About Dukes Lead 

Student-Athlete Development is committed to the holistic growth and development of James Madison University student-athletes through career readiness, community service, human development and leadership enhancement. The transformative experiences under Dukes Lead serve to equip, engage and empower student-athletes and teams to unleash their full potential. 

Dukes Mentor Dukes 

Building Connections. Creating Opportunities. Developing Dukes. 

Dukes Mentor Dukes connects JMU student-athletes with alumni, professionals, and industry leaders who can provide guidance, perspective, and support as they navigate their personal and professional journeys. 

Our goal: Build a vast network of Dukes supporters who can help provide every student-athlete with access to meaningful mentorship during their time at JMU. 

Career Readiness 

Preparing Dukes for What's Next 

Dukes Lead provides student-athletes with opportunities to develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed to navigate their careers after sport. 

Programming includes: 

• Career and employer networking events 

• Internship and career exploration opportunities 

• Alumni engagement and professional networking 

• Career treks and corporate partner visits 

• Job shadowing and workplace experiences 

• Professional development workshops 

Every experience helps student-athletes turn what they have learned through sport into skills they can carry into their careers and communities. 

Student-Athlete Advocacy Committee (SAAC) 

Empowering the Student-Athlete Voice 

Student-Athlete Advocacy Committee (SAAC) is a student-led leadership organization representing student-athletes across all JMU Athletics programs. 

SAAC provides a platform for student-athletes to use their voices to create positive change within JMU Athletics, the Sun Belt Conference, and the NCAA. 

Through community outreach, peer education, advocacy, policy discussion, and collaboration, SAAC members help strengthen the student-athlete experience for their teammates and peers. 

When student-athletes have a seat at the table, everyone benefits. 

RISE Women's Leadership Academy 

Lift as We Rise 

RISE is a cohort-based leadership development program designed to encourage and empower female student-athletes at James Madison University. 

Facilitated by JMU Student-Athlete Development, RISE creates a community where women can build meaningful connections, explore their leadership identities, learn from one another, and develop the confidence to lead both in and beyond athletics. 

Each cohort participates in intentional leadership development experiences centered on topics relevant to women navigating leadership, relationships, careers, and life beyond sport. 

“RISE Women’s Leadership Academy was an incredible opportunity that quickly became a highlight of my routine. Having a place to participate in peer discussions, build connections, and learn from the experiences of other impactful female leaders allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my own strengths. Every meeting reminded me that thriving is not just about my own growth, but about using that progress to lift others – and to keep advancing every day.” 

— Cassidy Strittmatter ('25), Field Hockey