My name is Andon Coles, a freshman men’s hockey player at the University of Dubuque. I am from St. Albert, Alberta, Canada and am double majoring in Psychology and Business. I have a passion for athletics and been extremely fortunate to have played junior hockey for four years, both in the Alberta Junior Hockey League and then the North American Hockey League. This journey has afforded me the opportunity to attend the University of Dubuque and pursue my goal of becoming a sports psychologist and helping athletes, young and old, with their mental health and performance in their respective sports. Having the blessing of being able to play the sport I love my whole life is truly something I’m grateful for and appreciate every day. Playing hockey and being at the rink has always been a therapeutic experience for me – it creates focus, allows me to clear my mind, and shuts out the extra noise of the outside world. Hockey has allowed me to grow and mature, has given me unique leadership opportunities in a team environment, and has enhanced my work ethic. Hockey has also helped me address my physical health, through wanting to better myself and grow through the sport. Through playing the sport I love, I am able to improve my mental and physical health every day. After completing my degree at UD, I am looking forward to helping my community, athletes from a variety of sports, and ideally professional sports teams in growing awareness for mental health. I believe a focus on mental health can enhance performance and afford athletes the extra edge that strong mental health can bring. Our world is always changing, and I have found since 2020, and Covid-19, that mental health is crucial in our everyday lives. I am excited to be a part of this movement as a current student athlete and future professional practitioner. I encourage athletes to invest the time to address their physical and mental health and become their best version as an athlete and student.
