Forward360

GIVE US YOUR ALL AND WE’LL GIVE YOU OURS

FORWARD360 is our holistic wellness program that gives you the tools, opportunities, resources and support you need to reach your full potential. Why? Because being part of a team means taking care of our student-athletes as people—and showing you how to become your best, all around.

WE LEARN TOGETHER: OUR STAFF

The Academic Services staff provides individual academic support to each of our 750+ student-athletes in pursuing their academic goals. Together, we consistently maintain exceptional levels of eligibility and retention, as well as achieve remarkable graduation success rates.

> Advisors and Learning Specialists

Our experienced staff of 13 advisors and learning specialists provide daily academic support through class and major selection, eligibility monitoring, personalized skill instruction, and organizational guidance.

> Tutors and Mentors

To supplement our full-time staff, more than 50 tutors and mentors are available to all student-athletes.

Our highly-skilled tutors provide course-specific support in both individual and group environments.

WE LEARN TOGETHER: OUR FACILITIES

Two dedicated learning centers are available to student-athletes from all 23 sports for more than 100 combined hours per week. Student-athletes are welcome to drop in before or after practice, between classes, or in the evening hours to study, collaborate, and meet with staff.

The Fetzer Center for Academic Excellence , located at Camp Randall Stadium on the west side of campus, is a state-of-the-art facility consisting of 17 tutorial/study rooms, a computer lab, multiple quiet study areas, and the majority of our Academic Services staff.

The Kohl Fetzer Center is located at the Kohl Center on the east side of campus, and provides an additional 5000 square feet that houses additional Academic Services staff, mulitple tutorial/study rooms, a computer lab, and a quiet study environment.

“Coming into college, I did not have a clear vision of what I wanted to do; I was interested in economics, business, teaching, and engineering. With the help from the academic staff within Wisconsin’s athletic department, I discovered the many unique opportunities for future careers. I realized that I can craft my own path that I am passionate and proud of. The path can be daunting and fearful at times, but utterly worth it because of the great support I have. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering with a certificate in computer science.”

– MIKAYLA SEIGAL, WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING

FORWARD 360

Badgers Give Back

We are the heart of Wisconsin Athletics and instill a culture of giving back by working for a cause, not applause.

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE TO BE A GAME CHANGER.

43,511 lives touched in 2021-22 academic year

MAKE YOUR DREAMS A REALITY

We know that our Badger family extends far beyond the coaches, alumni, staff and student-athletes at Wisconsin Athletics, which is why we provide fun and diverse opportunities to elevate lives. Our opportunities challenge you to see the big picture and empower you to create great memories and unite with our community in the pursuit of excellence and joy.

BUILD YOUR BRAND FOR THE FUTURE

People don’t wear their struggles or hardships on their sleeve, so you never know when a short conversation, a new toy, a pat on the back, or even just a smile will be a person’s saving grace. We will teach you how to harness the power of your platform for activism and social change in communities by leading through the example that a few minutes is transformative, and life is bigger than a game.

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

“It is with deep gratitude that I write to thank you all for an exceptional Special Olympics event last night. I was heartened to see how sincere, engaged, and energetic you were with all the athletes who competed. It will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for my sons, who got to see their uncle be cheered on by the young people who represent UW.”

– ROBERT L. KEHOE III, COMMUNITY MEMBER

CAREER LEADERSHIP

Our goal is to connect today’s opportunities with tomorrow’s possibilities. We get to know you on a personal level, explore your unique skills and passions, and provide one-on-one coaching to help you achieve success.

OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, 100% OF GRADUATES HAVE ACHIEVED MEANINGFUL CAREER PLACEMENT.

We empower you to reach your full potential through innovative and intentional experiences. Building relationships, fostering strategic partnerships with employers and alumni that want to hire you, exploring career and leadership activities, and overcoming obstacles life throws are all part of the journey we take together.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO ENGAGE INCLUDE:

> One-on-One Coaching > Badger Connect app > Name, Image and Likeness education > Badgers Go Pro events and workshops > Student-Athlete Career Night > Employer Site Visits

“Once I began my job search, I reached out my Career & Leadership coordinator for advice. Not only did they help me find companies and jobs that cater to my interests, they also bridged connections with Badger Alumni in the area through the Badger Connect App and the W Club, where I was offered multiple internship and job opportunities!”

–

ESTELLA MOSCHKAU, WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

> Leadership Lessons

> Leadership Certificate

> Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

> Transition programs

> The Buckinghams

> Financial Literacy education

“Career & Leadership has helped me prepare for the future after football, giving me the best opportunity to be successful. They have helped me create my resume, held student-athlete career nights, and helped with my search of finding a summer internship.”

–

SPENCER LYTLE, FOOTBALL

Inclusion Engagement

We strive to ensure that all policies, programs, procedures, and initiatives encompass a wide range of perspectives and experiences by partnering with and supporting a variety of constituents within the Wisconsin Athletics department, on campus, in the Madison community, and around the country.

