Student-Athlete Leadership Spotlight: A Quick Q+A with Razorback WBB's Jailyn Mason
Q: So, what were you doing down in Destin, Fla.?
A: Every year, the SEC has meetings in Destin, and they invite the chancellors, athletic directors and sport administrators from every school in the league. They also have leadership councils for football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball. Before the meetings, student-athlete presidents and vice presidents are chosen to come down and participate in these meetings. I was lucky enough to get picked to go down there and sit in on some meetings with some great people. We even got some new legislation passed.
Q: Student-athletes are busy enough as is. What made you want to go down there and do something like this?
A: I have been a part of the SEC Leadership Council since my freshman year of college. That’s when it all started, and over time I’ve realized just how important it is that we are involved in legislation that affects us. We need to make sure our voices are heard to go along with the voices of our coaches and administrators. I also think the SEC is smart for utilizing us this way. It gives them an idea of what student-athletes want. I just hope some of the things I have helped with will positively impact people that come into the SEC after me.
Q: Do you think an opportunity like this helps you be a better leader for your team?
A: Absolutely. You are surrounded by people who are leaders for their programs. You get diversity too, as they come from all different kinds of sports. To be able to learn different ways to lead people is a really useful skill. We also focus on mental health, which is huge. You get a little bit of everything to bring back here and share.
That’s when it all started, and over time I’ve realized just how important it is that we are involved in legislation that affects us.
Q: Does this kind of trip help you outside of basketball?
A: Yeah, I think it does. You get to meet all kinds of people, and you get a lot of advice on how to get your foot in the door professionally, which is challenging for anyone graduating from college. The words mean more, too, because of who they are coming from.
Q: Would you recommend this role or others like it to other student-athletes?
A: For sure. If you can get on SAAC, and then work your way up to president or vice president, you get to go to these meetings where you’ll be introduced to some pretty cool people and ideas. I think it is definitely worth getting into.
