Description

How has the life of former Heisman trophy winner Ricky Williams been affected by social anxiety? What kind of resilience did Katie Hnida have to have to become the first female kicker in college football? What counseling theoretical approach might work well with a student athlete dealing with body image issues? How are counseling theories and skills relevant for any career in athletics? And how do you know if you are culturally appropriate in your work with student athletes? We will explore answers to these and many other questions through learning-centered experiences such as small group activities and case studies.  

Learning Objectives

In this course, students will learn how to appropriately support the personal, academic, and career success of student athletes.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Recognize the symptoms of academic, career, and emotional wellness and challenges.
• Compare and contrast counseling theories and approaches such as strengths-based, person-centered, and solution-focused.
• Demonstrate proficient use of basic counseling skills in class.
• Critically reflect upon the cultural appropriateness of one’s approach to serving student athletes’ needs and respond sensitively to others’ perspectives.
• Relate and apply counseling theories and skills to various careers in athletics, such as coaching, sports medicine, and administration.  
• Communicate theory-based arguments in a concise and clear manner.

Instructional Methods

Instructional methods employed for this course include, but are not limited to: lecture, small and large group discussion, guest presentations, and peer instruction. The course is designed to facilitate the contributions of instructor and students to create the body of knowledge with which all participants will leave the experience. To this end, attendance and participation is critical to the growth and development of all involved.