Managing Mental Health

Holy Family University like many athletic programs across the country, has made addressing the mental health issues of its student-athletes a top priority. Looking to provide an additional level of support, University Athletics recently partnered with Newtown Sport Performance Psychology who will be providing a series of guest speakers to address topics specifically selected by the student-athletes for discussion.

"We called upon the members of our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), as the voice of our student- athletes, to poll their peers and select timely topics that would be of benefit to their emotional well-being and mental health," Athletic Director Tim Hamill said. "We have an outstanding relationship with our counseling department on campus and are able to quickly connect our student-athletes to any assistance or resources they may need. But we are happy to be able to give our student- athletes an additional opportunity to dialogue about subjects that are of the most interest to them."

Newtown Sport offers the services of a team made up of 16 mental health professionals and mental performance coaches, all of whom come from sports backgrounds, some of whom are professional athletes, former student-athletes, current and former coaches, even yoga instructors, dieticians and leadership coaches. Sessions can be hosted in person or virtually with individuals or groups.

"One of the first questions our counselors and coaches ask is, 'How much of your sport do you think is mental? How much time is dedicated to working on that mental muscle?'," said Newtown Sport Outreach Coordinator Heather Sabatino.

"There has been a shift in thinking - especially since the uptick in mental health crises during the pandemic and the rise in suicides - to give people in general, and student-athletes specifically, the space, skills, and strategies to work on their mental health. Our staff shares the language and love of sports. They recognize the added pressures and commitments that are placed on student- athletes, and they are equipped to help these athletes open up and find takeaways and solutions to address not only depression and anxiety, but other areas of concern."

This spring, the SAAC welcomed presenters to speak on the following topics: Perform Under Pressure, Positive Self-Talk, Team Culture, Motivation, Nutrition, and Rehab and Return to Sport.

2023-2024 SAAC Representives