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(BPRW) The Ad Council, Huntsman Mental Health Foundation and Amazon Announce “The …

(BPRW) The Ad Council, Huntsman Mental Health Foundation and Amazon Announce “The Mind Set” to Support Mental Health Elite Athletes Skylar Diggins, Laurie Hernandez and Chaunté Lowe Appear in National “Love, Your Mind” PSAs to Remind Audiences Why the Mind is the Real MVP (Black PR Wire) New York – The Ad Council, Huntsman Mental Health […]

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(BPRW) The Ad Council, Huntsman Mental Health Foundation and Amazon Announce “The Mind Set” to Support Mental Health

Elite Athletes Skylar Diggins, Laurie Hernandez and Chaunté Lowe Appear in National “Love, Your Mind” PSAs to Remind Audiences Why the Mind is the Real MVP

(Black PR Wire) New York – The Ad Council, Huntsman Mental Health Foundation and Amazon Ads have collaborated to launch “The Mind Set,” an interactive experience designed to show audiences how taking care of their mental health can help them reach their goals. As part of the “Love, Your Mind” campaign, “The Mind Set” leverages the stories of three inspiring athletes – Skylar Diggins, Laurie Hernandez and Chaunté Lowe – in national public service advertisements (PSAs) and a new online experience, YourMindIsTheMVP.com.

“The Mind Set” website showcases each athlete’s journey with mental health and allows users to explore “Love, Your Mind” mental health resources like breathing exercises, gratitude journaling, and meditation. Through the campaign activation, users can also engage with mental health resources by saying “Alexa, make my mind the MVP,” to their Echo device or the Alexa app. Users can also explore bespoke Amazon Music playlists inspired by the athletes’ qualities of determination, bravery and resilience.

The new PSAs, directed by Babak Khoshnoud, director at Bryght Young Things, and developed pro bono by the Amazon Ads Brand Innovation Lab, will appear in donated media across Amazon throughout 2025, including Prime Video, in the Amazon store, and on the Fire TV landing page.

Throughout the experience, the three athletes vulnerably share how taking care of their minds has contributed to their successes. Each athlete has selected a personal object that represents their inspiring journey with mental health:

● Skylar Diggins: Six-Time WNBA All-Star features her Childhood Basketball as a symbol of her determination.
● Laurie Hernandez: U.S. gymnastics gold medalist features her Comeback Leotard as a symbol of her bravery.
● Chaunté Lowe: U.S. high jump record holder features her Survivor Bell as a symbol of her resilience.

To encourage fans to take care of their minds, users who interact with three resources on the site can enter into a giveaway for a chance to win one of the personal objects of their choice. The items have been generously donated by each athlete and professionally authenticated. The giveaway is open now through July 7.

“Mental health is a critical component of overall wellness that affects millions of Americans daily,” said Alan Moss, vice president of global advertising sales, Amazon Ads. “By leveraging the Amazon universe—from Alexa to Prime Video to Amazon Music—we’ve created an immersive experience that doesn’t just raise awareness but provides actionable resources through the voices of these inspiring athletes. This campaign demonstrates how technology can be a positive force in addressing the mental health challenges so many face today.”

“These iconic athletes are demonstrating their true passion for mental health awareness by generously sharing their moving stories with the world,” said Huntsman Mental Health Foundation President, Miranda Barnard. “These women have achieved such significant feats of athletic greatness in their respective sports, and hearing them talk about their challenges and coping strategies truly helps create a more open dialogue around mental health.”

“We are grateful to Amazon for activating its extraordinary range of touchpoints in support of mental health awareness,” said DJ Perera, chief media officer, the Ad Council. “Our audiences look to athletes for inspiration, and through this collaboration, we can show how taking care of our minds helps us all perform at the top of our game, both physically and mentally.”

“The Mind Set” is part of the national “Love, Your Mind” campaign, which has driven over 1.6 million visits to LoveYourMindToday.org for free mental health resources since October 2023. For more information about the “Love, Your Mind” campaign, follow “Love, Your Mind” on InstagramFacebookX and TikTok.

