WASHINGTON – A 6:00 a.m workout, an 8:00 a.m. class, an hour of film study, an hour of treatment, another class, and a team practice - all before the early afternoon. This is a snapshot of a typical daily routine for student-athletes at Georgetown and other Division I institutions across the country. Things get even busier when student-athletes travel to competitions and games. Even for the most organized student-athletes, balancing such a rigorous academic and athletic schedule can be an immense challenge.

According to the NCAA, the average Division I student-athlete dedicates nearly 80 hours per week to academics and athletics. Alumni, supporters, and casual fans might be aware of a student-athlete or team's impressive athletic feats, but the most taxing aspect of the collegiate athletics experience - including the physical, emotional and spiritual demands placed upon student-athletes - often go unseen. Mental health is an important, yet frequently overlooked dimension of overall student-athlete health and wellness. Approximately one in five adults experience mental illness in a given year, and this rate tends to be highest among young adults, many of whom are college students. If not properly treated, mental health disorders can disrupt a student-athlete's functioning and performance.

Intercollegiate athletic departments can play a pivotal role in creating an environment that supports wellness while also providing resources that enable student-athletes to obtain vital mental health services. Athletic competition is an important environment for establishing mental health promotion practices, destigmatizing mental health challenges, normalizing care seeking, facilitating early identification of mental health disorders and ensuring that all student-athletes in need receive care from a licensed mental health services practitioner. Intercollegiate athletics is also an important space to learn about the role mental well-being plays in total health and one's ability to thrive - in competition and in life.

Less than five years ago, Georgetown became the first intercollegiate athletic department in the BIG EAST Conference to employ a dedicated mental health professional for student-athletes. This position created an essential foundation to enhance the mental health of Hoya student-athletes. Today, Georgetown Athletics is pleased to announce that Joseph (B'84) and Lisa Amato (Parents '13, '17, '19) have committed $3.5 million to endow the newly renamed Amato Family Head of Athletic Counseling position to ensure a legacy of holistic student-athlete support on the Hilltop. This commitment marks the third-largest philanthropic contribution in the history of Georgetown Athletics.

Since arriving on the Hilltop more than a decade ago, Francis X. Rienzo Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Lee Reed has seen the stigma and conversation surrounding mental health change rapidly.
"Even in 2010, we were much more timid in talking about the mental health challenges that our student-athletes were facing on a daily basis. The demands placed on Division I collegiate athletes continue to grow, and it is Georgetown Athletics' responsibility to meet the moment and ensure that our student-athletes have the support they need," Reed said. "I cannot thank the Amato family enough for their leadership and incredible support of Georgetown Athletics and the University.

The Amato family has a deep connection to Georgetown University and the Athletic Department. Joe graduated from the McDonough School of Business in 1984. He and Lisa have three children, Alyse (C'13), Elizabeth (C'17), and Joseph (C'19), who all graduated from the College. Joe's list of involvement at Georgetown has been broad ranging. In addition to a past stint on the Board of Regents, Joe currently sits on the Board of Advisors for the McDonough School of Business, serves as a Co-Chair of the Wall Street Alliance, and is a member of the newly established Board of Advisors for the Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy.

After graduating from Georgetown, Joe went on to a distinguished career in finance and currently serves as President and Chief Investment Officer of Neuberger Berman, an investment firm based in New York City.
Joe understands the difficulties confronting Hoya student-athletes and wanted to make a positive impact during their time on the Hilltop.
 
"My family is grateful to be in a position to support Georgetown Athletics and such an important initiative," Amato said. "In spending time with Lee Reed and Dr. Erica Force, it's very clear that the program is having a positive impact and this endowment will enhance the effort for future generations of Hoya student-athletes."

Student-athlete health and wellness has become a focal point nationally in higher education. The NCAA's "Mind, Body, Sport" initiative launched in 2015 to give institutions a blueprint to best care for student-athletes. Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Health & Wellness Shawn Hendi has long been an advocate for mental health resources.

"The idea of holistic care for our student-athletes echoes the Jesuit philosophy of cura personalis, care of the whole person," says Hendi. "I cannot fully express my tremendous gratitude for this transformative investment in support of our student-athletes."

Amato Family Head of Athletic Counseling Dr. Erica Force knows firsthand the importance of providing resources for student-athletes' mental health. Since joining Georgetown Athletics' staff in 2019, she has overseen the expansion of the Athletic Department's counseling services to include a second full-time professional, a part-time doctoral extern and increased clinical services.

"Our student-athletes confront unique challenges as they compete at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics while balancing the rigors of Georgetown's academic schedule," Dr. Force said. "During my time at Georgetown, I've been grateful to our community for their investments to ensure we have the resources to support our student-athletes."