Student-Athlete Resources
In addition to world-class coaching and facilities, Michigan gymnasts are provided with a plethora of resources that add enormous value to the student-athlete experience
dedicated athletic trainer
Lisa Hass is a Senior Associate Athletic Trainer in the Department of Student Athlete Health and Welfare. Lisa has worked with the women’s gymnastics team for the past 30 seasons. Lisa works closely with the athletic medicine and coaching staffs to ensure the gymnasts medical, safety, and rehabilitation needs are met. She is responsible for daily evaluation, care and treatment of both illness and athletic injuries. Lisa is fully dedicated to the gymnastics program, as she attends all practices and events.
The Donald R. Shepherd Women's Gymnastics Training Center is equipped a variety of therapeutic modalities and rehabilitation equipment. There is also cardiovascular training equipment and a small Swim-Ex available for the treatment and recovery of our team members. Student-athletes also have access to doctors and medical professionals not only for injuries, but for everyday healthcare needs (fevers, colds, etc.) in our athletic department medical suite.
student-athlete ACADEMIC SUCCESS PROGRAM
The University of Michigan works hard to provide rich educational development and experience. Having strong educational support will enhance the overall probability of academic success and graduation among our student-athletes. Through the Academic Learning Center and our Academic Staff, we provide our athletes with academic support through:
Academic Advising
The athletic department employs eight professional, full-time counselors who are here to help student-athletes through the educational process.
Supervised Study Table Program
Designed to provide student-athletes with a structured learning environment to supplement and enhance the student-athlete's study and class preparation.
Tutorial Program
Provides student-athletes an opportunity to supplement their classroom knowledge with one-on-one tutorial assistance, free of charge. All current student-athletes are eligible to utilize tutoring services.
Access to the Sweetland Writing Center, the Karen and Steve Sanger Math Lab, and the Engineering Computer Lab inside the Ross Academic Center
In addition to these resources, the university also provides numerous services to support students: Academic Support Services for All Students
For more information on our outstanding academic disciplines, visit www.umich.edu
Source: MGoBlue.com - Academic Success Program
Visit our 19 Schools and Colleges
kim nichols - academic counselor for our program
Every Michigan gymnast works with Kim Nichols to determine her class schedule, ensure degree progress, assess tutoring needs, and navigate through each semester. All of our student-athletes are provided excellent guidance and resources to tackle any and all academic challenges. Kim's support has resulted in our team members becoming Big Ten Distinguished Scholars, and we are incredibly proud of our stellar team GPA.
NUTRITION AND STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
OUR STRENGTH COACH - LEW PORCHIAZZO
Lew Porchiazzo currently serves as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the gymnastics and softball programs. He joined the University of Michigan Olympic Sport Strength and Conditioning Staff as a Graduate Assistant in August 2009 and was promoted to Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Olympic Sports in December 2011. Additionally, he serves as coordinator of the Sports Performance Center Weight Room.
Click here for a Strength and Conditioning Overview
OUR TEAM PERFORMANCE DIETITIAN - Andrea Darby
Sydney Daley is a Registered Dietitian and holds a board-certification as a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. Originally from the state of Washington, she has worked with athletes at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, University of North Carolina, and – of course – University of Michigan. Sydney is passionate about helping our gymnasts develop good fueling habits, positive relationships with food, and customized nutrition plans to optimize sport performance.
STUDENT-ATHLETE COUNSELING RESOURCES
kelly pahle - director of athletic counseling: student athlete health & welfare
Our Athletics Counseling Team consists of licensed professionals who are trained to work with the unique student-athlete population. We are fortunate to have Kelly Pahle as a vital part of our program.
Our Goals
Empower student-athletes to take ownership of their mental health just as they work on physical strength and skills
Teach positive coping skills for managing emotional distress
Provide a full spectrum of care for student-athletes, meeting them wherever they fall on the continuum of wellbeing
Enhancing mental skills for peak performance
Destigmatize and normalize help seeking behaviors among the student-athlete population
Educate teams on evidence-based topics to improve performance, communication, and team chemistry
Work collaboratively with athletic department staff to provide student-athlete centered care
ATHLETES CONNECTED PROGRAM
The Athletes Connected program, developed with initial funding from an NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice Grant, is a unique collaboration between the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Depression Center, and Athletic Department to increase awareness of mental health issues, reduce the stigma of help-seeking, and promote positive coping skills among student-athletes.
