NEW YORK, NY (pacathletics.org) – The Zone, a leading mental health software designed for athletes, has announced a strategic partnership with the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) to provide tailored mental health resources to student-athletes. This initiative will initially be available exclusively to Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) members across PAC institutions, ensuring that student-athlete leaders have an opportunity to access cutting-edge mental wellness tools.
Under the leadership of Commissioner Joe Onderko and the PAC administrative team, the conference continues to position itself as a thought leader in NCAA Division III athletics. Recognizing that student-athletes face unique mental health challenges, the PAC staff has been at the forefront of implementing innovative, athlete-first initiatives to foster both performance and well-being. This partnership with The Zone is the latest step in their ongoing commitment to redefining the student-athlete experience through progressive leadership and forward-thinking solutions.
"Both the Presidents' Council and Athletic Administrators' Council in the PAC have long recognized the importance of trying to provide resources to assist with the mental health of our student-athletes," said Onderko. "We began with hosting two Mental Health Summits at Saint Vincent College and have been searching for a way to build on that momentum. With that in mind, we are excited to partner with The Zone for this pilot program with our SAAC members. The Zone's innovative platform can provide resources and strategies right to our student-athletes' mobile devices and gives them access to those tools whenever they may need them. We look forward to seeing our SAAC representatives use The Zone to assist them and see if this partnership could expand."
The Zone’s platform offers on-demand mental health and performance support, including mindfulness exercises, guided resources, and easy-to-use strategies to prioritize well-being on and off the field. SAAC members from the PAC will be the first to experience these tools, playing a key role in shaping a potential future implementation of mental wellness resources across other teams.
For Gavin Jones, National SAAC Representative for the PAC, the impact of mental health support extends far beyond competition. He has seen firsthand how mental wellness resources can enhance performance and personal growth:
“The value of supporting Division III student-athletes’ mental health cannot be overstated. Mental health support not only helps athletic performance but sets up student-athletes for lifelong success and well-being. Through monthly sports psychology sessions with my teammates, I’ve personally taken meaningful steps in my mental health journey. I’m excited to continue growing as a stronger, more well-rounded individual through the new partnership between the PAC and The Zone.” said Jones, National SAAC Rep for PAC and Men’s Lacrosse Player at Westminster College.
With SAAC members from the PAC playing a key role in shaping this initiative, the partnership will provide them with mental health and performance support, including mindfulness tips, guided strategies, and easy accessible content to prioritize well-being on and off the field.
The Zone currently supports 200+ teams across athletics, including university athletic programs such as UNC Asheville, Seton Hill University, Chapman University, and many others. Additionally, The Zone has experience partnering with other athletic conferences, including The Big East Conference, Patriot League, and Mountain West, gaining valuable experience in implementing mental health initiatives at the conference level. These collaborations demonstrate The Zone’s commitment to enhancing mental health support across all levels of collegiate sports.
Erik Poldroo, Co-Founder of The Zone, emphasized the significance of collaborating with the PAC leadership team: “The PAC is truly leading the way when it comes to mental health advocacy in Division III athletics. Commissioner Onderko and his entire team understand that student-athlete success goes beyond physical performance. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes mental resilience. We couldn’t be more excited to work on this important initiative and see the impact we can have together.”
By integrating The Zone into its student-athlete wellness initiatives, the PAC continues to help shape the future of Division III athletics, serving as a model for other conferences nationwide. With Commissioner Onderko and his team driving innovation, the PAC reaffirms its commitment to providing student-athletes with the tools and support that they need to thrive on and off the field.
For more information on The Zone and its impact on student-athlete mental health, visit www.itsthezone.com.
About The Zone
The Zone is a premier mental health platform built exclusively for student-athletes, offering personalized self-care tools, guided mindfulness programs, and direct access to licensed mental health professionals. With a proven track record of supporting over 200+ teams and collaborating with top athletic conferences including The Big East Conference, Patriot League, and Mountain West. The Zone brings unparalleled experience in delivering impactful mental wellness solutions. Dedicated to fostering resilience, focus, and overall well-being, The Zone empowers student-athletes to excel both in competition and in life.
About the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC)
Founded in 1955, the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) is an NCAA Division III athletic conference dedicated to fostering excellence in both academics and athletics. Committed to the holistic development of student-athletes, the PAC emphasizes sportsmanship, integrity, and overall well-being. With a leadership team focused on progressive student-athlete welfare initiatives, the PAC continues to drive meaningful change in Division III athletics.