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Lenecia Nickell joined Cincinnati's athletics department as its first-ever Director of Sport Psychology in January 2022, bringing more than 16 years of experience as a mental health counselor to the Bearcats.
She oversees all mental health and mental performance services for Cincinnati's 450-plus student-athletes.
"We are thrilled to welcome Lenecia Nickell to our Cincinnati Athletics team," Cunningham said. "She has the experience and knowledge to really make a positive impact on our athletic department. Our No. 1 priority is helping our student-athletes reach their potential, and adding Lenecia to our team puts us in a position to provide the necessary resources to keep them healthy, safe and well – on and off the field."
From academics and finances to health concerns and personal experiences with racism, student-athletes face more challenges in college sports today than ever before.
Nickell's hire deepens UC's commitment to student-athlete mental health and wellness, which is a core pillar of the athletic department as well as the Day One Ready Campaign – UC's $100-million fundraising initiative that's focused on achieving Next Level Success in the Big 12.
Nickell ran her own counseling practice and consulting service for the last 10 years in Cypress, Texas, where she worked with adolescents and adults. She also has experience as a therapist and counselor at schools, nonprofit organizations and in community mental health care.
Nickell received her PhD from Adams State University. She has an M.A. in counseling from Sam Houston State and a B.S. in psychology from Texas A&M University.
She oversees all mental health and mental performance services for Cincinnati's 450-plus student-athletes.
"We are thrilled to welcome Lenecia Nickell to our Cincinnati Athletics team," Cunningham said. "She has the experience and knowledge to really make a positive impact on our athletic department. Our No. 1 priority is helping our student-athletes reach their potential, and adding Lenecia to our team puts us in a position to provide the necessary resources to keep them healthy, safe and well – on and off the field."
From academics and finances to health concerns and personal experiences with racism, student-athletes face more challenges in college sports today than ever before.
Nickell's hire deepens UC's commitment to student-athlete mental health and wellness, which is a core pillar of the athletic department as well as the Day One Ready Campaign – UC's $100-million fundraising initiative that's focused on achieving Next Level Success in the Big 12.
Nickell ran her own counseling practice and consulting service for the last 10 years in Cypress, Texas, where she worked with adolescents and adults. She also has experience as a therapist and counselor at schools, nonprofit organizations and in community mental health care.
Nickell received her PhD from Adams State University. She has an M.A. in counseling from Sam Houston State and a B.S. in psychology from Texas A&M University.