VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State athletic department graduate assistants Ansley DeCenzo and Emyah Fortenberry have been selected to attend the NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar, Jan. 28-30, 2026, in Indianapolis, Ind. 

This professional development event provides leadership, educational and transitional programming for current graduate assistants and interns from NCAA member schools, conference offices and affiliate organizations. The three-day program educates, develops and connects selected learners and equips attending young professionals with the skills necessary to accelerate their career progression in college sports.

"I am really excited to attend the NCAA Emerging Leaders Event in Indianapolis because it feels like a chance to take a big step forward in my growth beyond being a student-athlete," DeCenzo said.  "I've spent so much of my life in athletics from the playing side, and I'm genuinely curious and eager to see what happens behind the scenes and on the leadership side of college sports. I'm looking forward to learning from professionals who are already doing the work I hope to be part of one day, hearing their stories, and building real connections. More than anything, I'm excited to gain a new perspective, ask questions, and leave the event with a better understanding of how I can continue to grow and make an impact in athletics and hopefully as a future sideline reporter."

Participants will walk away with valuable insight into college athletics and an in-depth understanding of self-awareness through the DISC assessment. Participants will elevate their individual and group critical thinking skills through the program case study and other experiential learning opportunities. Additionally, participants will gain an expansive network of peers and industry leaders to call upon throughout their professional journey. Through this exposure, participants return to their current roles with applicable skills and knowledge that will help them succeed within their current and future roles.

"I am really excited to attend the NCAA Emerging Leaders Conference because it gives me the opportunity to grow as a leader, while leading more about college athletics and professional development," Fortenberry said.  "I am looking forward to connecting with other emerging leaders, building meaningful relationships and gaining insight that will help me in future roles within sports and communications.  I'm excited to travel to Indianapolis for the first time and truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this conference."

The program features interactive presentations from prominent industry experts, and NCAA national office executives. Through breakout engagements and panels, participants can explore potential career avenues while building valuable connections within their areas of interest. Additional professional development topics will include mastering difficult conversations, inclusive leadership, navigating the job search, managing others, and more. Overall, participants will strengthen their professional network and knowledge of college sports while building leadership skills that prepare them to succeed personally and professionally.

DeCenzo, played women's soccer for the Blazers for four years and graduated in 2025.  She currently works as a graduate assistant in the athletic department helping with marketing, game operations and facilities.  DeCenzo is from Newnan, Ga.  

Fortenberry played women's basketball at West Virginia State and is in her first year as a graduate assistant for Blazer Sports Media, working with all of the video streams and production of the streaming broadcasts.  She is an Atlanta, Ga., native.