CHESTER, Pa. – On Tues., April 4, Widener Athletic Leadership Initative (W.A.L.I) hosted the fourth annual Leadership Panel. The session was entitled, "Ego Empathy: Learn How the Pride Uses Confidence Effectively."

Widener Athletics defines W.A.L.I. as, "…founded on the principle that collegiate athletics is a breeding ground for aspiring leaders…the student-athlete experience at Widener University has the power to create influential leaders who will implement tangible management skills in their respective communities, careers, and personal lives in profoundly positive ways."

The four alumni panelists were David and John Suckey '98 (men's soccer), Lauren Lucci '08 (track and field), and Matt Stranix '18 (baseball). The Suckey brothers are entrepreneurs, Lucci is a physical therapy assistant, and Stranix is a financial planner. The moderator was junior Nick Brennan, a midfielder on Widener's men's lacrosse team.

Brennan discussed a few questions with the panel before he opened questions to the audience.

One of the topics was if any of the panelists clashed with a teammate and how they resolved it. Stranix explained that a teammate of his tried to take shortcuts when running laps. Even after the players talked to him, this teammate eventually transferred. John Suckey pointed out how one has to listen to their values and check if their egos align with said values.

Another question was about the transition from college to the professional world. When talking about his current job as a financial planner, Stranix asked the audience, rhetorically, "What can we be doing to achieve the goals of our team?" He also wants to make a positive impact on everyone he talks to. Meanwhile, Lucci said she built confidence in helping those in rehab, but it took a while to transition from college to the professional world.

During the portion of audience questions, the panelists tied themes of college athletics to what happens in the "real world." For example, John Suckey said the confidence that sports give a person will go with them beyond an athlete's playing days. David Suckey mentioned awareness, as in being aware if one is staying on course with their purpose.

David Suckey concluded with how proud he is to be a part of the Widener family.