Watkins Mill High School Class of 2000 graduate Adam Bradley is giving back to his alma mater in a major way, providing Watkins Mill Athletics with lifetime access to his nationally recognized leadership and character development program, Lead ’Em Up.
The donation includes free onsite leadership trainings throughout the year, unlimited access to Lead ‘Em Up’s curriculum and coaching resources, and ongoing support for student-athletes and coaches at no cost to the school.
According to Bradley, Watkins Mill is the first and likely only school that will receive lifetime access to the program. “It’s awesome to be in a position and to have a program that allows me to give back,” Bradley said. “Although it’s been a few decades since I’ve graduated, as cliché as it may sound, Watkins Mill still holds a special place in my heart.”
Lead ‘Em Up was founded by Bradley in 2015 and began with a single team: Watkins Mill’s varsity football program. Today, the organization serves more than 3,000 teams nationwide, focusing on leadership development, character building, and team culture. “Essentially we help improve student-athletes’ character and leadership which transforms the team culture,” Bradley said.
As part of the partnership, Lead ‘Em Up will host a two-hour in-person Leadership Campus Day for Watkins Mill athletes at the start of each athletic season. The sessions will introduce the program’s leadership framework and launch initiatives designed to continue throughout the season. Coaches will also receive access to online curriculum materials and training resources aimed at helping them build player-led team cultures.
Bradley said the high school years are among the most important for personal development.“The high school age is such a formidable stage for one’s development when it comes to mindset, habits, confidence, and behaviors,” he said. “There are so many influences and factors hurting young people more than helping them. We want to fight that. We want to create environments and circumstances that make them fall in love with success.”
Bradley credits many Watkins Mill educators and coaches for helping shape his own leadership journey. “My whole Watkins Mill experience was fantastic and it epitomized the saying, ‘it takes a village,’” he said. “There were so many individuals who poured into you, made themselves available for you, and truly cared for you.”
Among those he remembers are Coach Brace, Coach Vukmanic, Mr. Seymour, Mrs. Motyka, Mr. Bowers, and Mr. Naylor. “It all played a role in shaping you,” Bradley said.
The donation carries an estimated annual value of $8,000 to $10,000, according to Bradley, who said Lead ’Em Up plans to continue providing the support each year.“This level of engagement, access and hands-on training would typically cost around $8,000-$10,000, but we’re happy to provide this to WM at no charge,” Bradley said. “Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will provide this annually.”
Watkins Mill Athletic Director Lisa Magness said the partnership aligns with the school’s commitment to developing leaders both on and off the field. “Watkins Mill Athletics is excited to partner with Lead ’Em Up and CEO Adam Bradley, a proud Watkins Mill alumnus, to bring impactful leadership development and team-building opportunities to our coaches and student-athletes,” Magness said. “This partnership reflects our commitment to developing champions not only in competition, but also in character, leadership, and service. We look forward to seeing the positive growth of our athletic programs both on and off their playing surfaces as we continue building a culture of excellence throughout our One Pack community.”
In addition to leading Lead ’Em Up, Bradley serves as Lead Facilitator at the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute at Towson University and works as a leadership consultant for organizations across the country.
