Important Dates
| October 1 |
Application opens |
| October 31 |
Application closes |
| November 21 |
Participants notified of acceptance |
| January 24-25 |
Symposium at Haverford College |
The Legacy
About
The Snell-Shillingford Symposium began in 1999, founded by Jen Shillingford, the then-athletic director of Bryn Mawr College, to encourage women undergraduates to enter the field of coaching. Over the years, it has evolved into a leadership program that empowers undergraduate students to pursue various positions of leadership in athletic administration, coaching, athletic training, athletics communication, and more.
This two-day program aims to enrich participants' skills and expand their professional network. This year's symposium will be held on January 24-25 at Haverford College, featuring keynote speakers Dr. Amy Wilson from the NCAA, Anna Goorevich from Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, and more. The Centennial Conference will cover meals, the full cost of attendance, and the hotel stay for participants.
History
The symposium honors the contributions of two of the most influential women in the coaching profession, Eleanor Frost Snell and Jen Shillingford.
Eleanor Frost Snell (1900–1993), known as "Miss Snell," was a trailblazer in women's athletics and physical education. From 1931 to 1971, she served Ursinus College as professor, department head, and coach, establishing the school as a powerhouse in Division I field hockey. Generations of young women proudly called themselves "Snell's Belles," carrying forward her lessons of resilience, teamwork, and integrity.
Her student and mentee, Jen Shillingford, continued that legacy as a field hockey coach and athletic director at Bryn Mawr College for more than 20 years. She gained national recognition as an umpire in field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse, and served as president of the United States Field Hockey Association (USFHA), where she advanced the sport on a national level. A dedicated mentor, Shillingford devoted her career to preparing the next generation of women leaders in athletics.
Together, Eleanor Frost Snell and Jen Shillingford symbolize a powerful lineage of women who shaped the landscape of athletics through excellence, advocacy, and mentorship, values at the very heart of the Snell-Shillingford Symposium.
The Theme
Elevate: Lift Your Voice. Expand Your Vision. Strengthen Your Impact.
Elevate is more than a call to action; it is an invitation to reimagine what is possible when leaders bring their full selves to their teams, their institutions, and their communities. The Snell-Shillingford Symposium will explore how elevating ourselves and others can transform not only the culture of sport but also the future of leadership.
By embracing this theme, participants are encouraged to rise with confidence, inspire with authenticity, and lead with purpose, creating a ripple effect that empowers those around them.
The Lineup
Learn from leaders, administrators, researchers, and top professionals about how to position yourself for any professional career or a career in athletics.
The Takeaway
This year's Symposium is built to activate participants by providing practical tools, strategies, and inspiration they can take back to their campuses. Through interactive sessions and guided conversations, student-athletes will explore leadership, goal setting, wellness, the many hats of coaching, and the evolving landscape of sport.
By the end of the program, participants will be equipped to:
- Elevate their leadership style with confidence and authenticity
- Apply strategies for goal-setting, resilience, and mental wellness
- Better understand the challenges and opportunities within sport and leadership
- Translate lessons learned into meaningful action on their campuses and in their communities
The Impact
The Experience
