Life & Athletics Education Series

7 Ways to Lead
January 25, 2026 | 7-8 pm CT

Speaker/Sponsor: Rob Miller, NAIA and Proactive Coaching
Do not leave leadership of your teams to chance, teach and empower your captains how to lead successfully. This presentation applies seven principles of leadership. 1) Be the first to serve, 2) Be the first to lead by example, 3) Be a lifeline of communication between the coach and the team, 4) Be the first to praise others, 5) Be the first to protect and defend your team (loyalty), 6)Be the first to confront violations of your team standards (solving problems before they impact your team), and 7) Be the first to encourage and the last to become discouraged (mental toughness).

Athletes know the power of having a game plan. This session gives you a playbook for life after sport. Through discussion and practical tools, you’ll define what success looks like for you, identify who belongs on your “team,” discover how to advocate for yourself, and learn when it’s time to adjust your strategy.

Thinking about taking a supplement? This session will cover what NAIA student-athletes need to know about the risks, regulations, and realities of dietary supplements — including how they can lead to a positive drug test, even if the ingredients aren’t on the label. Learn how to protect yourself and use AXIS, the NAIA’s trusted resource for banned substances and supplement safety.

The start of the school year brings excitement—but it also comes with big life changes. As routines settle and the “honeymoon phase” fades, many student-athletes begin to feel the weight of academic, athletic, and social pressures. This session will help you navigate the transition into college life, manage stress as the semester progresses, and build a strong mental foundation for the competition season ahead.

Managing Nutrition and Physical Activity in Life After Sports
March 16, 2025 | 7-8p m CT

Topic: Physical Wellness
Speaker/Sponsor: Alyssa Hermann, Beyond the Athlete

As athletes, we know the importance of fueling our bodies to compete at the highest level. But what happens when the demands of sports are no longer? In this session, former athlete and registered nurse Alyssa Hermann will provide valuable insights on adapting your eating habits and exercise routines to support ongoing wellness, even when structured training is no longer a part of your daily life. Learn how to prioritize your well-being for the long term, ensuring you continue to thrive well beyond your athletic career. This session is open to all NAIA student-athletes looking to prepare for life after sports.

Incorporating Mental Health Care into Your Daily Routine
February 2, 2025 | 7-8 pm CT

Topic: Mental Health
Speaker/Sponsor: Coach Kos, Training the Complete Athlete

Join Coach Kos in this important session on integrating mental health care into your everyday life, even as an elite athlete. Managing overall wellness is essential for both high performance and quality of life, regardless of your path. Ignoring mental health can hinder success. Learn practical strategies to prioritize and maintain your mental well-being, ensuring you perform at your best, both on and off the field.

Join First Interstate Bank, Official Bank of the NAIA, to get an overview of their Financial Education Platform, providing education and tools to help you navigate several financial topics.  This resource helps you create a personal budget, manage debt, building emergency savings, and more. This session will focus on an overview of the platform, allowing you to create a personalized playlist geared toward your financial goals.