The Inclusion & Engagement department is one of the first departments created in the nation to intentionally focus on diversity, inclusion, and engagement within college athletics!

We embrace the differences among our student-athletes, staff, administration, and coaches as we work to fuel access, opportunity, and reach within Wisconsin Athletics.

> DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We are committed to an inclusive culture where every individual feels free to be their authentic self. Our differences and our strength are our strengths and together, our variety of perspectives moves us forward.

AFFINITY GROUPS AND PROGRAMMING FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES:

> Student-Athletes Equally Supporting Others (SAESO)

> Badgers Pride Affinity Group (LGBT+ Students and Advocates)

> Badgers Beyond Borders Affinity Group (International Students)

> Minority Student-Athlete Union (MSAU)

> Women of Wisconsin (WOW)

> Alumni Connection

> Recognition of Heritage Months that aim to elevate underrepresented populations

> Campus partnerships and initiatives

> Capacity Building

“Being a part of SAESO has helped both my student-athlete growth and my growth as a prospective adult. Learning the importance of how diversity and inclusion can impact our development has helped me grow into a confident leader willing to share the knowledge I have gained.”

– MASA BEZBRADIC, WOMEN’S ROWING

MEDITATION TRAINING

Meditation is a scientifically based way to train your mind to move more confidently in the direction of your performance and well-being goals. Meditation Training is Strength and Conditioning for your Mind. In other words, meditation is not leaving your mental game to chance. The impacts of meditation - concentration, stability, feeling connected, more purposeful - will show up across your life from athletics to academics and beyond.

> The Meditation Training Department is the first of its kind in the world and collaborates closely with Forward 360 peers and sport coaches. The work is grounded in rigorous scientific evidence, and we are actively engaged in ongoing scientific research.

> We train with individuals, small groups and entire teams. Our interest is to train with you so that your mind is a powerful asset as you go from good to great and great to elite. All of us have an inner life of thoughts and emotions, and only some will train their minds to have the skills to fully unleash their untapped potential.

“People use meditation for a variety of different things, stress, anxiety, performance, happiness, etc., but all good things take time. Results will come but being patient and trusting the process is important. In the long run it will be one of the best things you can do for yourself.”

– EMMA JASKANIEC, WOMEN’S SOCCER

MENTAL HEALTH SPORT PSYCHOLOGY

We are here to provide all studentathletes the opportunity to flourish through mental health and sport psychology services.

Our approach to serving student-athletes provides you the opportunity to choose an “in-house” athletic department psychologist or a campus or community provider that best fits your needs.

Here are a few common reasons student-athletes come to us. Please remember this list is not exhaustive—and we can, and will, help you work through whatever concerns you have.

SPORT PSYCHOLOGY

MENTAL HEALTH

We focus on the overall well-being of all student-athletes. We understand that athletes are humans, and thus at times may feel overwhelmed by the demands of being a Badger student-athlete. Our staff listens, provides support, guidance, and psychological treatment. We help educate student-athletes on the use of relaxation, visualization, and breathing techniques to maximize their personal, academic, and athletic performance. To ensure we are providing comprehensive care, we partner with:

“Mental Health & Sport Psychology is committed to your overall well-being. We look forward to getting to know you and to helping you achieve your goals here at Wisconsin!”

360

Performance Nutrition

We strive to provide education, along with appropriate food and nutrition products, to help maximize performance potential and overall health.

Jack Link’s Protein Performance Centers at Camp Randall Stadium and the Kohl Center offer:

> Pre- and post-workout shakes

> Grab-n-Go fueling for pre-, mid-, and post-workout needs

> Nutrition education graphics and displays

Nutrition is key to performing your best before, during, and after competition. The performance nutrition team champions department-wide services and information for all student-athletes. We also support individually with personal evaluations and nutrition counseling.

The Red Card app is one of many useful tools for finding participating restaurants, suggested menu items, meal calendars and more. The app also allows the ordering of customized recovery shakes throughout the day.

Red Card recently partnered with ZoneIn to help us provide seamless nutrition recommendations based within an app. Your individualized fueling plan will be at your finger tips, adjusting to your personalized recommendations, training schedule, biometrics, food preferences and goals.

“Before coming to college, I struggled with fueling my body efficiently. Refuel stations within athletic facilities are stocked with easy grab-andgo nutrient-rich foods that help pre-or post-workout. Made-to-order smoothies are delicious and filled with fruits and vegetables that aid in recovery. In addition to the refuel stations and training tables, the Nutrition team goes out of their way to assist athletes in all of their nutritional needs whether that be meal planning or supplements.”

-MACKENZIE MCCONAGHA, WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING

Fueling plans and product selection, pre-and post-game meal guidance, and nutrition packs

TRAINING TABLE

Sports Medicine

Our team ensures that student-athletes have access to personal high-quality sports medicine care while enhancing both their academic and athletic experiences.

