In continuing to support the mental health and performance goals of its student-athletes, the Intercollegiate Athletics Department at Youngstown State University is proud to announce its commitment to enriching the experience at YSU.
Each initiative carried out for Penguin student-athletes is made possible by recent grants awarded to YSU from the Horizon League, which the conference announced today.
Gen Tim Kew, Youngstown State Associate Athletic Director and Director of Athletic Training Services, chairs HL’s Student-Athlete Safety and Health Sub-Kinet. Tymkew said every campus has unique needs and challenges that the grant will help address.
“Youngstown State University’s track and field team strives to strengthen mental health resources and support through a multi-pronged approach,” Tim Kew said. “They provide a safe and comfortable environment for student-athletes, enhance self-care, and provide coaches and staff with the skill sets to communicate across teams and manage mental health support appropriately. “
Starting this semester, all student-athletes will have access to two yoga sessions per week. Yoga has been shown to have many benefits for both the mind (stress management, mental health, mindfulness, quality of sleep) and the body (improved recovery, strength, balance and flexibility).
In addition, the department offers training sessions open to all student-athletes, coaches, and staff designed to give individuals the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately to mental health illnesses and crisis events. invest in
Finally, in collaboration with the YSU Student Counseling Service and Dean of Student Affairs, the department promotes active and passive mental health education programs throughout the year. Educational goals include reducing mental health stigma, dealing with stress and anxiety, encouraging referrals, and mental skills training to improve athletic performance.
“The Horizon League is at the forefront of collegiate athletics in recognizing and addressing the mental health concerns of student-athletes,” said Ron Strollo, Director of Inter-College Athletics.
The Horizon League has established a Student-Athlete Safety and Health Committee (SASH) to continue its focus on student-athlete mental health initiatives and other safety and health concerns. As part of this commitment, the Horizon League is committed to supporting membership with resources in this important area.
