In recent years, athletes like Naomi Osaka, Michael Phelps, and Simone Biles have spoken about how mental wellness is even more important than athletic achievement. At CNU, we want our athletes to know they are encouraged to seek support so that they can be their best on and off the field or court.
If you are concerned about an issue occurring between members of your team or that is negatively affecting the culture of the team, the best person to share your concerns with is your Coach. If you have concerns about talking with your Coach, you can instead reach out to your sport's Sport Administrator. The Sport Administrators have the ability to investigate any issues of concern you are aware of-- while it can be hard to stand up against a group norm, by bringing the issue to the attention of the Sport Administrator, you can let any stress relating to that fall to the Administrator, instead of you having to carry that burden.
If you are dealing with a personal issue that requires your time, attention, and focus, again, start by telling your Coach what you need. Also let your Coach know your preferences about how they can best support you, as different student athletes feel differently about the best ways to show support.
If you are worried about managing your academic load and your sport commitments, speak with your Student Athlete Success Coach. Every team has an assigned Success Coach, and you can speak with them confidentially, meaning you don't have to worry about them telling anyone else what you talked about or what you are dealing with.
For injuries or any other physical issue that is causing distress, speak with both your Coach and your Athletic Trainer. They will work together to ensure you are getting the treatment you need to keep you safe and well.
If you would like to speak with a professional counselor about the issue of concern, you may consider making an appointment with CNU's Office of Counseling Services. The Office of Counseling Services is a free and confidential resource for students located in the Freeman Center.
They are available for appointments during business hours M-F. It's easy to set up an appointment to meet with a counselor-- just call 757-594-7047 or even walk in. You can learn more about the Office of Counseling Services here.
If you are concerned that discrimination is occurring within the team, either between individual members or as a larger dynamic, contact our Director of Title IX and Equal Opportunity at 757-594-8819 or by email at titleixeo@cnu.edu. While the name of this office may sound intimidating, don't be scared to reach out. Ensuring that students are being treated with respect is an essential value of our campus community, and any concerns about discrimination will be looked into. Learn more about what we will do to protect against discrimination here.