PLEASANTVILLE, NY – Pace Athletics Cross Country runner, Emma Voykhanskaya, has been chosen to represent the Northeast-10 (NE10) Conference at the 2024 NCAA (Fall) Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in Charlotte, N.C. from Nov. 21-24. 

The leadership forum was created in 1997 and has served as a life-changing experience for more than 5,000 student-athletes. This type of experience serves as a transformational opportunity for student-athletes and administrators to develop vital self-awareness and leadership skills.  

"I am thrilled to represent both Pace University and the Northeast-10 Conference at this year's NCAA Leadership Forum," said the junior. "I'm committed to making the most of this opportunity and representing our community to the best of my ability. I look forward to using my voice to express concerns, find common ground, and, most importantly, drive positive change. I believe that open conversation can make a big difference and knowing I'm representing the entire conference adds some pressure, but I'm ready and excited to carry forward the good name of the NE-10." 

Voykhanskaya is a two-time Academic Distinction recipient of the NE10 Academic Honor Roll in which she maintained over a 3.5 grade point average in her degree (Criminal Justice). As a leader, she prides herself in her qualities especially in the sport of cross country where she mentioned, "you're not just running for yourself, you're running for your teammates ... a strong leader helps bridge that balance." 

Women's Cross Country head coach, Molly Darfler-Sweeney, praised her runner, "Emma's enthusiasm and drive to do better is radiant. She has been, what I like to call, a silent leader. She is someone who a lot of our younger athletes look up to, and confide in. All around, she has been an integral part in building this teams successful improvement through inclusivity and comradery."

With Voykhanskaya preparing to enhance her capabilities as a leader she states, "to me, leadership is more than simply leading; it's about being someone who lights up a room, someone people listen to and trust, qualities that come naturally to me." She continues speaking about her current experiences in the 2024 season, "I am the teammate people turn to when they have a question, a problem, or just want someone to spend time with. No one wants to lose their love for the sport, so I do my best at every practice, workout, and race to keep our spirits high. Whether through a spontaneous dance party or shared laughter, I make it happen. Because of this, both my teammates and coach trust me. That trust gives them confidence in me and the role I play on our team." 
The NCAA Forum is an active learning environment for those who have the opportunity to attend. Each student-athlete receives the ability to learn and grow with new connections that they have made in those four days.