Elite Collegiate & Professional Sport Track

Sport social workers play multiple roles in the lives of collegiate and professional athletes by addressing various aspects of their well-being, with a particular emphasis on providing mental health and high performance services, leading organizations as sport administrators, and helping consult on brand management and social justice initiatives. These professionals recognize the unique challenges faced by athletes within the competitive sports environment and strive to create a supportive atmosphere. By prioritizing mental health and high performance goals, these social workers contribute to the holistic development of athletes, fostering not only their physical skills but also their mental resilience and well-being, ultimately promoting a healthier and more sustainable athletic culture. Participants in this track will:

• develop a functional working knowledge of the roles that sport social workers play across all levels of social work practice;
• promote healthy relationships, encourage help-seeking behaviors, and establish and implement strategies for mental health programming that aligns with the mission and structure of an organization;
• understand the role sport plays in athletes' identities across the lifespan, embracing the "Once an Athlete, Always an Athlete" approach; and
• apply evidence-informed practices in clinical settings, research and social justice advocacy.

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