Hello, Zone community!

The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of exciting developments, and we're thrilled to share them with you. From attending the NACDA convention to securing significant investments, here's a look at what we've been up to.

NACDA Convention: A Hub of Innovation and Leadership

We had the privilege of attending the NACDA convention, surrounded by current and future leaders of college sports. In today's rapidly evolving sports landscape, it's clear that those in attendance will play pivotal roles in guiding athletes through these changes. While the future holds many uncertainties, it also brims with opportunities for growth and improvement. We're optimistic and inspired by the ongoing commitment to prioritizing mental health.

Here are some key takeaways from NACDA:

Sports Betting Concerns: The impact of sports betting on college athletics is a major topic of discussion. The stakes are high, and the potential risks are significant.
Creative Budgeting and Partnerships: Innovation is the name of the game when it comes to managing budgets and forging partnerships.
Increased Role of Compliance Offices: Compliance offices will be under considerable pressure to navigate new challenges and regulations.
Proactive NCAA Settlement Preparations: Preparing for NCAA settlements is crucial for programs to stay ahead and mitigate risks.
Addressing Mental Health Staff Burnout: It's essential to prioritize self-care for mental health staff. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup!

Panel on Navigating Difficult Conversations

Our CEO, Ivan Tchatchouwo, took the stage at NACDA, joining a panel on navigating difficult conversations in college athletics. Alongside athletic directors and executives, Ivan discussed the importance of handling job responsibilities and their impact on mental health and internal relationships. The insights shared were invaluable and underscored the need for open, honest communication within athletic organizations.

Notable Achievements for The Zone

Beyond NACDA, we've had some incredible milestones worth celebrating:

Investment from 3LS Ventures: We're thrilled to announce that we've secured an investment from 3LS Ventures, a fund focused on behavioral health. This investment will enable us to expand our efforts and support even more athletes.
Mental Health and Well-Being Summit at Seton Hall: We proudly joined the BIG East at Seton Hall for their Mental Health and Well-Being Summit. It was an inspiring event that reinforced our mission to support the mental health of athletes.
The Zone launches campaing with the Mountain West conference. Check here for the campaign.

Sierra Canyon School, known for its championship-winning women's basketball team, has become the first high school to partner with The Zone, a leading mental wellness software for athletes. This collaboration highlights Sierra Canyon’s commitment to holistic athlete development, supporting both mental health and performance under the leadership of Coach Komaki. The Zone’s platform offers mental health resources, wellness check-ins, and real-time support, ensuring athletes thrive both on and off the court. This partnership is a significant step in revolutionizing mental wellness in high school sports.

Oct 22, 2024