Inner Circle Filled with Authenticity and Love

Welcomed and introduced to the Inner Circle family by junior softball outfielder Lotte Sjulin and senior golfer Cassie Deeg, Nebraska head softball coach and softball letterwinner (1981 - 1983) Rhonda Revelle and volleyball letterwinner (1996 - 1999) Mandy Monson provided a dynamic environment for November’s Inner Circle meeting.

Immediately sharing their leadership philosophies and styles with the 60 student-athletes in attendance, they also reflected on personal mentors and role models, including former and current athletic staff members: Barb Hibner, Terry Pettit and Diane Mendenhall.

Both letterwinners were deliberate in the advice they shared as their journeys, including personal and professional successes, have been intentionally built on a foundation of authenticity and love. 

“I loved how both speakers emphasized being your authentic self,” said Gazmine Mason, junior bowler from Cranston, R.I. “I want to take their advice of being fearless and enjoying the moment; I want to be that way within my sport.”

While many are told from a young age to “fake it ‘til you make it,” Monson disagreed, providing inspirational advice. “Fake it ‘til you make it is a poor saying,” Monson said. “Be yourself and have confidence in what you bring to the table.”

In addition to being authentic, Revelle spoke to the power of love in motivating those around her: “There are two ways to put gasoline on motivation - fear or love.” After a brief pause, Revelle added, “I’ve always chosen love.”

Students could feel the love and authenticity in which both speakers mentioned was not just something they talked about, but was something they lived on a daily basis.

“Hearing their stories and all of the encouraging advice they gave was amazing,” said Katt Sickle, junior swimmer from Grain Valley, Mo. “It is helpful to me in reaching my goals as an athlete and in the classroom to help prepare me for life after athletics.”

Inner Circle is excited to partner with the Nebraska Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Academy on Thursday, Dec. 10th for a special networking event, affording student-athletes an additional opportunity to apply the leadership, networking and life advice they have received from speakers this semester.  

Pictured (left to right): Lotte Sjulin, Coach Rhonda Revelle, Mandy Monson, and Cassie Deeg