Student-Athlete Mental Health


SUNY Canton and the NCAA are committed to supporting the mental well-being of student-athletes. In short, mental health is a part of, not apart from, student-athlete health and is an integral part of the collegiate experience. Recognizing mental health as an important dimension of overall health, the NCAA’s commitment to student-athlete mental health and well-being is codified in the NCAA Constitution, which states that athletics programs shall be conducted in a manner designed to protect, support and enhance the mental and physical health of student-athletes.

Guidance and resources are available to empower schools in their responsibility to provide for the mental health of student-athletes. The NCAA promotes a culture of care, encourages help-seeking and supports the creation of healthy environments where mental wellness is prioritized and every student-athlete has access to the care they need to thrive.

NCAA MENTAL HEALTH PAGE | MENTAL HEALTH BEST PRACTICES
 

The above link offers a number of educational tools and resources for student-athletes. Below is also a link that includes information related to health, safety and performance. 

HEALTH, SAFETY & PERFORMANCE
 

Resources Available at SUNY Canton
Sports counseling and mental performance training offer critical support for college student-athletes, helping them navigate the unique pressures of balancing academics, athletics, and personal development. These services enhance overall well-being, promote mental health, and improve athletic performance.

SUNY CANTON COUNSELING CENTER


Key benefits include:

  • Improved Mental Health: Counseling helps student-athletes manage stress, anxiety, depression, and identity issues, which are common in high-performance environments.
  • Enhanced Performance: Mental skills training—such as visualization, focus, confidence-building, and goal-setting—can boost consistency and competitive edge.
  • Better Coping Strategies: Athletes learn how to handle setbacks, injuries, and performance slumps in a constructive way.
  • Increased Resilience and Confidence: Training develops mental toughness and emotional regulation, helping athletes thrive under pressure.
  • Academic and Life Balance: Support systems guide athletes in time management, motivation, and transition planning for life after sports.
By addressing both performance and personal development, sports counseling and mental performance training empower college athletes to excel both on and off the field.
 
Staff
 
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Jim Sheppard, LMHC
sheppardj@canton.edu | (315) 386-7314
Assistant Director of Counseling
Counseling Liaison for Athletics		 Matt Milograno, MS
milogranom@canton.edu | (315) 386-7976
Head Coach, Women’s Soccer
Mental Performance Consultant

Background
  • Licensed counselor in three states (NY, VA, NC)
  • 17+ years counseling college students
  • Bachelor's – Psychology
  • Master's – Mental Health Counseling
  • Certificate – Sports Counseling & Student Athlete Mental Wellness
Interesting facts
  • Jim was captain of his high school basketball team, a former whitewater rafting guide, and served as a ropes course facilitator on campus
 Background
  • USSF National D coaching license
  • United Soccer Coaches GK Level 3 Diploma
  • Coaching experience at the youth, high school, club, and college levels.
  • Bachelor’s - Economics
  • Master’s – Sports Performance Psychology
Interesting facts
  • Matt was the goalkeeper for 4 years at Utica University and is the owner/head coach at BLGK Academy in Central NY.

Availability:
  • By appointment @ the Counseling Center
  • Drop-In Hours @ Roos House Conference Room (Tuesdays, 1:00 PM – 4:00PM)   
 Availability:
  • By appointment @ Roos House
 

Differences between sports counseling and sports performance:
 
Aspect Sports Counseling Sports Performance
Primary Focus Personal development, emotional well-being, and life issues of athletes Mental aspects of performance, such as focus, motivation, and anxiety
Goal Enhance overall well-being and coping strategies Improve athletic performance and mental skills
Scope Addresses issues both inside and outside sports (e.g. identity, relationships, transitions) Mainly focused on psychological factors affecting sports performance
Typical Techniques Used Talk therapy, coping strategies, and emotional support Mental training, visualization, goal-setting, self-talk
Client Base Athletes dealing with personal, academic, or career concerns Athletes looking to optimize performance or manage performance-related issues
Training Background Often trained as counselors or therapists with knowledge of sports culture Trained in psychology with specialization in sport psychology
Licensing Requirements State license as mental health counselors Certification through the Association of Applied Sports Psychology
Common Issues Addressed Depression, anxiety, stress, identity crises, retirement transitions Performance anxiety, concentration, confidence, and mental resilience
Integration with Coaching May work indirectly with coaches, focusing more on personal aspects Often works closely with coaches to align mental strategies with performance goals
Examples of Use Helping an athlete cope with burnout or life balance Training an athlete to improve focus before competition
 
Additional Resources:


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