Giveaway rules: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 50 US/DC, 18 years of age and older who have or create an Amazon.com account. Creating an account is free. Void where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on 7/7/25. Subject to Official Rules, including how to enter, prize details, odds, and restrictions, see https://seerules.com/mindset. Sponsor: Amazon.com Services LLC, 2021 7th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121.

About the Ad Council
The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change. For more than 80 years, the nonprofit organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country’s most iconic social impact campaigns – Smokey Bear, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more.

In November 2022, the Ad Council announced a Mental Health Initiative, uniting brands, marketers, media companies and nonprofits to address the mental health crisis throughout the U.S. at scale. With a founding donation from Huntsman Mental Health Institute, the multi-year initiative aims to change social norms and create a society that is more open, accepting and proactive when it comes to mental health.

To learn more or get involved, visit AdCouncil.org, join the Ad Council’s communities on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X, and view campaign creative on YouTube.

About Huntsman Mental Health Foundation
Huntsman Mental Health Foundation supports Huntsman Mental Health Institute and its mission to transform mental health care through community, research, clinical, and education initiatives. Huntsman Mental Health Foundation is working toward a world where mental wellness is accessible to all and where funding is not an obstacle on the path to well-being by leveraging the power of philanthropic support to break down the barriers that hinder mental wellness, both regionally and nationally. Learn more at: hmhf.org and join the conversation on InstagramFacebookX, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Ben Dorf
The Ad Council
bdorf@adcouncil.org

The information contained in this Press Release represents the views and opinions of the author(s) and/or original creator of this Press Release and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Black PR Wire. The mere appearance of this Press Release on the website does not constitute an endorsement by Black PR Wire or its affiliates of this Press Release.
This Press Release has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The author(s) and/or represented companies are solely responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the content of this Press Release. Black PR Wire does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of this Press Release. Black PR Wire does not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any sites or products mentioned, listed or linked to in this Press Release.

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Volleyball Announces Themes and Promotional Schedule

OXFORD, Miss. – First serve on the 2025 Ole Miss volleyball season is rapidly approaching, as the Party in the ‘Sip continues at the Gillom Athletics Performance Center. The Rebels will host another packed schedule of quality opponents and exciting theme and promotional games. Read below to learn more about all the planned nights this season […]

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Volleyball Announces Themes and Promotional Schedule

OXFORD, Miss. – First serve on the 2025 Ole Miss volleyball season is rapidly approaching, as the Party in the ‘Sip continues at the Gillom Athletics Performance Center.
 
The Rebels will host another packed schedule of quality opponents and exciting theme and promotional games. Read below to learn more about all the planned nights this season and what to wear ahead of another thrilling season of Ole Miss volleyball.
 
August 23 – Southern Miss (Exh.)
What to Wear: Powder

  • Ole Miss Volleyball 101
  • Schedule Poster Giveaway
  • Post-Match Autographs

September 12 – Louisiana
What to Wear: Red

  • Ole Miss Volleyball 101
  • Greek Night
  • 50 Years of Ole Miss Volleyball Commemorative Patch Giveaway
  • $2.50 Beer

 
September 16 – Memphis
What to Wear: White

  • Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Match
  • Camper Appreciation

 
October 3 – Kentucky
What to Wear: Pink

  • Dig Pink Match
  • Pink Pom & Ribbon Giveaway
  • Sign-making station
  • $2.50 Beer

 
October 5 – Auburn
What to Wear: Navy

  • Military Appreciation
  • Red, White & Navy Pom Giveaway

 
October 12 – Tennessee
What to Wear: Green

  • Mental Health Awareness Match
  • Sign-Making Station

 
October 24 – Texas
What to Wear: Red

  • Oktoberfest
  • “SIP” Beer Stein & Pretzel Student Giveaway
  • $2.50 Beer
  • ACE Club Appreciation Match

