Archived Media
Alliant International University's 2024 Keynote Speaker, San Diego Campus
Thoughtfully designed for reflection, intention-setting, and mindful moments, it's filled with tailored prompts and evidence-based practices.
Marcus Alston, Alston for Athletes, is joined by Dr. Ashley Zapata to explore mindfulness and compassion in sport.
Zapata works with athletes of all ages, including with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lynx, and at the University of Minnesota, on both mental health and sports performance. When it comes to prioritizing mental health for athletes, her message is clear:
“Athletes are more than just athletes."
The offseason is often a tough few months for athletes. However, VIS™ Expert and Sports Psychologist, Ashley Zapata, encourages us to all change our perception of the offseason. The offseason can instead be a period where we rediscover balance and progress as both athletes and people!
"What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month, to me, is one month of reflecting on the contributions made by Black people over decades and centuries. For me, it is a month of concentrated attention on truths that myself and many Black people reflect on daily. The meaning of the month transcends the limit of 28 calendar days and instead bolsters the pride and joy I have as a Black woman. It is both an honor and privilege to celebrate Black innovators and change makers and know that their Spirit is shared amongst the Black community."
Dr. Zapata reflects on a cycling milestone and challenges the limitations we often place on ourselves.
“I think about athletes who are, for example, transitioning to college and to collegiate teams, not having the opportunity to establish the relationships with one another because they are virtual,” said Zapata. “That does create a significant shift in how they get to support and experience each other.”
Dr. Zapata shares insights on mental health and divers with the hosts of the Diving Pod.
Dr. Zapata shares her thoughts on the United States Tennis Association's newly launched mental health initiative amind Naomi Osaka's withdrawal from the French Open in 2021.
Dr. Zapata chats about coping with the mental discomfort of living through the pandemic, how to create boundaries for ourselves and learn to prioritize our mental health on a daily basis. Dr. Zapata offers some important ways to distinguish between discomfort and anxiety when it comes to our mental health, and provides a few of her strategies to help us all cope with anxiety.
Dr. Zapata joins Angela Davis to talk about athlete mental health and the response from the US Tennis Association to Naomi Osaka.
"There are physical and emotional signs of burnout which can be a problem for new and long-term activists, psychologist Ashley Zapata said. There are specific signs that are physical and emotional."
