Student-athletes come to the University of Minnesota knowing that success happens both on the field and in the classroom.  

For help along that journey, the University invests in staff who play a pivotal role in supporting them as they navigate the unique challenges of balancing demanding sports schedules and rigorous academic commitments.

The student emphasis 

Athletics staff are always finding ways to help student-athletes win in the classroom. As they train to be top athletes, they also train to be the next doctor, entrepreneur or innovator. 

At the Lindahl Academic Center (LAC), Twin Cities student-athletes can partake in one-on-one and group tutoring from learning specialists, along with help from peer tutors from the Tutoring and Academic Success Program. 

“We also have graduate mentors who work with Gopher student-athletes on time management skills, general organization and making sure they have their homework assignments completed on time,” says JT Bruett, director of the LAC.

On the Duluth campus, the over 400 student-athletes can always visit  G Lemonedes, director of academic support and student-athlete development, for advising on school-sport balance, such as course management, NCAA eligibility and resource referrals for academic success.   

“Part of my role is not only staying on top of how they're progressing in their classes, but making sure they don't have additional unmet needs,” says Lemonedes. 

The advocate

Athletics staff do their best to help student-athletes schedule required classes around a sport, but sometimes due to travel, they have to miss a session. To keep student-athletes in good standing, faculty athletic representatives like Timothy Dudley, a professor in the Math, Science and Technology Department at Crookston, become the bridge.

“I interact with student-athletes, faculty, athletics and administration to try to help student athletes have the best experience they can,” says Dudley. 

This rewarding role requires Dudley to coordinate across campus with knowledge of NCAA and University guidelines to help the institution remain in compliance. 

Athletics staff also conduct evaluations of student-athletes' academics to track progress and identify potential barriers to learning such as learning differences and neurodivergent conditions. Staff can then quickly intervene with appropriate support and interventions.

The balancing act 

Investing in programs that support mind and body for peak performance in and out of the classroom helps student-athletes better manage their workload.  

Morris Student Counseling, Morris Let's Thrive, and Cougar Athletics created an integrative approach to promote and support student-athlete wellness. Counselors connect with them through wellbeing workshops, drop-in counseling, and even in-practice check-ins to keep mental health and wellness at the forefront of all they do. Cougar Athletics is also piloting Study Group Tutoring, a weekly on-demand tutoring service, for athletes. 

“Everything we do here on campus is for the entire person, not just one aspect of it,” says Tim Grove, associate athletic director and head women's basketball coach. 

The end goal

Athletics staff are vital contributors to the holistic development of student-athletes. Their dedication and expertise not only help athletes maintain their eligibility but also prepare them for lifelong success. 

“It’s part of the culture,” says Dudley. 

The alignment among faculty, coaches, administrators, and athletics to support student-athletes where they are and where they are headed is why the University continues to excel in both student and athlete experience. 

“Our student-athletes come here not only to play their chosen sport, but also to get an education from a world-class university,” says Bruett. “And I'm very proud of our graduation rates across the board with all of our sports.”