WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Monmouth University Athletics has announced the expansion of its Student-Athlete Development department through the addition of two positions designed to support Monmouth student-athletes in the areas of mental health and sports performance.
Monmouth is proud to welcome Alyssa Ercolino as the department's first full-time Sports Behavioral Health Specialist as well as Dr. Pete Economou in the role of Sport Psychologist Consultant.
"I am so excited to announce our partnership with Dr. Pete Economou as our Sport Psychologist Consultant," Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Development/SWA Jennifer Sansevero said. "Dr. Economou brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will provide the highest level of support for Monmouth student-athletes in a critical area of need. The establishment of a full-time Sports Behavioral Health Specialist at Monmouth further serves the mission of providing an integrative and interdisciplinary service along with our campus and community partners to holistically support student-athletes at Monmouth University."
Monmouth Athletics provides its student-athletes with a number of services, programs, and experiences to better themselves as student-athletes and as whole people. The addition of these services at Monmouth puts a priority on mental health and student-athlete well-being.
"Mental health can no longer be segregated from physical health, and the importance of student-athlete well-being has come to the forefront of university campuses across the country," Dr. Economou added. "Monmouth University took a giant step toward providing additional resources for their student-athletes, under the leadership of Jen Sansevero and Jeff Stapleton along with many campus partners, by creating the position of Sports Behavioral Health Specialist. With my many years of treating athletes and working as an academician, I am intimately familiar with the student-athlete needs and privileged to be consulting with Monmouth in establishing this role for what is essential to the university experience."
Ercolino's responsibilities including meeting individually with student-athletes who seek support in the areas of mental health, athlete identity, injuries, team dynamics, performance and stress. She will spearhead initiatives and develop contacts and relationship with campus and community partners in the area of behavioral health and wellness.
"The addition of this position elevates Monmouth Athletics' mental health resources and support which will have a considerable impact on all our Monmouth Hawks," Sansevero added. "Alyssa's experience as a student-athlete, coach and her recent educational experience in the counseling program here at Monmouth will be a tremendous asset to our department."
The addition of these services will be immediately available to all Monmouth University Athletics student-athletes, coaches and staff.
