MOUNT OLIVE, North Carolina. --- The University of Mount Olive Odyssey Leadership program successfully graduated 19 student-athletes following the conclusion of the 2020-21 academic and athletic year. The purpose of the Odyssey program is to help potential leaders develop a wide array of skills including self-awareness, confidence, and leadership strategies.

Throughout the 2020-21 school year, student-athletes completed various sessions to grow and expand their leadership skills and capabilities. Those sessions included Communication, Gratitude, DiSC assessment, Resiliency, Values, Struggle to Juggle, and Leadership in Action.

The final session Leadership in Action was structured around discussing scenarios, such as building team chemistry and dealing with team conduct issues, that they may face as team leaders.

The Odyssey Leadership program started in 2011. This year's Odyssey mentors were Jack Casbarro from Baseball and McKenzie Yi from Field Hockey, both Odyssey Leadership Graduates.

2020-21 UMO Odyssey Graduates
Tobi Azeez - Volleyball
Nate Bierly - Cross Country/Track & Field
Ben Dufton-Kelly - Soccer
Neva Hippert - Cross Country/Track & Field
Ivanda Hudjakova - Basketball
Gabrielle Johnson - Cheerleading
Kamden Johnson - Track & Field
Railyn King - Field Hockey
Oliver Mollenhoff - Golf
Madison Morgan - Softball
Greg Normand - Tennis
Jeremiah Phifer - Basketball
Stephanie Rodrigue - Golf
Starr Sergent - Volleyball
Nicole Solicito - Soccer
Danielle Trimbur - Track & Field
Chance Urban - lacrosse
Liza Voloshyna - Tennis
Zach Zoltoski - Baseball