WASHINGTON — For the second consecutive year, American University Athletics was represented at the Women's Sports Foundation's (WSF) Athlete Leadership Connection (ALC), continuing its commitment to providing student-athletes with meaningful opportunities for leadership development and professional growth. Women's soccer student-athlete Mia De Villegas-Decker and track and field student-athlete Hannah Puckett represented the Eagles at the 10th annual conference on October 20 in New York City, following the participation of two AU student-athletes at the event in 2025.

Presented by AT&T, the invitation-only conference brought together collegiate student-athletes, champion athletes, industry leaders and sports professionals for a full day of programming focused on leadership, professional development and preparing women athletes for success beyond competition.

Throughout the conference, De Villegas-Decker and Puckett participated in sessions covering financial literacy, media training, mock interviews and other professional development topics. The program also provided opportunities to connect with student-athletes from universities across the country and build relationships with accomplished athletes and professionals throughout the sports industry.

"We are grateful for the partnership we have built with the Women's Sports Foundation during my time at American University and for the meaningful opportunities it continues to provide our student-athletes," said Patty Medina, Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development & Inclusive Excellence. "Experiences like the Athlete Leadership Connection allow our Eagles to learn from accomplished women in sports, build valuable relationships and develop skills that will serve them well beyond their collegiate careers. We appreciate WSF's continued commitment to empowering the next generation of women leaders in sport."

For Puckett, who hopes to build a career in the sports industry, the opportunity to learn from established women leaders provided both inspiration and a renewed sense of confidence in her professional aspirations.

"Representing American University at the Women's Sports Foundation Athlete Leadership Conference meant a lot to me because I want to build my career in the sports world. Being in a room full of powerful women who are already leading in that space made it feel real. It showed me there's a place for me in this industry, and I was proud to be there as part of the AU community," said Puckett.

One of Puckett's biggest takeaways came from hearing former WNBA champion and executive Swin Cash speak about being the "CEO of me" and the importance of owning your path, particularly as a woman navigating male-dominated spaces.

"Her message was that we have to own our path, figure out what we want, and go after it, because we only get one life," Puckett said. "As someone hoping to work in sports, that's exactly the mindset I want to carry with me."
De Villegas Decker also reflected on the impact of hearing from accomplished women athletes and the importance of using their platforms to create meaningful change.

"My biggest takeaway from the 2026 Athlete Leadership Connection was the opportunity to learn from some of the most intelligent, impactful, and talented female athletes in the world. Hearing their stories reinforced the importance of perseverance, confidence, and using your platform to make a difference," said De Villegas-Decker. "I was inspired by their journeys and the power of supporting and uplifting other women."

The experience aligns with Beyond the Jersey, American University Athletics' student-athlete development initiative designed to prepare Eagles for success in competition and in life. Through leadership development, career readiness, life skills and opportunities for personal growth, the program helps student-athletes build the tools and confidence to navigate their futures beyond collegiate athletics.

For both Eagles, the conference provided more than a day of professional development. It offered an opportunity to envision their futures, build meaningful connections and recognize the impact they can have on the next generation of women in sports.

"I hope to use what I gained to become a stronger leader, advocate for others, and make a lasting, positive impact in my communities and for the next generation of female athletes," De Villegas-Decker added.

Puckett left the conference equally motivated to contribute to the future of the industry.

"I want to be part of growing female representation in this industry, and this conference made me even more excited to help make that happen," she said.

AU Athletics' continued participation in the Athlete Leadership Connection reflects the value of its ongoing partnership with WSF and its commitment to expanding access to professional development experiences for its student-athletes. By connecting Eagles with accomplished women in sports and providing opportunities to strengthen essential career skills, the department supports their growth as leaders both during their collegiate careers and beyond.

About Beyond the Jersey
Beyond the Jersey is American University Athletics' student-athlete development initiative focused on preparing Eagles for life beyond competition. Through programming in leadership, career readiness, personal development and community engagement, Beyond the Jersey supports student-athletes in building meaningful futures during and after their time at AU.