If you’re an athlete or involved in sports — whether as a coach, administrator, athletic trainer, referee/umpire, equipment manager, or journalist — you understand the mindset and culture that makes playing a sport so uniquely compelling. Athletes tend to be motivated, competitive, and leaders. And because of these positive
characteristics, they’re often held out as role models by their schools, clubs and leagues. Yet, they also tend to be risk takers. And that, combined with the intense desire to win or beat your previous best; the long hours at the expense of other interests; the injuries and physical pain; and wanting to please coaches, teammates, family, and spectators can make competitive athletics extremely stressful.
I know this first-hand. And it’s why I am especially passionate about defending the rights of athletes, former athletes, and those whose lives revolve around sports. There’s a certain kind of familiarity and understanding that individuals in athletics recognize in each other. They get it about the importance of teamwork in meeting a tough challenge. And make no mistake: clients who come to me are facing tough legal challenges, whether having to do with state or federal criminal charges, college or university conduct code violations, or Title IX actions ranging from campus sexual assault to hazing to gender discrimination in athletics. So the shorthand version of my life in sports is this: I filed an action against UCONN in 1978 under the then-new Title IX statute to compel the creation of a woman’s soccer team. I served as its captain for three years and was named a first-team All American and was selected to be on the very first U.S. National Women’s team. I got a variety of national and international coaching licenses and was the head coach of the Yale Women’s soccer team for 10 years, during which time I earned my Ph.D. in Sports Psychology from UCONN. (You can read more details at the bottom of this page.) The point is that I get it. The world of competitive athletics is exhilarating, demanding, and stressful. And sometimes the same kind of “go for it” energy that can serve you well in your athletic life can lead to choices and actions off the field that wind up being mistakes (and often costly mistakes). If you’re an athlete or are involved in sports and you have been charged with any crime or a college disciplinary code violation, whether related to sports or not, you need an attorney who’s not only accomplished in the law, but one who also understands sports culture and will team with you to craft an effective defense that capitalizes on your unique strengths. Call me at 203.946.2000PLAYING EXPERIENCE• University of Connecticut Women’s Varsity Soccer Team 3 years (club 2 years):
• U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team• Connecticut and Northeast Regional Soccer Hall of FameAdditional Playing Experience
COACHING EXPERIENCE• Head Coach Yale University Women’s Soccer Team
• USISL Professional Women’s Soccer Coach – Mississippi• Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Yale University- all 33 sports, including footballAdditional Soccer Experience
OTHER SPORTS POSITIONS
ATHLETIC LICENSES
• PhD IN EDUCATION/SPORT PSYCHOLOGYSPORTS-RELATED ACADEMIC PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
How Can We Help?What makes athletes more injury prone?Muscular Imbalances & Poor Conditioning
An athlete's training prior to an injury may be the cause especially since they train to get bigger, faster and stronger but often neglect full-body conditioning. This leads to muscle imbalances, weak core stability and poor neuromuscular control.
Why are some players more injury prone than others?Mostly genetics. Some people simply have stronger joints and are less susceptible to ligament and muscle tears. Specific training in balance and stretching can help reduce the risk of injury and some people are less disciplined than others.
Which group of athletes is especially vulnerable to injury?Youth athletes are more vulnerable to injury
The young athlete is particularly vulnerable to injury because of the physical and physiological processes of growth. There are 3 risk factors unique to the young athlete.
What are the psychological factors that play a role in athletic injuries?Stress causes attentional changes (e.g., narrowing of attention, general distraction, increased self-consciousness, mental fatigue) that interfere with an athlete's performance. Stress has been shown to cause increased muscle tension and coordination difficulties which increase the athlete's risk of injury.
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