 
October 26 – Texas A&M
What to Wear: Navy

  • Rebel Kids Club Day
  • Oxford Appreciation
  • “38655” Rope Hat Giveaway
  • Sign-Making Station
  • $2.50 Beer

 
October 31 – Alabama
What to Wear: Red

  • Senior Night
  • Senior Poster Giveaway
  • Fright Night in the Sip
  • Trunk or Treat
  • $2.50 Beer

November 14 – Florida
What to Wear: Powder

  • Alumni Weekend
  • 50 Years of Ole Miss Volleyball Can Koozie Giveaway

 
The regular season is set to open on August 29th, as the Rebels face off against Arkansas State at 2 p.m. CT, as part of the Georgia Tech Classic, in Atlanta. Ga.
 
Fans can continue to show support for the Rebels by joining the ACE Club. Funds from the ACE Club are a major component in helping the Ole Miss volleyball program compete at the highest level. For more information and to donate, click here.
 
Get rewarded for attending events by joining Rebel Rewards powered by Coca-Cola, the official fan loyalty program of the Ole Miss Rebels. Download the Ole Miss Sports mobile app, sign up for a Rebel Rewards account, and start earning points immediately that can be redeemed for exclusive prizes and experiences.
 
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Rebels by following Ole Miss Volleyball on X at @OleMissVB, on Instagram at @olemissvb and on Facebook at Ole Miss Volleyball. See exclusive photo and video content from behind the scenes and connect in real time with everything Ole Miss.
 

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2025 AUSL All

Players competing in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League All-Star Cup participate in the Athlete Causes program, which provides capital and a fundraising platform for our athletes to play for the causes they care about most. At the end of the season, Athletes Unlimited, powered by Give Lively and the Give Lively Foundation, makes a grant […]

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2025 AUSL All

Players competing in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League All-Star Cup participate in the Athlete Causes program, which provides capital and a fundraising platform for our athletes to play for the causes they care about most. At the end of the season, Athletes Unlimited, powered by Give Lively and the Give Lively Foundation, makes a grant equal to 100% of the athlete’s win bonus to the non-profit of the athlete’s choice.

Here are the organizations the 2025 AUSL All-Star Cup athletes are playing for.

ALS Association: The ALS Association is on a mission to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.

  • Payton Gottshall

Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementias — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

  • Bella Dayton

American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society’s mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

  • Sis Bates
  • Kalei Harding
  • McKenzie Clark

Athletes In Action: Athletes in Action is a global community dedicated to developing athletes physically, mentally and spiritually.

  • Montana Fouts
  • Devyn Netz
  • Sierra Sacco
  • Paige Snicki
  • Bubba Nickles-Camarena (Athletes In Action – Los Angeles)

Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is enhancing lives tod​ay and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.

  • Danielle Gibson Whorton

Baby2Baby: Baby2Baby is a non-profit organization that provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing, and all the basic necessities that every child deserves.

  • Erin Coffel

Beauties & Beasts: Since their inception in 2014, Beauties and Beasts has been working tirelessly to break the cycle of abuse and neglect of cats and dogs through awareness and education campaigns, advocating for and saving animals at risk of euthanasia at our local shelters, and through community outreach. Beauties and Beasts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is volunteer-led and 100% dependent on generous donations from individuals, corporations and foundations.

  • Sydney McKinney

Beyond Ability Matters: Beyond Ability Matters is a non-profit 501c (3) charity that raises funds to help children and young adults with autism and other neurological disabilities. Through Beyond Ability Matters, they not only provide the opportunity to bring the world to those with special needs, but in turn, bring the world to them and enrich their lives beyond what was thought imaginable.

  • Danieca Coffey

Buddy Baseball: Buddy Baseball’s mission is to provide any student with special needs, ages 8 – 21 years old, a chance to play ball where they can succeed, have fun, be part of a team, make friends and not be treated unkindly or cruelly because of their disability. They also provide typical children aged 10 – 22 years old a chance to interact with the special needs community as buddies in order to build their awareness and acceptance of these children. 

