Jenkins recognized for leadership, teamwork

AKRON, Ohio – Clintondale senior Dacaria Jenkins is a nominee for TheLeadershipPlaybook.com 2021-22 Student-Athlete of the Year. The award honors those individuals exemplifying sportsmanship, positive leadership, or good teamwork.

Jenkins is one of five valedictorians in Clintondale’s class of 2022. He was a leader on every team he played on, including football, basketball, and track. He was inducted into the National Honor Society, and volunteered his time and talents by helping with the Dragon Pantry, the annual Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser, and March Careness.

Jenkins, who finished high school with a 4.117 grade-point average, plans to attend Michigan State University in the fall.

The Leadership Playbook program was developed by Jamy Bechler, a former college basketball coach and high school athletic director. Bechler is now a professional speaker, leadership consultant, and host of the “Success is a Choice” podcast. He is also the author of four books.

“We’re thrilled to recognize Dacaria as a good example of what a student-athlete should be,” said Bechler, who coached women’s basketball at Martin Methodist College, Tennessee Temple University, Newberry College, Bryan College, and LeTourneau University. “Great teams have great teammates and though no leader is perfect, it’s awesome to be able to recognize student-athletes trying to have a positive influence on their teammates and friends. Deserving student-athletes from across the United States were nominated by their coaches, administrators, teammates, and in some cases, even competitors from other schools.

TheLeadershipPlaybook.com helps athletic departments and sports teams build stronger cultures by developing better teammates and more positive leaders. As part of the online curriculum, the program has hundreds of two-minute video lessons to increase a person’s leadership abilities and develop life skills.