Funds will support research in Europe in May 2025
Cheshire Academy Assistant Dean of Students Alex Conaway, who is completing advanced study in Global Sports Leadership, won a $1,000 Healthy Living Grant from the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) to support students’ holistic well-being. One of just 10 winners of the national grant, Conaway will use the funds to study abroad in Europe as he completes research for his doctorate from East Tennessee State University (ETSU).
“Traveling and staying active brings me a sense of peace, and since my coursework includes studying abroad in Amsterdam and across Germany this May, I’ll be using the award to help cover the associated costs,” Conaway said.
Conaway, who co-founded New Haven-based All Access Training & Student-Athlete Development, Inc, with his brother, Adham Conaway, is keenly interested and involved in youth athletic development, both in his hometown and at Cheshire Academy. In addition to his administrative duties, the former Trinity College forward is the assistant coach for the Varsity Boys’ Basketball team at Cheshire Academy.
The NSLS encourages members to strive to be the healthiest versions of themselves. The Healthy Living Grant provides financial assistance to aid individuals on their unique wellness journey, whether that means managing stress and self-care or pursuing a health-related certification or degree.
Conaway, who expects to complete his doctoral program in 2026, has been meeting with leaders from soccer, tennis, and other sports organizations around the world, both with students and as a student himself. He spent two weeks Italy in 2024, and will travel to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Cologne, and Munich this year.
Conaway’s doctoral pursuit is in line with CA’s mission to challenge students to maximize their potential by developing confidence, character, and critical thinking skills that enable them to thrive as global citizens. His small ETSU cohort will study all aspects of sports leadership. Conaway focuses on topics that are vital to his CA student-athletes, including wellness and developing perspective and an identity outside of athletics.
“As educators, we need to be mindful,” he said. “There’s going to be one day when the ball’s going to stop dribbling.”
Conaway recently shared his perspective in a thought leadership essay, “A Holistic Approach to Student-Athlete Development.”