  • Lexi Kilfoyl

Children’s Assistive Technology Services: C.A.T.S. provides for the re-use of pediatric rehabilitation equipment and assistive technology devices in Virginia. They serve as a no-cost resource for children with disabilities who need adaptive equipment and whose families have limited resources.

  • Cori McMillan

For All Mothers+: For All Mothers+ is dedicated to breaking the barriers that limit a woman’s choice to pursue and thrive in both career and motherhood

  • Keilani Ricketts

Friends of Jaclyn: Friends of Jaclyn (FOJ) aims to improve the quality of life for children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers by pairing them with a team, club, or community group.

  • Amanda Lorenz
  • Korbe Otis

Geaux Teal Ovarian Cancer Awareness Foundation: Geaux Teal’s mission is to raise awareness for women of all ages about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.

  • Aliyah Andrews
  • Sahvanna Jaquish
  • Ali Newland

Girls with Game (Little League Softball): Launched in 2019, the Little League® Girls with Game Initiative is dedicated to honoring all the girls and women who have made the Little League program what it is today and those who inspire the future generation of female participants at every level.

  • Tori Vidales

Gray for Glioblastoma: Gray for Glioblastoma is a 501(c)3 with a two-fold mission: to raise funds for vital research and to raise awareness about glioblastoma multiforme, a devastating brain cancer that lacks a cure and effective treatments.

  • Georgina Corrick

The Hidden Opponent: The Hidden Opponent is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and advocacy group that raises awareness for student-athlete mental health and addresses the stigma within sports culture.

  • Hannah Flippen
  • Sam Landry

Homes for Heroes: The Homes for Heroes foundation is committed to awarding grants to hero organizations that provide essential support in areas like housing crises, disaster recovery, and health-related struggles; ensuring our heroes receive the assistance they need when it matters most.

  • Emiley Kennedy

International Cancer Advocacy Network – Michael Lee Romero Program: Providing patient navigation for Stage IV cancer patients.

  • Sierra Romero
  • Sydney Romero

Katie’s Save: Katie’s Save fights for systemic changes at colleges and universities to promote mental health, protect students and prevent suicide.

  • Alana Vawter

LUV Michael: Luv Michael produces high-quality organic, gluten-free, and nut-free granola without all the harmful chemicals and toxic allergens. The organization was founded in 2015 by Lisa Liberatore, MD and her son Michael with the goal of providing meaningful employment and on-the-job training to those diagnosed with Autism.

  • Jordan Roberts

M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment: The M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment mission is to empower girls ages 8 to 18 to prioritize their mental health, avoid negativity, build self-confidence, and pursue their goals through perseverance, courage, and creativity.

  • Michaela Edenfield

Mia Stokes Foundation: Mia’s life was lived giving back to others, and the Mia Stokes Foundation’s mission is to keep her memory alive by giving back to others in need and affected by drunk driving.

  • Taylor McQuillin
  • Tiare Jennings

Miscarriage Matters: Miscarriage Matters, Inc. is a community of love, support and encouragement. Their goal is to assist those who seek comfort, in hopes that one day, they will be strong enough to “pay it forward” and help others heal.

  • Jessi Warren

Morgan’s Message: Morgan’s Message strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. They aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone.

  • Victoria Hayward
  • Caroline Jacobsen
  • Ana Gold
  • Aliyah Binford

Natasha Watley Foundation: The Natasha Watley Foundation (NWF) was founded by two-time Olympic medalist Natasha Watley to create opportunities for girls in underserved communities to learn and play the game of softball. NWF uses the medium of sport to inspire young women to reach their full potential while fostering character development and awareness of social issues that affect women.

  • Sharlize Palacios
  • Morgan Zerkle
  • Odicci Alexander
  • Delanie Wisz

Pink Fund: Pink Fund provides financial support to help meet basic needs, decrease stress levels, and allow breast cancer patients in active treatment to focus on healing while improving survivorship outcomes. Their 90-day grant program allows us to meet their critical expenses for housing, transportation, utilities and insurance.

