MACOMB, Ill. – On Thursday, April 18, Western Illinois University Athletics was pleased to host Marke Freeman as part of its Women in Leadership speaker series. Freeman addressed members of the Leatherneck Athletics staff during an afternoon luncheon, then spoke with close to 150 female student-athletes that evening.

Freeman delivered a message of empowerment, leadership, support, honesty, mentorship, and skill development honed through her life as a student-athlete, coach, and business owner. 

"How we hold ourselves accountable and how we hold ourselves to a certain standard, that's the most important thing we can do to model what leadership looks like," Freeman said. "I think conversations of what the standard is and how we hold that standard as leaders, if we know our standard, is communication."

Supporting one another, not just as individuals or as a team, but as a group was also a focus. Freeman cited an example from one of the best coaches and programs in the country to hammer home the importance of support.

"I had an opportunity to spend some time with [South Carolina head women's basketball coach] Dawn Staley and her team on campus, and it was remarkable to hear her talk with her staff about her expectations for how her student-athletes communicate with advisors, student-trainers, and compliance," Freeman said. "They have their standards as a team and as a group, but then there is a standard that is held within the entire department, and that's why I think the relationships are so superb."

With female student-athletes, Freeman not only spoke of leadership and support but the importance of confidence in all aspects of life. She led a discussion of how critical self-confidence is in sports and in life, and encouraged those in attendance to engage in conversational activities with one another. 

"The event last week was amazing! In my opinion, it was one of the best events we've had for women's sports we've had here at WIU," said women's soccer student-athlete Rachel Balinao. "It challenged us to be vulnerable with ourselves and other athletes. I can't thank Marke enough for coming and truly building up our confidence as women athletes!" 

Softball student-athlete Valerie Combs also enjoyed Freeman's message, adding, "Marke's powerful message now only inspires confidence but also offered a new perspective on embracing authenticity. Through her empowering message, I gained a deeper understanding of what it truly means to exude confidence and embrace my true self without apology" 

Volleyball student-athlete Madelyn Norton noted Marke's mention of the importance of who you surround yourself with, adding, "My favorite part was hearing how the people you surround yourself with can help grow your confidence." 

At the end of the evening, all student-athletes and administrators in attendance were gifted a copy of Freeman's book, Champions' Creed. Leatherneck Athletics is pleased to offer opportunities like this throughout the year through its Women in Leadership series.

"It was a great evening for our female student-athletes, they were all engaged and excited," said Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations and Senior Woman Administrator, Shelby Borchardt. "I believe each one of them left with information they can use in their sport, life, or future careers to be successful. Marke did a phenomenal job grasping their attention, pushing them to engage, and inspiring them to be confident leaders."