The Personal Development commitment supports the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well being, personal growth and decision-making skills.

In an effort to educate student-athletes on the importance of this component in the early stages of their collegiate career, each individual is strongly encouraged to take the Healthy Lifestyles class (HPES 184/3.0 credit hours). The purpose of this student-athlete course falls in line with the overall goals and objectives of the Life Skills Program and is designed specifically to explore the biological, psychological, and sociological influences that promote healthy lifestyles and wellness. The following topics are addressed:

• nutrition (eating for peak performance)
• stress management
• time management
• substance use and abuse
• ULAA and NCAA drug testing policies and procedures
• sexual responsibility
• cultural diversity
• sexual orientation
• eating disorders
• body image
• intimate partner violence

*Guest speakers include Performance Team members, Community Agencies, Athletic Department and University of Louisville staff.

The Performance Team has been created to assist in the personal and athletic development of the Cardinal student-athlete. The education, assistance, and action models are supported by a team of talented athletic trainers, nutritionists, strength and conditioning coaches, physicians, sport psychologists, athletic department administrators and numerous other specialists. Performance team programming affords student-athletes and coaches the opportunity to gather information to support a healthy lifestyle and achieve optimum athletic performance.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is composed of two student-athlete representatives from every team. The SAAC meets twice a month and provides a forum for team representatives to voice their concerns on a wide range of issues that are important to the student-athlete population. Through their participation, SAAC members are afforded many responsibilities and opportunities, such as:

• promote communication between athletics administration and student-athletes
• provide a voice for student-athletes
• encourage participation in community projects and campus organizations
• promote special events for student-athletes
• communicate information to teammates
• participate in opportunities to enhance leadership skills
• promote a positive student-athlete image

Continuing education occurs each semester as coaches are strongly encouraged to organize 2-3 menu picks for their teams. These workshops are conducted by Performance Team members, University of Louisville staff, Athletic Department staff, and community volunteers. Menu picks include the following topics:

The Cardinal Life Skills Program sponsors seminars to address the student-athletes, spirit groups, and coaching staffs during each academic year. Guest speakers are asked to address personal development and social issues.

Each spring, Senior Exit Interviews are conducted with student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility. Information gathered from these interviews enable athletic administration to make the necessary changes to improve student-athlete programming and services to better meet the needs of all student-athletes.

Each academic year the NCAA selects one U of L student-athlete to attend the NCAA Leadership Conference at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This conference is one of the largest non-competitive gatherings of NCAA student-athletes. It is designed to enhance student-athletes' leadership and communication skills and to enable them to become more effective leaders and motivators when they return to their campuses. The convention setting provides the student-athletes with an opportunity to create dialogue surrounding topics that affect them on campus and in their communities. The conference also provides them with exercises to enhance their decision-making and problem-solving skills, and improve planning and priority management. Former U of L student-athlete representatives include:

For information on the Life Skills Program, contact: