INDIANAPOLIS –The Great Midwest Athletic Conference has cultivated a successful partnership with Game Plan, a partner that provides an all-one-platform for the development of student-athletes. The partnership initiated in May, has centered on providing mental health education resources to Great Midwest league members.
 
The modules in mental health are provided to all 12 member institutions from the Great Midwest and each retains flexibility in incorporating the educational resources into their support of student-athlete mental health. The impact of the resource rollout has been measurable.
 
In particular, Walsh University made the programming required for all student-athletes. Implementation which has been led by Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) co-advisors Anna Ball, softball coach/Senior Woman Administrator, and Taylor Mohr, athletic compliance coordinator, has been a collaborative effort to ensure maximum engagement.
 
Prior to the start of the academic year, Walsh presented an outline on how Game Plan could relate to the four current NCAA Division II SAAC goals: Total (combinational of physical/mental health) Package (diversity & inclusion) Student (professional development) Athlete (Love2Play initiative).
 
As a result, Walsh embraced a desire to create a campus culture looking for ways to engage student-athletes and motivate their peers. The conversation remains ongoing in a very trying 2020.
 
In addition to the Game Plan rollout, University counseling services have been involved. The compliance staff has supported sexual violence education, and a new Title IX policy was developed. Student-athlete leadership has also been integral behind strong leadership from SAAC chair and women’s basketball All-American Sha Carter.
 
“We want to foster open communication relative to mental health, to sexual violence, to diversity and inclusion, social justice, and grow, grow, grow,” said Ball. “There are always branches off of that tree. The end goal is continual growth in all of those areas.”
 
“The Game Plan modules do a great job of emphasizing enough sleep, organizing and getting enough exercise, in a way that is positive,” she added. “There is a way we can manage it. Our student-athletes are thriving with an individualized program.”
 
The Game Plan modules are interactive and designed for student-athletes to complete them at their own pace. Ball makes herself available and has guided SAAC through introductions of each module through video presentation.
 
Sports Information Director Tyler Stotsky works closely with all programs. He has recognized different levels of stress that can be piled on to student-athletes as they tirelessly work to balance academics, athletics and expectations within their personal lives.
 
“It is very important that one’s mental health receives the utmost attention, both inside and out,” he said. “As we know, mental health is a very key factor in the overall well-being of student-athletes and the entire Walsh community. It’s great to know that Walsh is doing their part and making an emphasis on mental health awareness.”
 
In the COVID space, Walsh rolled out eight-week terms for undergraduate students, an adjustment that Addison Starr, a sophomore on the women’s bowling team, has taken in stride.  
 
Starr is a double major in AYA Integrated Science and Biology with a minor in art. She has provided perspective on the challenges facing student-athletes in the difficult life of a student-athlete during the pandemic.
 
“Mental health is knowing when you need help; you have good days and bad days,” she said. “It’s not the easiest thing to admit you need help and it’s not a sign of weakness. It shows maturity to admit that you are vulnerable.”
 
Like many other student-athletes, Starr’s playing season was cut short in the spring just as the Cavaliers were getting ready to travel to sectionals in New Jersey. Practice for her includes 6:30-8 a.m. sessions and late Saturday nights. On average, she spends six hours a day in the classroom, including 2.5 hours for night class.
 
On top of that, transitioning from a freshman to a sophomore, is a challenge in itself. She wasn’t sure if she would be back on campus. Walsh has been proactive implementing precautions and restrictions for housing to protect student-athlete welfare.
 
“It is reassuring that Walsh is making this a priority,” added Starr, who has career ambitions to start in the field of teaching. “They are reinforcing how much they are there for you. If anything was to happen, they are ultimately not only looking out for your best interests as a student-athlete, but as a person.”
 
Walsh, as with all league members, will continue to evaluate the progress made with the Game Plan mental health modules and has embraced other aspects of the extensive athlete development offerings.