the Ohio Valley Conference at the 2024 NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in Baltimore, Md. from April 11-14.
Garrett joins Chad Smith from Eastern Illinois as the two student-athletes who will be attending the forum from the Ohio Valley Conference.
On the field, Garrett is in the midst of her third season in the purple and gold, helping the Tech squad post back-to-back OVC regular-season titles last year and this year. Garrett and her teammates are set to defend their home pitch in the OVC Tournament semifinals on Thursday.
An active member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Garrett has also volunteered at several community service and outreach events, including the Haunted Half Marathon, Purple Palooza, campus tours, and an Earth Day pick-up, just to name a few.
In the classroom, Garrett currently sports a 3.23 GPA while majoring in marketing with a minor in merchandising and design. She also volunteers as an academic tutor.
Across the three-day weekend, attending student-athletes, conference administrators and coaches will improve their capabilities as leaders that will help them grow personally, professionally, and athletically.
Participants will take part in a forum-wide community service project, learn the ins and outs of the NCAA, and hear from resonant keynote speakers who will share powerful and valuable stories about their journeys through sports.
The trip comes at no cost to the participants, member schools or the conferences as the NCAA covers all expenses.
The Leadership Forum, created in 1997, has been a life-changing experience for more than 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.
Photo by Jim Dillon
