PITMAN --- Ivy Watts, a nationally renowned mental health empowerment speaker, presented to New Jersey Athletic Conference student-athletes, coaches, and administrators on Sunday evening, Oct. 25. 

The virtual presentation was a joint initiative between the conference's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the newly created NJAC Diversity & Inclusion Committee. 

Watts, a former All-American track student-athlete who graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a top 30 finalist for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award, struggled daily with anxiety, self-worth and depression. After seeking help, Watts, who is Mental Health First Aid Certified, promotes mental wellness and reduces stigma around mental illness by sharing her story through public speaking and her blog, Beautifully Simply You. Watts empowers others to speak their truths, know that they are not alone, learn the beauty of self-love and find strength to keep fighting for their tomorrows.

Watts has presented to many conferences around the country reaching thousands of student-athletes and administrators, and recently presented to a national audience through the NCAA Office of Inclusion.

Watts spoke candidly about her struggles and healing to attendees on last night's virtual event, which was attended by many NJAC constituents from student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, and athletic staff members.

"These are incredibly difficult times for the athletic world right now, as so much loss has occurred in a short time and COVID, racial injustice, and other personal issues have caused a lot of anxiety and fear in our lives," Watts said. "I am so grateful that the NJAC has created multiple spaces for mental wellness for student-athletes, coaches and administrators. It was an amazing experience to be able to share my story and tools for mental wellness, self-love and self-care with the NJAC."

Watts' presentation was one piece of the NJAC's partnership with her. Moving forward, current NJAC constituents have lifetime access to Watts' web-based mental health modules. Her modules focus on mental health particularly during the era of COVID-19 and the ongoing hardships experienced by nearly everyone in this difficult time. The modules allow users to begin their own mental health and wellness journey and figure out what self-care techniques work for them through videos, written content, and various activities. Information was sent to the athletic departments at all 10 NJAC institutions regarding access. 

"I am incredibly honored to be able to play a role in empowering NJAC student-athletes and administrators to find the power of self-compassion, self-love and mental wellness during these tough times, and beyond," Watts added.

---

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING...

"Ivy was excellent with being honest, relatable, and creating a safe space to talk about a stigmatized topic. She did a fantastic job of showing how you're not alone and that there are so many resources and tools available. Ivy's passion for mental health was very empowering to hear. I was able to take away so much valuable information from her presentation that my teammates and I will be able to implement into our lives."  ---Jeanmarie Harvey, Track & Field Student-Athlete, Stockton University

"The meeting helped me see that I can talk to people around me and not be afraid to ask for help. Also, that sometimes the goals you set for yourself might not be met but that does not mean that life is pointless... there is more to life to look forward to."  ---Ali Chaudhry, SAAC President/Track & Field Student-Athlete, New Jersey City University

"I think the quote that resonated with me the most was that 'you are more than your sport' because I think for a lot of us, we feel like we can't succeed in life if we aren't succeeding in our sport. It becomes an identity for us so we feel lost when it is over." ---Jessica Hrnciar, Cross Country/Track & Field Student-Athlete, Ramapo College

"I feel confident we (Kean University Athletics) can speak for the rest of our NJAC members that Ivy's story was such a privilege and powerful experience to listen to, with lessons of overcoming struggle and adversity as a former student-athlete. The workshop gave our student-athletes the tools to practice and build confidence towards a positive, healthy, and safe mental space. Her tactics of effective listening, caring, and being supportive directly align with our role as coaches, teachers, and mentors."  ---David Galante, Assistant Coach, Kean University Football

“Ivy’s presentation is an outstanding resource for everyone involved with collegiate athletics.  Her energy and openness with her own story provides everyone the opportunity to learn more about the topic of mental health.   She is true inspiration and her talk was a great reminder of the importance of self-care and communication.”  ---Jayson Resch, Director of Cross Country and Track & Field, Stockton University

“Ivy Watts provided a very personal story that deeply resonated with our audience, because she described having emotions and thoughts that so many of us now face. Her positive approach and message, that to struggle is normal, gives people confidence to share their feelings and seek support. Her message comes from someone, who not only survived, but thrived by effectively addressing her own mental health. Ivy inspired us to be more courageous to help ourselves, while being more compassionate to help others.”  ---Dr. John Giannini, Athletic Director, Rowan University

"Mental health and wellness are important topics on college campuses. Ivy Watts delivered an amazing presentation to the student-athletes of the New Jersey Athletic Conference. Our student-athletes left the workshop inspired and empowered to find beauty and strength in who they are and what they accomplish daily."  ---Kristen Foley, Associate Director of Athletics, William Paterson University