As the founder of Friends of JaclynI have had the privilege of working with athletic directors, coaches and student-athletes across the country. I have seen leadership expressed in many ways, but which one Cara CrosslinAthletics director at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Alabamahas done goes far beyond support. Cara has embraced, lived and elevated our mission in a way that has had a profound impact on her campus and community.
Friends of Jaclyn exists to improve the quality of life for children battling childhood cancer by connecting them with teams, schools and organizations that ‘adopt’ them during their fight. Led by Cara every Shelton State track and field team adopted Krystala courageous young girl battling a brain tumor. From the moment Shelton State embraced Krystal, it was clear that this would not be a symbolic gesture; it would be a commitment.
Cara understands that athletics are one of the most powerful platforms for learning leadership. Championships are important, but character is more important. By involving Friends of Jaclyn in Shelton State athletics, she gave her student-athletes the opportunity to experience leadership in its purest form: standing up for someone else, staying committed, and using their voice to lift another human being up through the toughest fight of her life.
Seeing Shelton State’s teams rally around Krystal reinforced why our mission works. Letters, messages, acknowledgments for game days and personal contact became part of the culture. Krystal wasn’t just adopted by a team, she was embraced by an entire athletic department. At the same time, student-athletes have gained something invaluable: perspective. They learned that their platform can change lives.
Cara’s impact didn’t stop with athletics, however.
Cara recognized that childhood cancer affects entire communities – not just families – NED (no evidence of disease) message to a new level by organizing and hosting a community town hall. This event invites students, educators, healthcare professionals, survivors, families and community members to come together, share stories, learn and engage in meaningful conversations.
That decision speaks volumes about her leadership. It takes courage to open the doors and create space for difficult conversations. It takes vision to understand that consciousness leads to action. And it takes courage to bring people together around hope.
Throughout her career, Cara has been known for her achievements in athletics administration and her ability to inspire leadership in those around her. What sets her apart is her willingness to lead with empathy. She doesn’t just talk about values, she shapes them. She shows student-athletes that success is not only measured in wins and losses, but also in the lives you impact along the way.
From my perspective as the founder of Friends of Jaclyn, Cara’s leadership is an example of what is possible when athletics is used as a platform for compassion, purpose and meaningful impact. She has shown that an athletic director can be a champion not only for teams, but also for children fighting for their lives.
By adopting Krystal, empowering her student-athletes and inviting the community to come together through the NED Town Hall, Cara Crosslin has redefined what it means to be a leader in collegiate athletics. At Shelton State, leadership is not just taught, it is lived. And because of that, lives are changed.
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