We asked the members of the Student Advisory Council why they lead, and what college or pro athletes are strong leaders in their eyes. Here are their answers:

Tyler Wilson, Rudyard senior
I lead because I feel like I can get my teammates going. I think by having a positive, motivational presence on and off the field/court I give my team the best chance to win. I also like being looked up to by my teammates.

From the NBA

Maria Buczkowski, Detroit Country Day senior
Shane Battier.  I lead because i really care about what others have to say, and i want to properly voice their opinions as well as mine.

Lena Madison, New Buffalo senior
I lead because it comes natural to me. If I see a problem or a situation, I understand how to combat the issue and get others involved in the problem-solving along the way. Luol Dang of the Chicago Bulls is a strong leader to me. He leads by example and doesn't let others in his head by always staying focused and playing hard. 

Olympic medalists

Carly Joseph, Pontiac Notre Dame junior
I lead because I want to make a positive impact on my teams so that we can work together and reach our highest potential.  A pro athlete who is a strong leader in my opinion is snowboarder Torah Bright.  She is always smiling and keeps a positive attitude, cares about progressing the sport, and is an inspiration to younger snowboarders everywhere.

Alissa Jones, Muskegon Catholic Central senior
I am a leader because I want to keep my team positive and confident during the sport and not bring others down. In my eyes the Olympic swimmer Dara Torres is a strong leader because even though she is the oldest Olympic swimmer, she has shown the world to always be positive and to never give up on your dreams.

NFL past and future

Elle Lehman, Portland St. Patrick senior
I lead because I like to help other succeed as well as myself. I like having a goal and being focused on it until it is achieved. A strong leader in my eyes would be Kirk Cousins because he focuses on his game, while helping others better their play as well. He has strong faith in God, and he seems very humble for achieving as much as he has.

Matt Freeman, Owosso junior
Barry Sanders. I lead because I have a passion, and I express that passion within my leadership. 

The Colorado Cannon

Bailey Truesdell, Grand Blanc senior
I lead to help bring the best out of people and let them reach their full potential. An athlete who is a strong leader that I look up to is Tim Tebow, especially when he was at the University of Florida.

Kevin Beazley, Detroit Catholic Central senior
I lead because it is embedded in my character. I lead because I personally do not want anyone to outwork me in anything I do, and others like to follow my example. Tim Tebow is the best leader in my eyes. The college game he wore John 3:16 on his eye black over 100,000 people looked up that verse that night. Best leader I know today.

Evan Lamb, Rogers City junior
I lead because I feel that it's something I need to do, and I don't like being a follower. A strong leader in my eyes is Tim Tebow in his days at Florida.