2026 Game Changers Sports Leadership Summit - YSU

Game Changers Sports Leadership Summit is a Leadership & Player Development Initiative that involves a full day of dialogue and teambuilding activities for high school student athletes.

This action packed day is meant to highlight some of the core competencies that are needed by successful athletes to not only use their talent to open the door, but cultivate the character to continue to keep the doors open.

Some of the topics that will be discussed:

• Financial Literacy: Teaching students how to manage resources, understand opportunities like NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), and make sound financial decisions for life.
• Career Readiness: Highlighting careers in sports beyond playing, from coaching to media, operations, and beyond—ensuring students see the full scope of their potential.
• Mental Fitness: In alignment with Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ll focus on tools to build resilience, emotional intelligence, and overall well-being.

Registration Includes:

• Breakfast *Breakout Sessions
• Lunch *Seminars
• T-Shirt *Panel Discussions
• Team Building Activities and More!

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

• Please note that parking is available at YSU; however, there is a fee for vehicles outside of your school provided bus transportation. We recommend contacting YSU directly for specific parking rates and designated parking locations.

What is the dress code for the event?

• A t-shirt is included with the price of registration to be worn the day of the event. The student can feel free to wear any bottoms permissible to an athletic practice i.e shorts or jogging pant.

Where is the best place to be dropped off/picked up? At the stadium. The Stadium Club is on the 3rd floor).

The first segment will be on the top floor of the DeBartolo Stadium Club at YSU. This is accessible by elevator once the student has entered in the building.

Please arrive at DeBartolo Stadium Club by: 8:15:00am. Breakfast-snack will be served at 8:30am. We will be transitioning to different locations on YSU's campus during that day. Trying to find which building or room we will be at, may be a challenge if a student arrives late. Most importantly--it wouldn't be the same without being there from the beginning!