LEADERS Spotlight: Jacob Elsner

1. What does being a Leader mean to you?

Being a leader is someone who inspires, guides, improves, and empowers others to achieve a shared goal on and off the basketball court.

2. What’s your favorite part of being a leader?

It provides me with the opportunity to motivate and enhance not only my performance but also that of my teammates.

3. How has EMA helped you become the leader you are today?

Coach Gumbs and other EMA coaches create a winning atmosphere that involves learning to lead by example, embracing accountability, and building up my confidence in decision making.

4. What’s the best thing you’ve learned at EMA?

EMA has empowered me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities and challenges that I would not have encountered without adopting the culture at Empower ME Academy.

5. How do you show up as a leader on and off the court?

I strive to be a positive influence on my family, friends, teammates, and strangers by making wise choices, being supportive, and being a great communicator.

6. Who are some leaders that you look up to and why?

I look up to my dad, George Elsner, for being a positive role model and for always encouraging my brothers and me to never give up on anything we do in life. He also reminds us that failing is an opportunity to improve and be great.

I also look up to my mom, Noelle Elsner, for being a loving, compassionate, and honest person.

7. Define EMA with one sentence.

Regardless of the outcome of the game, whether we win or lose, if we focus on preparing to win through hard work, learn from our mistakes, and support our teammates, we have already achieved victory as a team even before the game begins.