  • Aubrey Leach
  • Baylee Klingler

Pitch in for Baseball & Softball: Pitch In For Baseball & Softball exists to remove equipment as a barrier to play for economically disadvantaged children around the world.

  • Aleshia Ocasio
  • Ciara Briggs

Play Like a Girl: Play Like a Girl!® leverages the skills gained from sport to propel young women into competitive, male-dominated careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Players 4 Pits: Players for Pits guiding mission is to save discarded pit bull-type dogs that end up at their local open-access animal controls in Chicago and the suburbs. They strive to give dogs another chance to become an integral part of our communities by matching them with families that will advocate and love them forever. Their goal is to decrease the number of pit bull-type dogs dying in their local shelters and help Chicago & the entire nation become no-kill.

  • Mary Iakopo

Project H.O.O.D.: Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) was born out of a deep commitment to transform lives and uplift communities in the heart of Chicago. Their journey began with the unwavering vision of our founder, Pastor Corey Brooks, who believed in the power of education, mentorship, and community development to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future.

  • Kendra Falby

Restoration Ministry: A multicultural/non-denominational ministry, Restoration Ministry continues to break the boundaries of religion and bring all people together.

  • Mariah Mazón

Teach for America: Teach For America is a nonprofit organization whose stated mission is to “enlist, develop, and mobilize as many as possible of our nation’s most promising future leaders to grow and strengthen the movement for educational equity and excellence”.

  • Jadelyn Allchin

Team Aari: The mission of Team Aari is to cultivate a positive and safe learning environment for their AAU team, dedicated to nurturing both athletic skills and character development. They are committed to fostering success not only in sports but in life, emphasizing fundamentals of basketball, mindset, mental health, life skills, team building, networking, and personal responsibility.

  • Dejah Mulipola

The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people.

  • Kayla Kowalik
  • Taylor Edwards
  • Sarah Willis
  • Emma Lemley

Women’s Sports Foundation: The Women’s Sports Foundation exists to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. They are an ally, an advocate and a catalyst. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, they strengthen and expand participation and leadership opportunities through our research, advocacy, community programming and a wide variety of collaborative partnerships.

  • Megan Faraimo
  • Rachel Garcia
  • Anissa Urtez
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MLB Together, Nike RBI partner to support young athletes' mental health

Skylan Joyner reached down to pick up a baby goat. “This is greatness,” he said as he petted it while in his arms. The goat was the last of several animals Joyner got to interact with at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla., on Aug. 4. His favorites included ducklings and a […]

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MLB Together, Nike RBI partner to support young athletes' mental health

Skylan Joyner reached down to pick up a baby goat.

“This is greatness,” he said as he petted it while in his arms.

The goat was the last of several animals Joyner got to interact with at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla., on Aug. 4. His favorites included ducklings and a boxed turtle, while the biggest animal he said he carried that day was a pig.

“It wasn’t actually that bad. You just gotta be confident,” Joyner said. “They’re calm, so it’s not even as bad as you think it would be.”

Farm pet therapy was just one of the many ways Joyner — along with all participants from each of the 24 baseball and softball teams representing the United States, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic — were able to reset mentally ahead of the Nike RBI World Series.

“We’re doing mental wellness activations with them, to teach the components of stress reduction and positive self care,” said MLB vice president of social responsibility April Brown. “Our athletes are really great about their physical health. We want to make sure they’re just as great about their mental health.”

MLB Together, in collaboration with Nike RBI, ensured there were multiple different stations available so each athlete could relieve some stress and talk about mental wellness in the ways that spoke to them. Other options included a Hyperice station to help reduce muscle tension, gaming consoles with MLB: The Show, cornhole and other outdoor activities.

