Posted: Oct 19, 2020
Hilton, NY--The Empire 8 is proud to announce its inaugural Virtual Student-Athlete Leadership Series that will take place during the 2020-21 academic year. The goal of the virtual programming is to enhance student-athletes' skills beyond their sports, focusing on topics that complement their athletic and academic pursuits as the conference prepares them to be "Tomorrow's Leaders."
Starting in October, student-athletes will have an opportunity to take part in a monthly virtual speaker series that will target initiatives both inside and outside the realm of athletics to develop student-athletes' knowledge. These areas include mental health, diversity and inclusion, social justice, sportsmanship, health, nutrition and wellness, leadership, sport psychology and life after athletics, among other topics.
"The virtual series allows us to engage more student-athletes than traditional in-person opportunities," said Empire 8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. "It is a silver lining to the challenges posed by the pandemic. This programming is vital to the role of intercollegiate athletics contributing to the mission of higher education."
Student-athletes will have the opportunity to hear from professionals in the industry, coaches, and administrators and to connect through open discussions with speakers and fellow student-athletes related to these topics.
The series will kick off with Mental Health Empowerment on Oct. 28, featuring keynote speaker Ivy Watts.
Watts, a former student-athlete at the University of New Haven, graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a top 30 finalist for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award, struggled daily with anxiety, self-worth and depression. After seeking help, Watts, who is Mental Health First Aid Certified, promotes mental wellness and reduces stigma around mental illness by sharing her story through public speaking and her blog, Beautifully Simply You. Watts empowers others to speak their truths, know that they are not alone, learn the beauty of self-love and find strength to keep fighting for their tomorrows.
"This is the most mentally challenging time for college athletes in modern history," said Mitrano. "We are asking a lot of young women and men in very abnormal circumstances. They lost competitive seasons. They cannot practice or can only do so with strict restrictions. General student life is a challenge. These things are taking a significant toll on their mental health and we are excited to have Ivy share her story and expertise to help our student-athletes during this most unprecedented time."
More information will be posted throughout the 2020-21 academic year. Pertinent information on each topic will be provided closer to the event.
For the most up to date information on speakers, registration, and other important resources for the #E8Leaders campaign, visit www.empire8.com or follow @Empire8 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com.
EMPIRE 8 SOCIAL MEDIA
YouTube – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram
Starting in October, student-athletes will have an opportunity to take part in a monthly virtual speaker series that will target initiatives both inside and outside the realm of athletics to develop student-athletes' knowledge. These areas include mental health, diversity and inclusion, social justice, sportsmanship, health, nutrition and wellness, leadership, sport psychology and life after athletics, among other topics.
"The virtual series allows us to engage more student-athletes than traditional in-person opportunities," said Empire 8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. "It is a silver lining to the challenges posed by the pandemic. This programming is vital to the role of intercollegiate athletics contributing to the mission of higher education."
Student-athletes will have the opportunity to hear from professionals in the industry, coaches, and administrators and to connect through open discussions with speakers and fellow student-athletes related to these topics.
The series will kick off with Mental Health Empowerment on Oct. 28, featuring keynote speaker Ivy Watts.
Watts, a former student-athlete at the University of New Haven, graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a top 30 finalist for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award, struggled daily with anxiety, self-worth and depression. After seeking help, Watts, who is Mental Health First Aid Certified, promotes mental wellness and reduces stigma around mental illness by sharing her story through public speaking and her blog, Beautifully Simply You. Watts empowers others to speak their truths, know that they are not alone, learn the beauty of self-love and find strength to keep fighting for their tomorrows.
"This is the most mentally challenging time for college athletes in modern history," said Mitrano. "We are asking a lot of young women and men in very abnormal circumstances. They lost competitive seasons. They cannot practice or can only do so with strict restrictions. General student life is a challenge. These things are taking a significant toll on their mental health and we are excited to have Ivy share her story and expertise to help our student-athletes during this most unprecedented time."
More information will be posted throughout the 2020-21 academic year. Pertinent information on each topic will be provided closer to the event.
For the most up to date information on speakers, registration, and other important resources for the #E8Leaders campaign, visit www.empire8.com or follow @Empire8 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com.
EMPIRE 8 SOCIAL MEDIA
YouTube – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram
