University of Houston Athletics
Duo Represents Cougars at Conference, National Forums
4/20/2023 2:22:00 PM | Women's Golf, Swimming & Diving
Economon, Richardson learn valuable lessons at American, NCAA symposiums
HOUSTON – Last weekend, a pair of University of Houston student-athletes represented the Cougars on a conference – and national – stage.
Houston Swimming & Diving senior Elizabeth Richardson attended the 2023 American Academic Consortium's Academic Symposium hosted in New Orleans by Tulane University. The Consortium funds grants for research around student-athlete well-being while bringing together student-athletes, scholars, and athletics staff from The American's member institutions to learn about the results of the research while providing a space for attendees to discuss possible initiatives to enhance the student-athlete experience.
"This past weekend, the biggest topic of conversations was mental health," Richardson said. "We heard from panels and researchers where they discussed the continued growing need for a dedicated mental health resource for student-athletes. Another big point was that student-athletes are turning to each other for help and that's why I'm so glad SAAC helps foster a positive mental health environment through our Powerful Minds festivities (especially the guest speaker panel in the fall), present a petition to administration, and for having Miana Graves volunteer her time on Mondays to help. Other topics included the advantages and worries that came with the transfer portal and NIL deals."
Houston Women's Golfer Anna Economon spent last Thursday-Saturday at the Student-Athlete Leadership Forum hosted by the NCAA in Baltimore, Md. Created in 1997, the forum invites more than 5,000 student-athletes each year to help them grow personally and professionally. The weekend offers many opportunities for attendees to return to campus with invaluable leadership skills and a refined understanding of the relationship between one's personal values, core beliefs, and behavioral styles. In addition, this event also allows attendees to foster a close personal network of like-minded peers long after the conclusion of the forum.
"I am immensely proud to have represented the American Athletic Conference and UH at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum," Economon said. "The forum was transformational on a personal and professional level. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to interact with 250 student-athletes from schools around the country and from all three NCAA divisions. Hearing their stories, sharing common struggles, and learning from their experiences helped me realize just how much is possible. The discussions we had were refreshingly honest and transformed the way I will approach leading my golf team and UH SAAC group. Most importantly, sharing our experiences gave me hope for the future of college athletics and ignited my passion to keep fighting for change. We've accomplished a great deal in SAAC this year, but there is a lot more important work to do."
Richardson helped lead Houston to its seventh consecutive American Athletic Conference Championship title in February. Despite a grueling physical schedule in the pool, Richardson excels in the classroom studying Industrial Engineering. Richardson was recently named the Cullen College of Engineering's Most Outstanding Senior. Since joining the Cougars in 2019, the Vero Beach, Fla., native has made the dean's list every semester. Richardson currently serves as the vice president of the Industrial and Systems Engineers student chapter.
A three-year member of Women's Golf, Economon has been a leader for the Cougars. The Economics major has been named to the Dean's List for all but one of the semesters in which she has been enrolled with a pair of perfect semesters during her academic career. In 2022-23 season, she serves as president of the Houston Athletics Student-Athlete Advisory Committee while also working as the coordinator of student-athlete and alumni engagement for the American Athletic Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
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Houston Swimming & Diving senior Elizabeth Richardson attended the 2023 American Academic Consortium's Academic Symposium hosted in New Orleans by Tulane University. The Consortium funds grants for research around student-athlete well-being while bringing together student-athletes, scholars, and athletics staff from The American's member institutions to learn about the results of the research while providing a space for attendees to discuss possible initiatives to enhance the student-athlete experience.
"This past weekend, the biggest topic of conversations was mental health," Richardson said. "We heard from panels and researchers where they discussed the continued growing need for a dedicated mental health resource for student-athletes. Another big point was that student-athletes are turning to each other for help and that's why I'm so glad SAAC helps foster a positive mental health environment through our Powerful Minds festivities (especially the guest speaker panel in the fall), present a petition to administration, and for having Miana Graves volunteer her time on Mondays to help. Other topics included the advantages and worries that came with the transfer portal and NIL deals."
Houston Women's Golfer Anna Economon spent last Thursday-Saturday at the Student-Athlete Leadership Forum hosted by the NCAA in Baltimore, Md. Created in 1997, the forum invites more than 5,000 student-athletes each year to help them grow personally and professionally. The weekend offers many opportunities for attendees to return to campus with invaluable leadership skills and a refined understanding of the relationship between one's personal values, core beliefs, and behavioral styles. In addition, this event also allows attendees to foster a close personal network of like-minded peers long after the conclusion of the forum.
"I am immensely proud to have represented the American Athletic Conference and UH at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum," Economon said. "The forum was transformational on a personal and professional level. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to interact with 250 student-athletes from schools around the country and from all three NCAA divisions. Hearing their stories, sharing common struggles, and learning from their experiences helped me realize just how much is possible. The discussions we had were refreshingly honest and transformed the way I will approach leading my golf team and UH SAAC group. Most importantly, sharing our experiences gave me hope for the future of college athletics and ignited my passion to keep fighting for change. We've accomplished a great deal in SAAC this year, but there is a lot more important work to do."
Richardson helped lead Houston to its seventh consecutive American Athletic Conference Championship title in February. Despite a grueling physical schedule in the pool, Richardson excels in the classroom studying Industrial Engineering. Richardson was recently named the Cullen College of Engineering's Most Outstanding Senior. Since joining the Cougars in 2019, the Vero Beach, Fla., native has made the dean's list every semester. Richardson currently serves as the vice president of the Industrial and Systems Engineers student chapter.
A three-year member of Women's Golf, Economon has been a leader for the Cougars. The Economics major has been named to the Dean's List for all but one of the semesters in which she has been enrolled with a pair of perfect semesters during her academic career. In 2022-23 season, she serves as president of the Houston Athletics Student-Athlete Advisory Committee while also working as the coordinator of student-athlete and alumni engagement for the American Athletic Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Golf
/ Swimming & Diving
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