LANCASTER, Pa. -- The Centennial Conference is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 Snell-Shillingford Symposium, a weekend program designed to give students the opportunity to attend seminars on leadership and careers in college athletics while networking with industry leaders.

This year's symposium will take place January 24–25 at Haverford College and will feature keynote speakers Dr. Amy Wilson of the NCAA, Anna Goorevich of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, and more.

Applications for the Snell-Shillingford Symposium open October 1, 2025, and will be accepted through Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm, apply here.  

About 

The Snell-Shillingford Symposium began in 1999, founded by Jen Shillingford, the former athletic director of Bryn Mawr College, to encourage women undergraduates to enter the field of coaching. Over the years, it has evolved into a leadership program that empowers undergraduate students to pursue various positions of leadership in athletic administration, coaching, athletic training, athletics communication, and more.

History

The symposium honors the contributions of two of the most influential women in the coaching, Eleanor Frost Snell and Jen Shillingford. 

Eleanor Frost Snell (1900–1993), known as "Miss Snell," was a trailblazer in women's athletics and physical education. From 1931 to 1971, she served Ursinus College as professor, department head, and coach, establishing the school as a powerhouse in Division I field hockey. Generations of young women proudly called themselves "Snell's Belles," carrying forward her lessons of resilience, teamwork, and integrity.

Her student and mentee, Jen Shillingford, continued that legacy as a field hockey coach and athletic director at Bryn Mawr College for more than 20 years. She gained national recognition as an umpire in field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse, and served as president of the United States Field Hockey Association (USFHA), where she advanced the sport on a national level. A dedicated mentor, Shillingford devoted her career to preparing the next generation of women leaders in athletics.

Together, Eleanor Frost Snell and Jen Shillingford symbolize a powerful lineage of women who shaped the landscape of athletics through excellence, advocacy, and mentorship, values at the very heart of the Snell-Shillingford Symposium.

Who is eligible?

Current students attending a Centennial Conference institution are eligible to apply. We are looking for students who may have an interest in pursuing a career in coaching, athletic administration, athletics communication, athletic training, or other leadership related careers.

For updates on speakers, schedules, and other resources on the Snell-Shillingford Symposium, visit www.centennial.org or follow @CentConf on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.