My name is Nailah Anders, and I am from Moline Illinois. I am a third-year student-athlete at the University of Dubuque majoring in Human Health Science. I also compete in track & field as a thrower, I am a two-time conference champion, First-Team All-American (6th place nationally), in discus. Competing at this level has taught me the importance of prioritizing both my physical and emotional health. I believe there should be more conversation around the mental health of student-athletes, knowing we all carry some sort of weight on our shoulders; Where we balance academics, athletics, and personal life. To care for myself physically, I follow a consistent training plan, fuel my body with the right nutrition, and make recovery a priority. To care for myself emotionally, I lean on my family and teammates for support, practice self-reflection, and stay motivated by setting clear goals. As an athlete, I’ve learned that your mindset shapes your performance. If your thoughts aren’t in the right place, distractions and negativity can take away from your focus. Staying grounded, positive, and disciplined allows me to approach challenges with confidence and grow through setbacks. It is an honor to be an advocate for both physical and emotional health, and I hope to inspire my campus community by showing that success comes from caring for your whole self.
