Athletes Share Lessons of Character

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The Alumni Association welcomed three guest speakers who have been many things throughout their careers – Grizzlies, Longhorns, Cowboys – but they will always be Lions at heart. The 2025 Alumni Leadership Speaker Series featured current and former professional athletes and coaches who discussed the lasting impact of St. Mark’s, sports, and the qualities that form a good man.  

 

The panel included: 

 

The panel was moderated by Scott Jolly, Assistant Headmaster for External Affairs and a former St. Mark’s basketball coach – who also coached Acho and Jenkins as students.

 

The two graduates reflected on their formative years at St. Mark’s, recalling the lessons learned both on and off the field.  

 

“The coaches here saw something in me," Acho said. From his Lower School days through senior year, Acho spoke of teachers and coaches who identified his potential and helped steer him down unexpected paths. "They invested in me, and then I put the work in. Those defining moments helped change the trajectory of my career, and even my life." 

 

The panelists discussed the trend towards single-sport specialization and how St. Mark’s encourages boys to find their passion across athletics – and beyond.  

 

“I was exposed to so many different sports here,” said Jenkins. “The education you get here is unbelievable, but the experiential learning is really special. St. Mark's is about a standard of excellence in teamwork, commitment, discipline, and honor." 

 

Lissemore talked about joining St. Mark’s shortly before the 2019 tornado that destroyed much of the School’s athletic facilities. Despite the adversity, he witnessed the boys adapt and go on to win three SPC championships just a few weeks later.  

 

“We care about wins and losses, but we care more about how we win and how we lose,” Lissemore said. “Sportsmanship, integrity, character, leadership – these life lessons resonate with our boys for the rest of their lives.” 

 

Perhaps most poignantly, the panelists shared personal advice for young students. Jenkins urged students to "wake up every day being excited with what you do in life."  

 

Acho's message was simple yet powerful: "You are worth getting to know." 

 

The panel served as a testament to St. Mark's enduring mission of developing not only athletes or scholars, but complete individuals prepared to excel in all aspects of life. 

 

Each year, the Alumni Leadership Speaker Series aims to provide Marksmen with lifelong learning opportunities, hearing from guest speakers in a variety of fields and interests. Previous speakers include professionals from a broad background of careers and experiences, such as golf legend Lee Trevino, George W. Bush Presidential Center CEO Ken Hersh ’81, and humanitarians Dr. David Vanderpool ’78 and Matt Osborne ’90.