MGoBlue: Roy, Shchennikova Become Mental Health Advocates Through Own Struggles
By Ben Blevins
College gymnasts spend nearly their entire lives participating in the sport they love, and the ending can be difficult to cope with. When the end comes to sooner than expected, it can be even harder to accept.
That is what happened to University of Michigan seniors Sam Roy and Polina Shchennikova in 2018.
Team Activities and events
Team chemistry is of utmost importance to us, and we are fortunate to participate in a number of activities to bond our teammates together!
Annual YMCA Team Retreat
Fall Football Tailgate with our Alumni
Athletic Counseling-Guided Activities
Annual Team Holiday Party
Corn Maze and Apple Orchard Trips
Team Bake-Off
Escape Room
Season Kick-Off BBQ at Coach Bev's
Fan Engagement and Community Service Opportunities
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Assistant director of leadership - colette Hemker
Our Leadership Development Team provides a variety of resources and activities for student-athletes to grow as community members, learn teamwork and interpersonal skills, and ready themselves for the workforce. Colette Hemker works closely with our team to ensure that we take advantage of these opportunities. Click the arrow on the right to learn more about Colette.
Colette Hemker is the University of Michigan Athletics Department Assistant Director of Leadership Development and Community Engagement. She works to develop altruistic and community-minded student-athletes who actively engage in solving problems and serving others through mutually beneficial community engagement initiatives.
Before starting with the University full-time in October of 2018, Colette worked 8.5 years with the Ann Arbor YMCA as the Coordinator of Youth Sport and Outreach Programs then as the Director of Youth Community Programs where she assessed community needs and then designed, implemented, and evaluated year-round youth and family programming at 26 sites across Washtenaw County. She increased opportunity for 800+ individuals annually to become their best selves through increased physical activity, nutrition education and character development. She also identified and engaged over 40 like-minded community leaders to enhance program outcomes across the Ann Arbor Y service area through community partnerships and collaboration.
Colette graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management in 2010. As a student, she was on the Women’s Novice Rowing Team, interned with the Wrestling and Football teams, and worked for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a Campus Tour Guide.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND EXPLORATION
The Michigan Athletics Career Center (MACC) is committed to the career development of student-athletes through comprehensive and transformative experiences that empower the Leaders and Best. They provide opportunities to engage with a global network and create relationships that foster a lifetime of success.
WHAT THE MACC DOES:
Meet S-A's wherever they are on their career journey
Help S-A's to identify their strengths, interests, and an ideal major, leading to their desired career path
Design programming to reflect the latest trends and best practices in career preparation
Connect our S-A's to the largest alumni base in the world
Partner with over 500 companies & mentors to provide our S-A's with job shadowing, internship, and job opportunities
NAME, IMAGE & LIKENESS AT MICHIGAN
The University of Michigan supports student-athletes receiving compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness (“NIL”) from sources outside the University consistent with the state law of Michigan, NCAA rules, and institutional policy.
NIL is an evolving area and the following information will be subject to ongoing review and revision as circumstances, laws and regulations change.
General Provisions
Student-athletes' use and monetization of their NIL may involve a wide range of activities including but not limited to:
Traditional commercials or advertisements for products or services
Student-athletes developing and promoting their own business
Personal appearances
Student-athletes running their own camps or clinics
Providing private lessons (and using their name or image to promote those lessons)
Sponsored social media posts
Autograph sessions
There are no limits on the amount of income a student-athlete may earn through NIL activities provided any compensation is for work or services actually performed.
International student-athletes should confer with the International Center to understand what their visa permits in this area.
At Michigan we have a brand-new NIL specific team dedicated to our student athletes working on building and developing their brand. More to come on all things University of Michigan & NIL opportunities!
AUSTIN HARTSOOK
NIL Manager, Business Development
DANIELLE DAVISON
Assistant AD for NIL
Terése Whitehead
NIL Executive GM