PEAK Magazine Feature: Mentor Momentum

Over the past 12 months, the unique environment in athletics and the inability to train and compete in traditional ways affected not only the student-athletes, but the staff as well. The focus for DP2 has always been on holistic support of the student-athletes but the pandemic presented a unique challenge – how can DP2 continue to support the student-athletes in a way that will never compensate for the loss of competition but perhaps diminish it in some way?

One solution was to increase the prominence of the alumni mentorship programming.

The programs, which pair student-athletes with alumni 'mentors' in their respective sports, were taking place in various ways across varsity programs. But the organic nature of the efforts, coupled with the lack of connection back to the greater mission of DP2, presented an opportunity that was already forming in another area of athletics.

Through her work in external relations, Associate AD Lori McBride was beginning to engage in alumni-mentor partnering at a time when the need for student-athlete connection was growing in significance by the day. This provided an opportunity to strengthen the alumni mentorship programming and align it even more seamlessly with DP2 and, specifically, the career networking efforts under the leadership of Jen Chuks, Associate AD for Varsity Sports and Peak Performance.

"In my work with the various Friends groups on events, it was clear that alumni sought a deeper connection with the student-athletes they were meeting," said McBride. "In external relations, we are always looking for ways to build relationships and deepen engagement, so providing some modest support to alumni mentor programs was a natural fit."

Through the spring and into the summer, it became clear that these programs were as important as ever.

"Everyone was looking for a connection point and the alumni felt this incredible urge to help," said McBride. "The programs that were already in place wanted to do more, and those that were in the planning stages wanted to move quickly. The common goal was centered on ensuring that the student-athletes had people they could talk to that — while away from campus — understood the student-athlete experience and the challenges that developed quickly because of the pandemic."

The work that continued through the summer and into the fall created a sport-specific support group of sorts with a roster of alumni mentors ready to help in any way they could. For some, it was simply lending an ear while for others, it was guiding decisions on majors, mapping an academic path, navigating social life and helping with internships and career advice.

"Every time we had a call, I was so impressed by the resolve and commitment of the alumni and their unwavering commitment to the student-athletes," said McBride. "The exchange of ideas and different ways our alumni stepped forward to help has become a major aspect of the overall support for student-athletes during this time."

For Katie (Horner) Van Asch '12, her interest in becoming a mentor harkens back to her early days as an undergraduate at Dartmouth and realizing the impact this program could have had on her assimilation.

"I started mentoring players on the women's ice hockey team because I struggled my freshman fall with a lot of issues I felt too embarrassed to admit to my teammates, coaches or parents," said Van Asch. "I didn't want to seem weak or ignorant, so I struggled through some big issues on my own. Looking back it would have been really helpful to have someone who knew what I was going through, so I decided to start a mentor program for those who wanted someone to help them navigate life at Dartmouth and beyond as well."

With Van Asch's leadership, the program has become a model at Dartmouth and continues to provide critical support for the student-athletes beyond the ice, as well as great connection points as they begin to think about their post-college life.

"I want student-athletes to know they are a part of something bigger than just their team," said Van Asch. "The network Dartmouth provides after you leave Hanover is incredibly supportive. Ultimately, we want to provide insight and guidance to student-athletes in any avenue where they are uncertain about what to do next."

The current women's ice hockey model includes an initial meeting over Zoom and from there, the mentor and mentee work together to create a communication plan that works best for them. Van Asch and her mentee, Sara McClanahan '22, who share Minnesota roots, text regularly, set up times to talk by phone and meet up in person for dog walks when home.

"The emotional and mental health needs have become very apparent during the pandemic for everyone, not just student-athletes," added Van Asch. "I think access to sport psychologist and therapists through the DP2 program is extremely valuable and I hope student athletes are taking advantage of these services. I also think our mentors have done a great job assisting with tough questions around D-Plan adjustments, fifth-year extensions, virtual interview prep and remote working environment expectations."

To date, more than 20 varsity teams have mentorship programs established or in development. If you are interested in becoming involved in an alumni mentorship program within your sport, or simply want to help support the student-athletes, please contact Lori McBride at lori.mcbride@dartmouth.edu.

Schedules

Players Mentioned

Sara McClanahan

Footer

Schedules