On April 2, Oglethorpe Women’s Basketball team members Carley Bell ’25 and Kayla DeHerrera ’25 attended the EmpowerHER Teen Leadership Forum hosted by the Atlanta Hawks and Papa Johns.
Targeted to young women student-athletes, EmpowerHER explored concepts of leadership, helping students learn and understand their natural leadership styles while hearing from leaders at both the Atlanta Hawks and Papa Johns.
The event included admission to the Hawks vs. Nets game, leadership panels, networking opportunities, and guest speakers from local organizations.
Kayla DeHerrera ’25 (left) and Carley Bell ’25 (right)
“The event taught us the different aspects of how to build upon our skills as leaders in the community and on the court,” DeHerrera said. “We were able to make connections with other women basketball players in the area and learn from the many corporate employees that currently work for the two organizations.”
“It was very inspiring to learn from successful businesswomen that are passionate about their roles in the industry and how they navigate through adversity,” the business major shared.
Bell had similar take-aways. “The event motivated me to become an even better leader and taught me different ways to lead on and off the basketball court.”
Oglethorpe’s Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Head Women’s Basketball Coach Alex Richey ’11 is passionate about his work with Oglethorpe’s athletes.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Kayla and Carley and their teammates for soaking up experiences like these regularly to help them further themselves as people even more so than student-athletes,” he said.
“Not only are Kayla and Carley incredibly talented on the basketball court, but they are two of the most positive influences I have ever had the opportunity to work with. I am certain they will have a major impact on our program for many years to come, and them diving into an opportunity like this just shows the importance they place on being a part of something special like our program and school.”
Nearing the end of their freshman year, Bell and DeHerrera have enjoyed an impactful first season with OU WBB.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Oglethorpe’s Women’s Basketball team,” Bell shared. “All of my teammates are awesome people that I enjoy spending time with. We have big goals for the future of our program that we are working hard towards every day.”
Although unable to play this year, DeHerrera said, “My time on the women’s basketball team so far has been an awesome experience. One of my favorite highlights of the season was being able to support and cheer on our team during the conference tournament, as we showed true heart and passion in those games. I am looking forward to getting better with our team this off-season and coming back stronger for next season!”
