Ithaca College Athletics

The Student-Athlete Experience
Ithaca College Athletics Performance Program
    The IC Advantage is cutting edge Performance Programming to equip student-athletes with the knowledge, skill and ability to compete at the highest level academically and athletically. The comprehensive program provides training in nutrition, rest and recovery, sophisticated strength and conditioning along with sport specific training in an environment that values the contribution that athletics makes to the overall educational experience of student-athletes.

Leadership Academy
    The Ithaca College department of intercollegiate athletics implemented a comprehensive, multi-year program with a mission to develop leadership traits in its student-athletes. The Leadership Academy, led by Dr. Greg Shelley, instills traits and philosophies that will be applicable in athletes’ sport participation at Ithaca College and will also serve them in professional and personal endeavors for the rest of their lives.
    The program was introduced in the spring of 2014 and is fully implemented for the 2014-15 school year. Approximately 300 student-athletes representing all 27 varsity sports will participate in the program, which builds upon its curriculum across each year of the Academy.
    Selected first-year student-athletes will take part in the Developing Leaders program. The sophomore student-athletes will progress into the Rising Leaders Program, and juniors will participate in the Team Leaders Program. The Leadership Academy positions Ithaca College as having the nation’s premier Division III sports leadership development program.
    “Ithaca College has developed a comprehensive program within its own campus community that is unique. Leadership development is a priority of this athletic department and our coaches and our students have bought in to this program. We are creating something that doesn’t exist anywhere else, Division I, II or III,” Ithaca College Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports Susan Bassett said. “We are extremely fortunate to have an expert of Greg Shelley’s caliber on this campus. The opportunity that our coaches and athletes have to work with him is unmatched.”
    Dr. Shelley is an associate professor in the Ithaca College Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences and teaches undergraduate courses in sport and exercise psychology, leadership and team building, and sport and exercise counseling. He also teaches graduate-level courses in psychological, motivational and leadership issues related to sport participation and training. He has served as a peak-performance consultant for over 17 years and has published numerous journal and online articles.

Bomber Leads: Life Skills Program 
    Life as an intercollegiate athlete can be challenging but also very rewarding. Student-athletes at Ithaca College have many demands on their time. To help with transition issues from high school to college, a series of programs are sponsored through the Bomber LEADS (Lifeskills Education for Athletes Determined to Succeed) program, specifically targeting the needs of first-year student-athletes.
    During summer orientation, prospective student-athletes have the opportunity to learn about the myriad of support services available to them and to discuss the rigors of balancing a full academic curriculum with their athletic ambitions. Current student-athletes, a faculty representative, and athletics department staff provide useful information to help future student-athletes begin scripting their goals.
    The LEADS program was established to give first-year student-athletes a chance to explore the multitude of experiences available at Ithaca College. It is a great opportunity to meet fellow student-athletes, make new friends, and connect with the campus community.

Student-Athlete Advisory Council
    The Ithaca College Student-Athlete Advisory Council, or SAAC, was created in the fall of 1994 to serve as the representative body of student-athletes at Ithaca College. The establishment and recognition of SAAC has been an important step to enhancing the involvement of student-athletes on matters that affect their lives. The advisory council is composed of an executive board and two representatives from each team. 
    The executive board, composed of the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, serves a one-year term. The SAAC works directly with the associate director of intercollegiate athletics on matters of policy and procedure, NCAA rules education and compliance, life skills education, community service, and team promotions.
    In February 2016, SAAC raised over $1,000 during the third annual Polar Plunge at Cayuga Lake. SAAC also participates in the Bombers Supporting Bombers initiative on campus, which is essentially student-athletes supporting one another throughout the year at home events.