Student Athletes
Dr. Jaime Jenkins
Director of Athletics Counseling and Sports Psychology Services
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Student Athlete Specialized Services
In addition to the services offered by the Student Counseling Center for all JU students, we offer specialized services for student athletes. Dr. Jaime Jenkins organizes the services for student athletes.
Performance Enhancement Sessions
Individual performance enhancement sessions are tailored to each student athlete to improve the mental skills needed for peak athletic performance. Potential topics may include (but are not limited to) focus, goal setting, motivation, self-talk, energy management, injury, and confidence.
Performance Enhancement Workshops
Small-group workshops are offered throughout the semester and are open for all student athletes and high performers. See below for details, including a list of topics and how to sign up.
Team Workshops
Team workshops are coordinated with coaches to provide performance enhancement services in a group setting. Workshop topics may include (but are not limited to) effective communication, goal setting, energy management, and team building. Coaches can request tailored workshops to address the unique needs of their team.
Staff Trainings
Staff trainings aim to assist staff in how to best support student athletes’ mental health and wellness. Potential topics may include referral procedures, effective communication, and diversity/inclusion.
Instagram Page: @ju_counseling_athletes
Our Instagram page shares resources, mental training tips, news related to the intersection of sports and mental health, and information about upcoming workshops and other services. Give us a follow!
Workshops
The Student Counseling Center offers workshops specifically tailored for student athletes and high performers. Workshops topics may include: Setting Goals, Optimizing Energy, Enhancing Body Image, Incorporating Mindfulness, Harnessing Strengths, etc.
Groups
Phin-Jured Athlete Group
A GROUP FOR INJURED & RECOVERING JU STUDENT ATHLETES
TBA | Rowing Building
Support is essential through all seasons of the student athlete experience. The Student Counseling Center has partnered with Athletics to offer this group for student athletes who are currently injured or who have recovered from an injury. Injuries can be big or small, physical or mental! Refreshments provided. Contact jjenkin24@ju.edu with questions.
Relaxation Exercises
Relaxation exercises are a highly effective and accessible way to reduce stress affecting the mind and body, increase focus and performance, and improve overall health and wellbeing. In general, these exercises involve slowing down, focusing on something calming, and increasing body awareness. When you find a technique that resonates with you, practice it regularly to enhance the benefits you'll experience. Check out a few guided examples in the playlist linked below!
Relaxation Exercise Video Playlist
Student Athlete Mental Health Referral Form
If you are a staff member within the Jacksonville University Athletics department, you can refer student athletes for counseling by completing the Student Athlete Mental Health Referral Form using the button below.
In an emergency, please call 911, campus security at (904) 256-7585, or the Suicide & Crisis Hotline at 988.
If the concern about a student athlete has a broader scope and impacts academics, living in the residence halls, or conduct, please complete the university’s CARE form instead of this form.
Student Athlete Mental Health Referral Form
Resources
Mental Health Resources (NCAA)
Modules for Supporting Student Athlete Mental Wellness (NCAA)
Sleep and Wellness for College Athletes (NCAA)
Resources for Athletes with Mental Health Concerns (Athletes Against Anxiety and Depression)
Resources for Injured Athletes (Sidelined USA)
Stories to Increase Mental Health Awareness (Players' Tribune)
Athletes Connected (University of Michigan)
Resources for LGBTQ+ Athletes and Allies (You Can Play Project)
HeartMath
The Student Counseling Center offers training in using HeartMath, which is a science-based biofeedback technology that is proven to increase inner balance and self-security. HeartMath Inner Balance devices pair with your mobile device via Bluetooth to help you gain awareness of stress within your body in order to regulate your physical responses. This may be useful for things like reducing anxiety, enhancing performance, and improving sleep. HeartMath devices are available for check-out for 30 days at a time, with the support of a counselor at the SCC.
To find out more information about HeartMath, visit https://www.heartmath.com.
Quick Coherence Technique
Watch this short video as a guide to practicing restorative heart-centered breathing. This can help to improve your self-regulation, center yourself in the present moment, and get focused on what's ahead of you. It can be especially effective when used before an event, such as team practice, competition, or any time that you want to adjust your energy levels, either by calming down or becoming energized, depending on your personal needs.