Supporting Champions On and Off the Field

The bar has never been higher for student-athlete success both on and off the field. Last fall, OU Athletics reported a 3.30 average cumulative GPA. The performance fell just shy of the single-semester school record of 3.31 set in spring 2025 and represents the 28th consecutive semester OU student-athletes maintained a GPA above 3.0. On top of that, 101 student-athletes were named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

Between pursuing high academic achievement and performing at the top of their game, the pressure is on. That can take a major toll on student-athletes navigating college life for the first time.

Two hundred eighty student-athletes were seen by the Psychological Resources for OU Student-Athletes (PROS) team between August 2024 and July 2025. One hundred forty-nine of those student-athletes sought services with PROS for the first time – up 21% from the year before.

I’ve been grateful to have mostly been in a safe and healthy headspace while competing, but some athletes aren’t as fortunate.

Kelsey Carrington (MBA ‘25), a blocker on the 2020-2024 OU Volleyball teams, knows how important psychological resources have been for her fellow teammates and other student-athletes.

“I’ve been grateful to have mostly been in a safe and healthy headspace while competing, but some athletes aren’t as fortunate,” said Carrington.

Injuries, unexpected family events, personal relationships and academic challenges can affect a healthy, happy student-athlete’s wellbeing at any time. The PROS team works closely with athletic trainers, coaches and academic advisors to anticipate care needs before a situation becomes critical.

Most student-athletes only have one to five appointments, but a flexible support model allows the team to support individuals seeking extra support without session limits.

PROS offers a variety of services such as individual counseling, performance psychology consulting, psychoeducational testing for disorders, medication management, specialized referrals and team workshops, each with the goal of supporting student-athletes across every facet of life. Even students who aren’t struggling are encouraged to utilize the program’s resources for personal growth.

Since 2004, OU has been a leader in student-athlete wellbeing. In fact, OU Athletics was the first athletics department in the country to hire a full-time psychologist and now carries one of the largest staffs across all NCAA divisions.

Today, the Inspiring Champions Fund is vital in equipping OU athletics programs with essential support for psychological resources, recruiting, medical care and professional development, among other needs. 

From the time they step on campus to the moment they walk across the stage, OU student-athletes are prepared to perform on the biggest stages in competition, in the classroom and in life. 

“Each and every one of us is a priority; not just as athletes, but as human beings,” said Carrington.

Support the Inspiring Champions Fund on OU Giving Day to empower OU student-athletes. Make your gift on April 14.