In her talk, Oliva Hess be discussing the psychological responses to injury—physical, social, mental, and emotional. We’ll explore the effects of both healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms and share ways athletes can find resilience and growth during recovery. We’ll talk about how to stay fit throughout the healing process, lean on healthy coping strategies, stay mentally and socially connected to your sport, and keep your eye on the goal: getting back to doing what you love.

Oliva Hess is a rising sophomore at Davidson College majoring in psychology, with a strong passion for both mental and physical health and wellbeing. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, she was a four-sport varsity athlete in high school. An injury during her senior year became a pivotal moment — it forced her to reflect on an identity beyond sports and sparked her interest in the mental side of athletic recovery.

Since then, Olivia has been particularly drawn to sports psychology, especially the psychological impact of athletic injuries and is interning with Ruth Brennan Morrey this summer