More than 300 Katy ISD student-athletes spent part of their summer developing the leadership skills that will shape their teams, campuses and communities during the district’s annual Student Athlete Leadership Team (S.A.L.T.) Conference, held July 15.

Representing all UIL athletics across Katy ISD, participants were nominated by their coaches for demonstrating leadership potential, strong character and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

The annual conference challenges student-athletes to grow as leaders through interactive activities, team-building exercises and discussions centered on character, accountability and service. This year's conference featured nationally recognized speaker Stephen Mackey, founder and CEO of the 2Words Character Development Program, who encouraged students to use the lessons learned through athletics to positively influence others.

"The S.A.L.T. Conference is about preparing student-athletes to lead with integrity, serve others and make a lasting impact long after their competitions," Katy ISD Executive Director of Athletics Lance Carter said. "These students have already demonstrated leadership on their campuses, and this experience equips them with the confidence and character to continue leading in their schools, their communities and throughout their lives."

Approximately 15,000 students participate in athletics across Katy ISD's junior high and high school campuses each year. The S.A.L.T. Conference is one of the district’s signature leadership development opportunities, reinforcing the life skills, teamwork and responsibility that define the student-athlete experience in Katy ISD, district officials said in the July 15 press release.