This past spring, Emory University's Eagle Edge Leadership Ambassador Program empowered a standout trio of student-athletes—
Mitchell Smallwood,
Katherine Martini, and
Dakota Fordham—through a transformative mentorship experience with Emory alum Corey Spraggins. The program didn't just enhance their professional readiness—it ignited purpose, sharpened their leadership, and reminded them of the power of their lived experience as student-athletes.
At the heart of the program was connection: bridging current Eagles with alumni who've walked similar paths. Spraggins, a former Emory student-athlete and recipient of the prestigious Thomas McDonough Award, designed the experience with a clear mission.
"My passion for helping others, especially in a mentorship capacity, was the primary inspiration," he shared. "Student-athletes are uniquely positioned to lead—not just in competition, but in life. I wanted to give back in a way that prepared them to lead with intention and confidence."
From Self-Doubt to Self-Worth
Mitchell Smallwood - Baseball
For
Mitchell Smallwood, the program offered something deeper than a résumé boost. It gave him a new lens on his identity.
"Before the program, I felt behind. I even questioned whether my time as a student-athlete was holding me back professionally," he reflected. "But I came to see that athletics gave me valuable strengths—resilience, time management, communication—and this program taught me how to turn those into authentic stories."
A key moment of growth came during a panel the group led at Decatur High School.
"Giving advice to younger students forced me to reflect on my own path," Smallwood said. "I realized that many of the things I've done, which felt normal to me, were actually unique and valuable. That experience helped me see my worth more clearly."
His one-on-one mentorship with Spraggins was equally impactful. "Because he genuinely listened, he was able to offer tailored advice that gave me clarity and confidence. It was game-changing."
Beyond the Court, Into the Future
Katherine Martini – Women's Basketball
For Women's Basketball standout
Katherine Martini, the Ambassador Program reinforced how the game prepares student-athletes for life beyond it.
"The skills you learn in sports—work ethic, communication, teamwork—translate beyond the court and set you up for a successful career," she said. "The Ambassador Program helped me navigate through my concerns and misconceptions of the recruiting process, which ultimately helped me land an internship."
She especially appreciated the chance to connect with younger athletes.
"It was meaningful to give them advice on what to expect going to the college level. That connection and mentorship piece really stuck with me."
As graduation approaches, Katherine sees the program as a timely support system. "For many athletes, sports have always come first. This program offers the support and coaching we need to build leadership and career readiness before that final whistle blows."
Leading with Confidence and Clarity
Dakota Fordham - Women's Tennis
"One big takeaway for me was learning how to lead with both confidence and empathy," said
Dakota Fordham. "And how to align my values with my leadership style, which helped me build even stronger connections with my teammates at Emory and the people around me."
For Dakota, the most impactful part of the program wasn't external—it was internal.
"Having space to reflect on who I am as a person and how I want to grow was huge," she shared. "Through our conversations, workshops, feedback, and the opportunity to speak with high school students as a collegiate student-athlete, I was able to better understand my strengths and how I can use them for the greater good."
With career aspirations in consulting and strategy, Dakota found direct application for the skills developed.
"This program truly helped me develop the communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills I will need in those fields," she said. "I left the program better equipped to guide others with self-awareness, clarity, and purpose, knowing I have cultivated tools I will use in my career daily."
And her recommendation? "The program should absolutely continue. It creates a supportive space where students can grow as leaders in a grounded and meaningful way, and I believe it is something every learner can benefit from."
Mentorship that Moves the Needle
For Spraggins, the experience of guiding Mitchell, Katherine, and Dakota was both humbling and energizing.
"Each of them possessed an extraordinary level of talent—both athletically and academically. Their dedication and drive were truly remarkable," he said. "It made me even more committed to helping them unlock their full potential."
The goals were ambitious: securing internships, enhancing leadership skills, and deepening campus involvement. But by the end of the semester, the group had not only met those benchmarks—they exceeded them.
"My biggest takeaway is the incredible capacity of Emory students to shape the world around them," Spraggins said. "They're not just prepared for the future—they're actively building it."
Eagle Edge: Creating Pathways for Progress
The Leadership Ambassador Program is just one example of how Eagle Edge delivers on its promise: creating powerful opportunities that connect current student-athletes with the tools, people, and platforms they need to thrive beyond the game. By pairing students with passionate alumni like Spraggins, Eagle Edge ensures leadership development isn't theoretical—it's personal, practical, and purpose-driven.
"Eagle Edge should absolutely continue this program," said Smallwood. "It gives student-athletes clarity, strategy, and connection—all things we don't always get when we're caught up in our day-to-day schedules."
Through mentorship, reflection, and real-world experience, the Spring 2025 cohort of Leadership Ambassadors turned potential into power—and proved once again that Emory Eagles soar well beyond the field of play.