Players also got to speak with Dr. Jorge Aguilar, a sports psychiatrist and MLB consultant who does a lot of work with rookies. Dr. Aguilar mentioned that he gets asked a range of different questions from the young athletes, from how they can improve their focus at the plate to what they can do about their frustration when they’re struggling on the field, to questions about careers outside of playing baseball.

“You can feel everybody relaxing almost instantly as you are with them,” he said. “It’s just a reminder that there are things we can do that are within our control to relax a little bit. To take it easier, to recover, to recharge when the game or life gets a little challenging.”

Since launching the mental wellness programming in 2023, Brown said she’s noticed it grow in each of the three years the league has held it. It’s now at the point where some coaches sit in on the sessions themselves and take what they can from them, which is exactly the goal MLB Together hopes for.

“When they leave here, when they go to school, when they’re with their families and friends, know that it’s okay to be kind to yourself. To be good to others,” Brown said. “To — most importantly — know if you need help, you can ask for it.”

It’s a lesson that Nike RBI alum and current Washington Nationals prospect took to heart from his experience. So when he heard his old team, the RBI White Sox, were in town, Jones knew he had to come pay it forward as someone who has experienced a lot of what the current Nike RBI players are currently dreaming of — getting drafted and playing pro baseball.

“A full circle moment,” he said. “ … I just feel like it’s not only my duty to give back, but I’ve been blessed to be in a position where I can give back and give the knowledge that I’ve learned through my journey.”

This year’s RBI World Series players also got the opportunity to give back themselves, with the help of the Jessie Rees Foundation. The players created “joy jars,” or containers filled with toys, stuffed animals and other things that would then be sent to kids fighting pediatric cancer.

It was a favorite among several of the athletes, and it carried an even bigger significance for Yenli Nolasco, a player with the Braves RBI team.

“Coming from a family who [has] been around social work, it means a lot because it’s showing that it’s more than just baseball,” he said. “You gotta focus on everybody.”

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SUU Students Present Research at NSCA National Conference

Published: August 12, 2025 | Author: Abbie Cochrane | Read Time: 3 minutes Cedar City, UTAH- The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) hosted strength and physical conditioning experts from all over the United States at their annual conference July 16-19 in Kansas City, Missouri. Three recent graduates from Southern Utah University’s Master of Science […]

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SUU Students Present Research at NSCA National Conference

Published: August 12, 2025 |
Author: Abbie Cochrane |
Read Time: 3 minutes

Cedar City, UTAH-

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) hosted strength and physical conditioning experts from all over the United States at their annual conference July 16-19 in Kansas City, Missouri. Three recent graduates from Southern Utah University’s Master of Science in Sports Conditioning and Performance program were in attendance, presenting their own research at the conference.

Shayla Piccini, one of the SUU graduates, presented on her survey-based study thesis surrounding female athletes at SUU.

“My research focuses specifically on female athletes’ mental health, which is often understudied compared to male athletes,” said Piccini. “By exploring topics like grit, athlete burnout, and sport anxiety, I hope to contribute to the growing conversation around supporting female athletes and provide valuable insights that others can build on in both research and practice.”

Featuring keynote speakers, hands-on sessions, networking opportunities, and the latest advancements in the sports and conditioning industry, the NSCA National Conference is one of the most prominent and well-established conferences within the field.

“The NSCA runs the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, which is one of the more highly respected journals in the strength & conditioning industry. Getting the abstract for my research published in this journal is a big reason why I was able to present at the conference,” said another SUU graduate presenter, Mike Hammond.

“I attended the NSCA National Conference in 2023 as a viewer, and it made a huge impact on me,” said Piccini. “Seeing the quality of research and professional dialogue inspired me to be more than just a participant; I wanted to contribute to the field and be part of the conversation. Presenting at this conference felt like the perfect opportunity to share my own work and give back to the strength and conditioning community.”

SUU’s MSSCP Program Director, Dr. Marcus Lawrence, played a key role in helping this trio of presenters get the opportunity to present their research.

The presenters also provided their insights to any SUU student who is interested in finding ways to present their research.

