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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
NSU Student-Athletes Learn about Athletics and Mental Wellness
Zadak presents on mental wellness being a major part of being the best competitor.
Nova Southeastern University Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences Associate Lecturer, Aimee Zadak, Ed.D., gave a presentation to NSU’s student-athletes on “The Athlete’s Mind: Understanding Your Identity.”
The presentation, held in the Don Taft University Center, aimed towards the mental wellness of the collegiate athlete. According to the presentation description, “Many aspects go into being the best competitor you can be and mental wellness is a major part of the game.” The talk helped student-athletes learn ways to overcome obstacles such as stress, anxiety, depression and coping with injuries.
“Balancing school, sport and personal life is no easy task, yet it is something that our student-athletes are expected to do each and every day,” said Cristie Ledon, Graduate Assistant for Athletic Academic Services. “This presentation was a means of equipping them with as many tools as possible to successfully navigate college life, athletic life and life in general. Dr. Zadak did an amazing job at this; engaging our student-athletes while teaching them that ‘there is no such thing as stress’!”
Zadak specializes in grief and bereavement and graduated with her masters and doctoral degrees from NSU. She has been teaching for the last 18 years. To learn more about Aimee Zadak, Ed.D., click HERE to read a profile on her in a recent issue of the Current, NSU’s student newspaper.
In addition to Zadak’s presentation, the Sharks were also introduced to guest speaker Jill Strafaci, fomer Senior Vice President of Finance. Strafaci is a former student-athlete who played golf for four seasons at the University of Florida. She spoke to NSU’s student-athletes about her transition from college sports to the business world and applying the skills learned during a collegiate playing career.
The guest speakers were arranged by the athletic department’s office of Athletic Academic Services. The office features two full time employees and two graduate assistants fully focused on the academic success of NSU Athletics. Their mission is to provide appropriate academic support services to all student-athletes. These services assist student-athletes in achieving their academic goals while participating in a demanding NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic program. These services also ensure progress toward graduation through timely completion of degree requirements for baccalaureate and graduate programs.