Tyree chosen to participate in Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Program

SEWARD, Neb. – Julia Tyree, a sophomore and member of the Concordia University softball team, has been hand-picked to participate in the Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Program. Tyree is one of 13 select student-athletes from across the United States chosen to be part of the program.

“I’m really excited to be able to train and gain knowledge from others,” said Tyree, a pre-medicine student. “I’m also excited to get my foot in the door with the American Red Cross for potential missionary work in the future.”

From the American Red Cross: “This program is a collaboration between the American Red Cross and the NAIA to inspire a new and diverse generation of Red Cross volunteer leadership through exemplifying the five core values of the NAIA ‘Champions of Character’ program. It offers a rare and unique opportunity to acquire first-hand coaching, mentoring and professional training.”

On campus, Tyree plans to initiate the American Red Cross Club and will host two blood drives every year. The native of Benicia, Calif., will serve as a Red Cross ambassador for the rest of her collegiate career and possibly continue in that role beyond graduation.

In addition, Tyree is eligible to receive $2,000 in scholarship money if she meets program requirements over the coming years. She learned of the program from head softball coach Todd LaVelle, who nominated Tyree.

A pitcher and infielder on the softball diamond, Tyree expresses a desire to help others away from the playing field.

“I want to be able to help people and I couldn't think of a better way than helping with their health,” Tyree said. “I have had both really great and really terrible experiences with doctors. I want to be able to be a physician that can communicate with patients in a way that they feel comfortable and taken care of. I also want to take my medical knowledge and travel to other countries that don't have the things that we take advantage of.”

The program begins with two weeks of “energetic leadership coaching” at the Red Cross National Headquarters located in Washington, D.C., from June 2 through June 13.