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NAIA

Life & Athletics Education Series

Life & Athletics logo
NAIA Life & Athletics Education Series is designed to equip student-athletes with essential life skills and holistic development tools to thrive both on and off the field. These sessions, which are open to all NAIA student-athletes, focus on critical areas that will help them succeed during their time as student-athletes and beyond. Each session will be hosted via Zoom, using the same link for every event, making it easy for student-athletes to join.

FUTURE SESSIONS

September 13, 2026 | 7-8 p.m.

Speaker/Sponsor: Rob Miller
NAIA and Proactive Coaching

You've probably had questions about how decisions are made in college athletics... but never had the chance to ask. Join longtime NAIA leader and Proactive Coaching speaker Rob Miller as he shares lessons from his experiences as a coach, athletic director, conference commissioner, and national office administrator. This interactive session is your opportunity to ask questions, gain insight into the bigger picture of college athletics, and hear candid perspectives from someone who's seen it all.

October 11, 2026 | 7-8 p.m.

Speaker/Sponsor: Coach Kos, Training the Complete Athlete

Every student-athlete faces setbacks... but your response to them can shape your growth both on and off the field. Join Coach Kos as she introduces the Recovery Mindset, a practical approach to viewing failure as feedback instead of letting it define your confidence and self-worth. You'll leave with strategies to bounce back stronger, build resilience, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

January 24, 2027 | 7-8 p.m.

Speaker/Sponsor: Anna Bottoms and Megan Meyer
Drug Free Sports International

Join Anna and Megan from Drug Free Sport International as they break down three of the most talked-about supplements in athletics. Learn what creatine, protein, and peptides are, how they impact performance and health, and how to make informed decisions while avoiding unnecessary risks. Whether you're considering supplements or simply want the facts, this session will help you fuel your performance with confidence.

 

Zoom link for each session: https://naia-org.zoom.us/j/86500792764
All NAIA Student-Athletes Are Welcome!

 

PAST SESSIONS

YOUR PLAYBOOK FOR SUCCESS - BUILDING THE LIFE YOU WANT

February 15, 2026

Speaker/Sponsor: Dr. Katie Ervin, Catalyst Development

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.

SUPPLEMENTS 101 - WHAT EVERY NAIA STUDENT-ATHLETE SHOULD KNOW

October 12, 2025

Speaker: Anna Bottoms, Drug Free Sports International

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.

NOT JUST SURVIVING, BUT THRIVING: YOUR MENTAL HEALTH GAME PLAN

September 14, 2025

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

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

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

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.

Being Financially Fit

BEING FINANCIALLY FIT

November 17, 2024

Topic: Financial Literacy
Speaker/Sponsor: Doug Gaumer, First Interstate Bank

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.