“Go for it! If you have something valuable to share, why not contribute to the conversation and connect with like-minded people? The worst outcome is a “no,” and even then, that just means there’s another opportunity out there that might be a better fit. Don’t be afraid to ask your professors for advice, and remember that writing a thesis and conducting research is totally doable, even if it feels overwhelming at first. There’s so much support out there, and you won’t know what opportunities are waiting unless you try!” stated Piccini.

“Find a research subject that you are passionate about. It makes the process much easier and keeps motivation levels high,” Hammond said. “If you’re passionate about the subject, the quality of your work will be higher as well. This experience has taught me just how much work or process there is in creating published research, and it really makes me appreciate the quality of published articles.”

SUU congratulates Shayla Piccini, Mike Hammond, and Logan Welling on this wonderful opportunity. To learn more about the NSCA National Conference, visit their website to see a recap of the keynote speakers and other unbeatable features of the conference.

SUU’s Masters of Science in Sports Conditioning and Performance degree program provides students with opportunities to further build upon their understanding of sport conditioning and human performance based on what was learned throughout their undergraduate degree. The program sets students up to succeed through research-based knowledge paired with practical application. To learn more about the program, visit their page on the SUU website.



Tags:
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Contact Information:

Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu

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WVSSAC new ruling on student athlete name and likeness now in effect

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVVA) – Athletes around the mountain state will now be able to receive payments for their name and likeness. The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission first approved this NIL policy back in July and it went into effect this past Friday. NIL has swept through college athletics since 2021 however there are […]

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WVSSAC new ruling on student athlete name and likeness now in effect

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVVA) – Athletes around the mountain state will now be able to receive payments for their name and likeness.

The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission first approved this NIL policy back in July and it went into effect this past Friday.

NIL has swept through college athletics since 2021 however there are caveats for players to get paid.

If a player uses their likeness for a commercial, for example, there can be no references to their school and cannot be wearing a school logo or uniform in order to protect their eligibility as an amateur athlete.

No school employees, including coaches, can be involved in a student’s use of their NIL.

Athletes and parents are encouraged to reach out to the WVSSAC Director of Compliance for questions to ensure no issues arise with eligibility.

Questions can be emails to jason.bankston@wvssac.org.

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Clinical psychologist discusses student

SALEM, Va. (WFXR) — School is right around the corner, and so is the fall sports season. Sunday afternoon, Salem High School hosted licensed clinical psychologist and Spartan alum Dr. Rachel Turk for a conversation on mental health among student-athletes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement “Big transitions like coming to school or a new school year or […]

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Clinical psychologist discusses student

SALEM, Va. (WFXR) — School is right around the corner, and so is the fall sports season.

Sunday afternoon, Salem High School hosted licensed clinical psychologist and Spartan alum Dr. Rachel Turk for a conversation on mental health among student-athletes.

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“Big transitions like coming to school or a new school year or a new school in general, starting a new sports season are all things that build up levels of stress,” said Turk, who was a standout volleyball and lacrosse player at Salem High School before going on to play college volleyball at nearby University of Lynchburg.

On Sunday, Turk spoke not only to student-athletes but also to coaches and parents about how to identify when their athlete or child may be struggling.

“It’s something that’s happening so often,” she said. “But not everybody has the resources or knows what they need to be looking for.”

Universities focus on athletes’ mental health after crises

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According to Turk, as many as 35% of elite athletes experience a mental health crisis at some point in their careers.

Because emotional development is still in its early stages among high school students, those athletes can be at heightened risk of struggling emotionally.

“That is why we kind of target this group, get them the information as early as we can because if we can make a difference now, it’s going to help them be more successful the rest of their life,” said Turk.

Turk says professional athletes speaking out more often about mental health has lessened the stigma for college and high school athletes, but she knows there is still more work to be done.

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“I think one of the ways we can really improve is seeing it like we see different physical stuff going on,” she said. “Seeing it like something we need to do maintenance of, not just do things in crisis or emergency situations.”

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