Maroon & Gold Memo: Supporting Student-Athletes And Advancing Leadership

Another exciting year at Central Michigan Athletics is in full swing!

As I begin my third year as Zyzelewski Family Director of Athletics, one of my goals is to communicate more with you, our fans and supporters. So many amazing things happen in CMU Athletics every day, and we don't want you to miss them.

Along with these monthly memos, I also recently launched a podcast series — CMU Athletics Connection — where I go behind the scenes to share stories about our rich history, successful alumni and student-athletes. Our first episode features three student-athletes who are all aspiring entrepreneurs.

Focus on mental health
Development of our student-athletes is one of three important focus areas for CMU Athletics, and I would argue the most important.

Development certainly involves their athletic abilities. More importantly, it involves their academics and mental health. These young athletes face many stressors — academics, competition, being away from home, being in the spotlight and more.

This is Mental Health Awareness Week, but it is routinely a topic we bring awareness to. It's vital we support our student-athletes and equally as important they feel comfortable asking for help. Research over the past few years shows 33% of all college students experience significant symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions. Among that group, 30% seek help; yet, only 10% of college athletes with mental health conditions seek help.

We are committed to reducing the stigma of mental illness and supporting our student-athletes in all aspects of their lives. My next podcast, which will be released the week of Oct. 17, will feature the stories of how two student-athletes have dealt with mental health struggles.

Leadership through adversity
CMU Athletics is proud to have partnered with the Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute and CMU's Army ROTC program to sponsor "Leading Through Adversity," a flag officer conference on leadership. The Sept. 16 event featured five distinguished alumni who are all retired military flag officers.

Leadership is central to who we are at CMU and it was tremendous for our university community to have the opportunity to learn from these accomplished officers.

Thank you to these dedicated alumni for traveling to campus to share your stories with us.

You, too, can watch the wisdom they shared by viewing the recording.

Support your favorite student-athletes
I'm excited to announce that CMU's student-athletes are now featured on opendorse.com, a name, image, likeness (NIL) technology company that helps athletes and their support group to build and monetize their brand value.

This means you can find your favorite CMU student-athlete and request autographs, social media posts, appearances, a video shoutout and more. This is an exciting opportunity for them to be compensated for their NIL, as approved by the NCAA in July 2021.

Thank you for your continued support of CMU Athletics and our student-athletes. Be sure to stay connected with us on social media. Fire Up Chips!

Maroon & Gold Memo: Supporting Student-Athletes And Advancing Leadership

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