PORTSMOUTH, R.I.-- Five Salve Regina University student-athletes participated in the Portsmouth High School Leadership Academy on Tuesday, to share their own personal experiences with leadership and team development. 

Adelaide Baird '28 (field hockey and women's lacrosse), Padraig Brown '27 (football), Griffin Caiozzo '27 (men's lacrosse), Nora Cooney '28 (women's lacrosse), and Sofia Neary '26 (women's basketball) represented Salve Regina athletics as part of a panel. Topics the group discussed include balancing authority and relationships, handling conflict and accountability, building team culture and resilience under pressure.

"I couldn't be more proud of the way Adelaide Baird, Paddy Brown, Griffin Caiozzo, Nora Cooney, and Sofia Neary represented our community at the panel," said assistant athletic director Derek Grinkin. "They consistently exemplify leadership, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to hard work. Their impact extends far beyond competition—they have been a driving force in fostering a positive, supportive culture within Salve Regina University athletics. These student-athletes are not only exceptional competitors, but truly inspiring individuals who set the standard for what it means to be part of our community."

Dean of students at Portsmouth High School, Shaun Horgan and the school administrative team, worked to create the new initiative which brings PHS students programming focused on youth leadership development and training.

"We are so grateful to athletic director Sean Sullivan and the Salve student-athletes for being a part of our Portsmouth High School Leadership Academy guest panel," said Horgan. "They were all insightful and articulate speakers who provided a truly special experience for our students. Salve Athletics should be commended not only for their willingness to partner with the surrounding community, but also for their role in developing outstanding young men and women who lead their athletic teams."

COACHES' PERSPECTIVE:

"Griffin is an excellent leader," said head men's lacrosse coach Patrick Cooney. "Since he joined us in September, we have been impressed with his team first mentality and dedication to his academics as well as athletics. A member of SAAC, Griffin always helps those around him get better. We look forward to having him return next fall for his senior year."

"Adelaide brings energy and commitment to everything she does," stated head field hockey coach Jennifer Foster. "From her freshman to sophomore year, she has shown tremendous growth in both her skill and confidence. She sets the standard for what it means to lead yourself while consistently pushing those around her to be better."

"Adelaide and Nora really embraced leadership this year, stepping up as sophomores to guide, support, and elevate everyone around them," remarked head women's lacrosse coach Meg Malloy."

"Paddy is the all around person who does everything right-- an outstanding human- who leads from the front," said head football coach Kevin Gilmartin. "He is a great person to have on our team!"

"Coach Hughes and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of Sofia's basketball journey," shared women's basketball assistant coach Bert DeSalvo. She is the true definition of a high performing student-athlete and more importantly a great person. As a team leader this past season, she always set high standards for herself and her teammates by leading by example. Moreover, she demonstrated the type of work ethic required to excel on the court through her actions. When a student-athlete of her caliber embraces coaching, has a growth mindset and gives tremendous effort, it has a dramatic and long-lasting impact on entire program."