Swimming’s Bunting selected to NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Training Program

ASHEVILLE N.C. – UNC Asheville swimmer Meredith Bunting has been accepted to the 2021 NCAA's Student-Athlete Leadership Training program. The two-day event will be held virtually from June 17-18.

"When I got the email, I was super excited," Bunting said of her reaction to being accepted into the program. "I know it's a very competitive pool, and I felt really honored to be a part of it."

A double major in psychology and health and wellness, Bunting got involved with the UNC Asheville Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as a freshman, and was the voting representative for the Bulldog Swimming and Diving program in 2020-21. In 2021-22, Bunting will serve as the SAAC Volunteer Coordinator. Bunting's participation with SAAC at UNC Asheville ultimately helped lead to her nomination to apply to this summer's program.

"As one of two underclassmen who were elected to serve on the SAAC Executive team for the 2021-2022 school year, we are excited that Meredith was chosen to participate in the NCAA Leadership conference," said UNC Asheville Athletics Director of Compliance Erin Spence. "She will learn skills that she can apply as she helps lead our student-athlete advisory committee as volunteer coordinator for the 2021-2022 and as she continues to grow as a leader and advocate for all the UNC Asheville student athletes over her remaining time with the Bulldogs."

The NCAA program, which includes 300 total people, is comprised of just over 200 current NCAA Student-Athletes across all three divisions. College athletics administrators, who were also eligible for the program, make up the remanding spots in the program. The two-day event will focus on leadership styles, specifically how each person can benefit from understanding their own respective leadership approach.

"I'm hoping to be able to identify my personal unique leadership traits to help myself as a leader," said Bunting. "If you are able to lead yourself, it sets the pathway for others to follow. I think this program will help equip me with skills to lead effectively while at UNC Asheville and well beyond professionally."

A native of Lewisville, N.C., Bunting helped the Bulldogs post a record of 4-1-1 overall during the 2020-21 season of competition, posting some of her best times at the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association Championships (Feb. 15-17) as the Bulldogs tied their best finish of fourth place overall.

"We are proud of Meredith's involvement with SAAC and are excited she is receiving the opportunity to attend the NCAA Leadership Program this summer," said UNC Asheville Swimming and Diving Head Coach Elizabeth Lykins. "Meredith is a strong student and great representative for our team and University."

To read more about the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Training program, click here.