The summer has been a whirlwind of activities and preparations, different from the regular school routine. I am thrilled to introduce Kenton Tom, ATC, as our new Athletic Trainer, who has already made an incredible impact on our community in just four short weeks. I am eagerly anticipating the contributions he will make in supporting our athletes.

This year, our Athletic Department is placing an even greater emphasis on the overall health and wellness of each athlete. Earlier this month, our dedicated coaches came together on campus for our annual meeting, which featured a presentation by the Positive Coaching Alliance. The theme for this year's course was "Coaching with Empathy," designed to provide our coaches with insights into understanding the daily challenges our athletes face.

Following the Positive Coaching Alliance session, our Counseling Department offered valuable information on Mental Health resources available on campus. Standing at the back of the room I felt gratitude for our coaches and their engagement throughout the meeting. They truly are committed to addressing the needs of the whole athlete.

August is an exciting month in education, especially so in athletics. New teammates, new connections, and a new mascot!  It brings me great joy to sign off my emails with a spirited "Go Bears!"