The new professional development program brings athletics professionals together to build skills in communication, mentorship, and student-centered coaching.
The Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) recently launched the inaugural ACM Athletics Academy, convening coaches and other athletics staff from member colleges for a day of connection, reflection, networking, and professional growth centered on their roles as educators and mentors to student-athletes.
Grounded in experiential learning, the Academy combined expert-led sessions, peer dialogue, and applied activities to support student-athletes. Held January 27, 2026, at Lake Forest College, the first event brought together more than 20 athletics staff from Beloit College, Lake Forest College, and Ripon College.
For Melanie Hughes, a second-year head coach of women’s volleyball at Lake Forest College, the experience offered both encouragement and practical insights she can apply to her program. Hughes said she is always looking for ways to grow as a leader, particularly in how she communicates with players, recruits, families, and other professionals.
“I’m certainly feeling equipped,” said Hughes, highlighting the panel discussion on today’s students and the power of language. “Really understanding how to best deliver my messages, show grace and patience where I can—while not sacrificing the standard—those are some things that I am very eager to bring with me to meetings and practices so we can continue to elevate as a program.”
Sessions throughout the in-person workshop considered the many roles that coaches play at small private colleges, ranging from recruiting student-athletes to supporting retention efforts. A panel of student-facing faculty and staff explored how athletics staff can collaborate with partners across campus to meet students’ evolving needs. In the afternoon, participants engaged in an interactive storytelling session focused on strengthening communication skills.
The Athletics Academy responds to a broader reality across ACM campuses, most of which compete in NCAA Division III. In this model, athletics are deeply integrated into the educational experience, with student-athletes balancing rigorous academics, competition in their sport, and other co-curricular activities. Varsity intercollegiate student-athletes represent a significant share of enrollment at ACM institutions, approaching 50% in some cases. Athletics staff play an essential role in mentoring students and supporting their holistic growth and development.
Kyle Langhoff, who was named the head football coach at Beloit College last year, said the Academy created space to reflect on both the rewards and challenges of athletics leadership.
“Being a college athlete is hard,” Langhoff emphasized, noting the high expectations student-athletes face to excel on and off the field. Adding that coaches carry their own pressures from recruiting athletes to winning games, he appreciated the opportunity to learn new approaches and connect with peers from other institutions.
“Across our colleges, student-athletes make up a significant portion of the student body, and the coaches and athletic trainers who support them play an extraordinary role in their development,” said ACM President Lisa Jasinski. “They are recruiters, mentors, educators, and advocates, helping students navigate challenges, build confidence, and grow as leaders. It was energizing to welcome this cohort and invest in professionals who are so dedicated to our students and our campuses.”
Jasinski expressed gratitude to Lake Forest College for hosting the inaugural Academy and to Jim Catanzaro, assistant vice president of athletics and head football coach, for planting the seed for the program.
The Athletics Academy advances ACM’s strategic priority of developing and empowering leadership in liberal arts education. Building on the consortium’s longstanding faculty-focused leadership initiatives, the program expands professional and leadership development opportunities for staff, equipping athletics professionals to lead teams and departments, communicate effectively across stakeholders, and meet the needs of current and future students.
Attendees will continue their learning together in upcoming virtual sessions by designing high-quality plans for their teams and further exploring their role in supporting student success and retention.
ACM will host a second in-person Athletics Academy on May 27, 2026, at Cornell College, creating another opportunity for staff across the consortium to engage in collaborative professional development. ACM athletics professionals interested in participating should speak with their athletic director. More information can be found here.
