CHESTER, Pa. – Following months of preparations, planning, and implementation, Widener Athletics reveals the H.U.B (Health, Unity, & Belonging) for its student-athletes.
 
The dim storage classroom in the Schwartz Athletic Center, formally known as Room 204 has been given a makeover to become a safe space for student-athletes. The new H.U.B. will enable student-athletes to connect and destress from academics, athletics, and daily life while being surrounded by their peers.
 
Joe Nescio from men's track and field and Sam McCarthy of softball were a few of the first to see the newly redesigned room. "I am looking forward to having a place to decompress and clear my mind before practice or a meet," said Nescio. "There are some days where stress from a class can carry over into practice and hinder my ability to perform."  McCarthy noted "it is challenging to find time to unwind as a student-athlete. The H.U.B. allows student-athletes a space where they can feel safe and at ease while kicking back."
 
The H.U.B will also become a partnership space between Widener Athletics and Widener's Counseling Center (CAPS).
 
"The mental health programs that have been in put in place along with the development of the Student-Athlete H.U.B., have been incredibly beneficial," Associate Athletic Director Larissa Gillespie said. "By working collaboratively, we can better identify and address mental health challenges to provide comprehensive support for student-athletes for a healthy environment."
 
Programming entitled "Check-Up from the Neck Up" will be available for all student-athletes twice a week for 15 minutes where they learn about their own mental health and ways to relieve stress.
 
"I believe the resources will continue to make a positive impact on the student-athletes' lives." Gillespie added. "I am grateful for the commitment Widener has to create a supportive campus culture." 
 
In addition to "Check-Up from the Neck Up" the H.U.B will function as a study area, a spot to grab a snack or drink, a destressing space, and a space to talk with other Widener student-athletes. Nescio believes "the programs that will take place in the H.U.B. will not only help student-athletes learn to overcome obstacles they may face but will also provide a space to grow closer with teammates." McCarthy looks "forward to hanging out with teammates and other student athletes in the H.U.B. while giving us student-athletes a place to recuperate, have a snack, and take some time to focus on our mental health."
 
The H.U.B. will also have a permanent page on the Widener Athletics website under "Student-Athletes" where upcoming programming and hours will be available.