In addition to Wisconsin Athletics department facilities and University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, campus is home to a Level One Trauma Center with a wide range of medical specialties that can accommodate the healthcare needs of our student-athletes.

The sports medicine staff consists of an experienced group of athletic trainers that work under the direction of our team physicians to coordinate and provide medical care to all student-athletes. Each athletic team is assigned one or more athletic trainers, a primary care physician, and an orthopedic physician.

BADGER ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

Our interdisciplinary sports performance program collaborates with a variety of specialists to maximize each studentathlete’s performance through the integration of science, training, and injury management. We implement a variety of physiologic and performance testing metrics to help guide injury prevention, performance enhancement, and return to sport following an injury.

“ The health, well-being, and safety of our student-athletes is the highest priority for our sports medicine staff. We strive to make sure that our student-athletes have access to the healthcare resources they need to be successful in their sport and life.”

– MICHAEL MOLL, ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FOR SPORTS MEDICINE

THE MUELLER SPORTS MEDICINE CENTER

The Mueller Sports Medicine Center serves as our main facility that offers a variety of sports medicine services to studentathletes. The facility houses our orthopedic and primary care physician clinics, sports performance testing, rehabilitation space, recovery and therapy pools.

primary purpose is to enhance the student-athlete experience, and help them achieve their potential as student-athletes and as people.

All student-athletes are involved in yearround strength and conditioning programs that use baseline performance data to guide and gauge progress.

> The Off-Season Program

Works to develop the total athlete and address the particular training needs of each sport.

>

The In-Season Program

Focuses on management and maintenance of the improvements made during the off-season cycle with an emphasis on sport performance and injury prevention.

Our team has 12 full-time coaches on staff, with access to additional athletic department resources and experts in sports medicine and performance nutrition.

Depending on the physical demands and energy requirements of each particular sport, we utilize a range of training techniques such as traditional strength training, weight lifting (Olympic), and various functional movements. Our staff also works to influence a number of additional athletic performance variables beyond traditional strength development, including:

> SPORT-SPECIFIC CONDITIONING ATTRIBUTES

> MOBILITY

> POWER

> SPEED

“When I arrived at Wisconsin, I couldn’t have imagined how much impact the Strength & Conditioning staff and their work would have not only on my game and athleticism, but also on my personal development. The energy and passion they bring to every session motivates us to hustle in each exercise and seek the best version of ourselves every day.”

– INAKI IRRIBARREN, MEN’S SOCCER

“I love how strong I’ve become here and this is the best my body’s ever felt. After a lift, I feel energized and ready to attack the day and ready to be the best version of myself”

– DEVYN ROBINSON, VOLLEYBALL

FORWARD 360

W Club

Our mission is to nurture the legacy, tradition, and values that come from participation in intercollegiate athletics, and deliver services that enhance Letterwinners’ lives through connections to each other, Wisconsin Athletics, the University of Wisconsin, and Badger Nation.

THE W CLUB INCLUDES MORE THAN 11,407 MALE AND FEMALE ATHLETES FROM 36 DIFFERENT SPORTS DATING BACK TO 1895.

When you become a Badger student-athlete, you become part of an elite group of individuals. Few others will understand the commitment and responsibility that comes with competing in NCAA Division 1 Athletics. You will learn what it means to work hard, give your all, and represent one of America’s finest universities—while discovering how your time, talents, and influence can elevate the lives of those that you are called to serve.

As a Badger Letterwinner, you will become part of one of the University of Wisconsin’s most prestigious institutions with connections to a wealth of services, opportunities, and events.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

> Networking and Connections: Make career and business connections through the Badger Connect app, our exclusive community that allows Letterwinners to stay connected to the Badger family across the globe. This app was created for current and former student-athletes to learn, build relationships, and grow in pursuit of success.

> Access: Admission to Heritage Hall in Camp Randall during home football games (with a valid game ticket for entrance to the stadium)

We focuses on providing opportunities for members to stay connected to former teammates, other Letterwinners, the school, and the heritage of being a Badger student-athlete. Our core principles include:

> Building Relationships (People)

> Building a Legacy for Life (Pride)

> Building Character (Purpose)

> Events: Letterwinners receive special W Club event invitations for Homecoming weekend, reunions, receptions, golf outings, dinners, banquets, meet and greet with Badger coaches and other exciting special W Club events.

> Community Involvement: From becoming a student-athlete mentor, volunteering with Badgers Give Back, or participating in the student-athlete career night, there are ample opportunities to re-engage with our current student-athletes, University of Wisconsin, and the city of Madison.

“

Earning a varsity letter is an accomplishment that I am very proud of.

I think that my experience as a Badger provided lessons in teamwork, time management, and perseverance that have been instrumental in furthering my career and personal development.”

– SCOTT WILLIAMS, MEN’S ROWING (1981-1985)

The keys to success are grounded in six dimensions of wellness brought to real life through nine multidimensional programs. Through our efforts, we’ll grow in ways that empower each of us to bring the Wisconsin Idea forward and impact lives far beyond our own.