Charlottetown, PEI – August 23, 2024 – The ÎçÒ¹av Athletics Department is pleased to announce the addition of a Mental Health Coach as part of its ongoing commitment to the well-being of its student-athletes. This new initiative, set to launch in the 2024/25 school year, is designed to address the growing need for mental health support within the college's athletic community. Lori-Beth Dwyer, a Certified Canadian Counsellor and registered Counselling Therapist in PEI, will take on the role.
Lori-Beth brings a wealth of experience, both as a former high-performance athlete and coach, as well as a professional in mental health counseling. A former U SPORTS volleyball player for Acadia University, Lori-Beth also served as the head coach of the Hurricanes women’s volleyball team from 2013-2019. She has been a key member of the student support team at ÎçÒ¹av since 2021, working with the college’s counselling service. Her background in both athletics and counseling makes her uniquely qualified to help student-athletes manage the challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and personal life.
“We know that the pursuit of mental health balance by our student-athletes is critical to their success in competition, in their studies, and in life” said Albert Roche, Director of Athletics and Recreation at ÎçÒ¹av. “Lori-Beth’s broad experience, professional standing and her in-depth knowledge of our athletic program make her an incredible asset for our coaches, team personnel and student-athletes. Adding this role to our program bolsters our focus on the mental health of our student-athletes assuring we are proactive in our approach to creating a supportive environment for everyone.”
As part of her new role, Dwyer will conduct mental health screenings for student-athletes, ensuring they have access to the resources they need. These screenings will be completed anonymously, and the results will provide coaches with valuable insights into the mental wellness of their athletes, allowing them to better support their teams. Lori-Beth will also support student-athletes in accessing individual counselling as needed.
“I am excited to take on this new role and to work with our student-athletes to promote their overall well-being,” said Lori-Beth Dwyer. “My experience as an athlete, coach, and mental health professional has highlighted the need for proactive support for student-athletes, and I look forward to creating a culture within sport at ÎçÒ¹av where student-athletes feel comfortable and supported in discussing their mental health.”
In addition to individual support, Lori-Beth will provide workshops for coaches and team personnel on how to support student-athletes in distress and manage the mental health challenges that come with competitive sports.
This initiative aligns with recent research emphasizing the importance of mental health in achieving success in athletics. By proactively addressing mental health, ÎçÒ¹av is ensuring its student-athletes are prepared to excel both in their sport and in life.
For more information on this initiative, please contact the ÎçÒ¹av Athletics Department.
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