Harrogate, TN - Wellness has become a top priority for Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) as it seeks to enhance the year-round student-athlete experience. To support the well-being of its student-athletes, the LMU Athletics Department is launching the Railsplitter Strong Wellness Program this spring.

This comprehensive program brings together student-athletes from various sports for targeted sessions focused on different aspects of wellness:

• Freshmen will attend a session on Mental Health and Sports, presented by Carissa Carver, a member of LMU's Mental Health Counseling staff.
• Sophomores will explore Identity in College Sports with Dr. Scott Barnicle from the University of Tennessee's Sports Psychology Department. 
• Juniors will participate in a session on Social Media in Sports, led by Nikki Lockhart, LMU's Social Media and Marketing Director.
• Seniors and graduate student-athletes will gain valuable insights on Financial Management in a session led by Kristin Byers from Hearthside Bank.

These programs are part of LMU Athletics' commitment to equipping student-athletes with the resources and support they need to thrive both on and off the field. The initiative responds to growing concerns about mental health and social well-being, underscored by the NCAA's Student-Athlete Well-Being Study, which highlighted the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student-athletes' physical and mental health.

"Our goal is to take exceptional care of our student-athletes here at LMU," said Don Grigsby, Director of Sport Performance and Athlete Wellness. "Our student-athletes compete for championships on the field and consistently excel in the classroom, achieving an impressive 3.4 average GPA. Now, we are focusing on developing a holistic approach to their well-being. The Railsplitter Strong Wellness Program is essential for helping our student-athletes navigate the demands of sports and college life while preparing them for success beyond college athletics."