HARROGATE, Tenn. — From Harrogate to the national stage, two Lincoln Memorial University alumnae are proving that the impact of a Railsplitter extends far beyond competition. Haley White and Amanda Dahlström have each carved their own path into the world of college athletics through prestigious NCAA programs, continuing LMU's tradition of developing leaders who serve with integrity, humility, and purpose.

Haley White: From SAAC to National Leadership

For Haley White, her NCAA journey began with what seemed like a small assignment — attending a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) meeting as a freshman. That single moment grew into a leadership experience that shaped her entire college career.

"I got my start with SAAC as a freshman when my coach told me to go to this meeting and report back to the team," White said. "That was my first real glimpse into what SAAC was, and honestly, I had no idea it would end up being such a big part of my college experience."

White quickly found her footing, first serving as LMU's SAAC secretary before being selected as an at-large representative to the NCAA Division II National SAAC. Her leadership led to election onto both the Division II Championships Committee and the Division II Executive Board — the highest governing body within the division.
"At first, the national level was intimidating," she admitted. "You're sitting in rooms full of people who have accomplished so much, and it can feel overwhelming to speak up. But over time, I found my voice… I decided to say yes to every opportunity, and it opened more doors than I could've imagined."

As LMU's SAAC President and a graduate assistant in the athletic communications department, White learned how to advocate, collaborate, and lead authentically — lessons that have carried into her professional life.

Now serving as Associate Director of Athletic Communications at Rollins College, White continues to build on those experiences.
"LMU really gave me the space to learn how to advocate — not just for others, but for myself," she said. "The support I got there laid the foundation for everything that came after. I want to help the next generation of student-athletes find their voices too."

White now advises the Rollins SAAC, mentoring student-athletes who share the same eagerness to lead that once defined her at LMU.

Amanda Dahlström: From the Courts to the National Office

For Amanda Dahlström, her pathway into athletic administration started with a lifelong love of sports — and a pivotal connection made on the LMU campus.
"Sports have always been such a big part of my life," Dahlström shared. "When I discovered LMU's Sports Management program, I instantly knew it was the right fit for me."
Her academic and athletic experiences merged when she connected with Dr. Ahleasha McNeal, whose mentorship guided Dahlström into her first professional role as a graduate assistant in LMU Athletics.

"When she transitioned into LMU Athletics and offered me the chance to join her as a graduate assistant, I didn't hesitate for a second," Dahlström said. "That experience was the true start of my journey in college athletics — and I've loved every moment of it since."

That passion led Dahlström to the NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program, a nationally respected initiative that offers recent graduates immersive, on-the-job experience at the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis. The program focuses on preparing women, ethnic minorities, and former student-athletes for careers in college sports administration.

During her time in the program, Dahlström gained a unique perspective on the national operations of collegiate athletics — from championship management to student-athlete support.
"It gave me a fresh perspective on college athletics and helped me grow both personally and professionally," she said. "Working at the national office allowed me to see the bigger picture and gave me a whole new appreciation for the work that happens behind the scenes."

Now back home in Sweden, Dahlström is exploring opportunities in professional sports and agency work while keeping her long-term goal in focus: a return to college athletics in the U.S.
"LMU showed me the power of relationships, mentorship, and creating an environment where student-athletes can grow," she said. "My path forward might still be taking shape, but one thing I know for certain is that my career will stay within sports — because that's where my passion and purpose truly are."

A Lasting Legacy

Both White and Dahlström embody what it means to be a Railsplitter: resilient, service-minded, and ready to lead.
From LMU's campus to NCAA headquarters and beyond, these alumnae stand as living examples of how the Railsplitter experience builds more than athletes — it builds advocates, leaders, and change makers..