Intercollegiate Student Athlete (NCAA)

Keeping your body at its peak

As a student athlete, you know your health is important. Staying healthy is essential to peak performance in athletics and academics, as well as enjoyment of the other aspects of your life.

Gannett staff members are proud to support the Big Red. Sports Medicine seeks to be a vital partner in your health care, from your first sports clearance to the end of your last season as a Cornell athlete. Our staff will work with you to care for your illnesses and injuries; we will also help you learn how to protect and enhance your health.

At the beginning of every year you are involved in intercollegiate athletics, you will have a chance to connect with our Sports Medicine staff through participation in a sports clearance process, designed to evaluate your health and readiness for participation in your sport.

You might work with our Sports Medicine and/or Physical Therapy staff during the year should you be affected by an injury or illness requiring our assistance. Gannett also offers services related to allergies, nutrition, and sexual health that might be helpful to student athletes. And should you or a teammate run into trouble with your mental/emotional health, substance use, or hazing, we have well-trained staff to assist you. All services at Gannett, including Sports Medicine, are completely confidential. 

Athletic injury insurance

Every athlete intercollegiate athlete at has supplemental accident and injury coverage administered by the Department of Athletics and Physical Education. Learn how to get your bills paid after an athletic injury by calling 255-0489 or e-mailing Charlene Haskell, Athletic Insurance Coordinator.

The bigger picture

Finally, we know that athletes often require more than our physical support. Gannett works closely with coaches and team leaders to support the overall health and wellness needs of our athletes. Student Athlete Mentors (SAMs) keep an eye on their fellow team players and will do their best to connect individuals to needed support services. To learn more about SAMs, e-mail or call Gannett Health Promotion at 255-4782.

A special word to athletes about alcohol

As a top-performing athlete, you train very hard. Drinking alcohol, even during the off-season, can get in the way of you reaching your goals for a number of reasons. One thing to keep in mind is that alcohol can decrease human growth hormone (the hormone that signals muscles to grow and repair) as much as 70%. If you want to know more about alcohol and other drugs, look at our web-based resources, including this fact sheet entitled "Three Things Varsity Athletes Should Know About Alcohol." You can also pick up brochures at Gannett, or contact Gannett Health Promotion at 255-4782.