The Network - Spring 2026

THE NETWORK UNITED STATES SPORTS UNIVERSITY

Spring 2026

THE ACCEPTANCE OF A LIFETIME

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Board of Trustees Dr. Nick Niccolai Chair Mobile, AL Vincent Butta Lloyd Harbor, NY Dr. Steve Condon Daphne, AL Joan Cronan Knoxville, TN Joe Durant Pensacola Beach, FL Ann Meyers Drysdale Huntington Beach, CA

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From The Desk of the President

Karen Hong Fairhope, AL

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Cover Story: CSOSC Recognition

Dr. Lee A. McElroy Troy, NY

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Olympian Leadership in Napoli

Dr. T. J. Rosandich Fairhope, AL

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USSU Debuts New Programs

Randy Smith Orange Beach, AL

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Performance Psychology Conference

Joseph Szlavik Washington D.C.

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Eagle Athletics Update

Tina Xavie Beverly Hills, CA

Dr. China Jude Highlands Ranch, CO

USSU Mission The United States Sports University is an accredited university providing forwardthinking education, specialized research, and superior service in the global realm of sports. We prepare and empower future leaders for a multifaceted and successful career in global sports through excellence in teaching, advanced scholarship, professional practice, and transformational learning.

Editorial Staff Design & Direction: Sophie Brooks Managing Editor: Kimiko Lumsden Contributing Writers: Emily Silbernagel, Shealynn Miller, Dr. Cristian Zaharia, OLY, Dr. Noemi Zaharia, OLY

Photos by: Jon Hauge, Sophie Brooks & Emily Silbernagel

Congratulations to Board of Trustee Member Dr. Lee McElroy, the 2026 recipient of the James J. Corbett Memorial Award.

Presented annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), this prestigious national honor recognizes a collegiate administrator who, throughout their career, has exemplified James J. Corbett’s, previous LSU Athletic Director and first President of NACDA, devotion to intercollegiate athletics and has worked tirelessly for its advancement and betterment.

Dr. McElroy’s leadership, service, and lasting contributions to collegiate athletics make him a truly deserving recipient of this award.

From The Desk of the President As we approach our 2026 Commencement Ceremony on May 9, we are preparing to celebrate the largest graduating class of bachelor’s degree students in our university’s history. In addition, we currently have 29 students in the doctoral dissertation stage, a milestone that reflects the continued growth and academic strength of our institution. These achievements are exciting, but they also remind us that there is still important work ahead as we continue moving toward our goal of 500 students enrolled at USSU. Now is the time to begin sending prospective students our way.

With the introduction of new degree programs, including our Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Science in Sport Psychology, USSU President Steve Condon, Ph.D.

continues to reinvent itself in an increasingly competitive sports education market. These programs, along with faculty using current

methodologies, were designed specifically to attract the next generation of leaders in sport.

USSU proudly offers online sport education at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, providing a fast and effective path for professionals looking to advance their careers. Our programs emphasize experiential learning, allowing students to gain practical, real-world experience while also becoming part of the powerful global network of USSU alumni.

Another exciting development is USSU’s new Olympic Studies and Research Center. The Center for the Study of Olympic Sport and Culture (CSOSC) has already produced its first research presentation, which was accepted and delivered in Italy last month during the Olympic Winter Games. Our next research project has also been accepted for presentation at the Global Olympic Research Symposium in England this June.

You have an opportunity to play a direct role in helping USSU reach our next enrollment goal. In its 50-year history, USSU has remained a tuition-dependent university, which means our continued growth depends greatly on attracting motivated students who want to build their futures in the sport industry.

We are continuing to invest in our enrollment team, recruiting new students, and supporting the success and retention of our current students. If you know someone who would benefit from a USSU education, please encourage them to connect directly with me at scondon@ussu.edu.

Yours,

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USSU RECOGNIZED as IOC Olympic Studies and Research Centre The United States Sports University (USSU) proudly announces that its Center for the Study of Olympic Sport & Culture (CSOSC) has been formally recognized by the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Studies Centre as a member of the global Olympic Studies and Research Centres (OSRC) Network.

With this designation, CSOSC joins a distinguished international network of 85 centers across 28 countries, becoming the second recognized center in the United States and the seventh in North America. Membership in the OSRC Network promotes international collaboration, academic exchange, and expanded research opportunities while strengthening the University’s global presence in Olympic scholarship.

“We are proud to be recognized as a member of this prestigious group of world-class universities as an Olympic Studies and Research Center,” said Dr. Steve Condon, President of USSU. “This achievement affirms USSU’s commitment to academic excellence and scholarly impact within the global sport community.”

THE VISION BEHIND OLYMPIC STUDIES CENTRES The concept of Olympic Studies Centres traces back to Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, who believed dedicated academic centers were essential to preserving and advancing the Olympic Movement. The International Olympic Committee formally established the Olympic Studies Centre in 1982 to support research, education, and scholarships related to Olympism.

Today, the Olympic Studies and Research Centres Network connects universities worldwide that contribute to the study, preservation, and advancement of Olympic knowledge.

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CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF OLYMPIC SPORT & CULTURE The Center for the Study of Olympic Sport & Culture was established in November 2023 and chartered

by USSU faculty as a university-wide academic initiative. The Center is dedicated to the study of international sport and the Olympic Movement, generating and sharing knowledge through research, teaching, and community outreach. Its work emphasizes sport business, sport science, and the social and cultural dimensions of Olympism.

“The modern Olympic Games stand as one of the most powerful cultural forces in the world,” said Dr. Roch King, CSOSC Council Chair and USSU Chair of Sport Coaching. “The CSOSC reflects the passion for Olympism that has been part of USSU since the University’s founding. Our goal is to create a welcoming destination for anyone interested in learning more about the Olympic Movement and its global impact.”

Dr. King also noted that the Center aims to engage the broader university community and the public through educational programming and events, including USSU’s annual Olympic Day celebration.

PATH TO RECOGNITION USSU began the recognition process in Spring 2024 by submitting its Academic Alliance application to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). On June 17, 2025, the IOC received a formal letter of endorsement from the USOPC recognizing the Center’s mission and scholarly contributions.

Following this support, USSU submitted its formal application to the IOC Olympic Studies Centre in November 2025 and received official recognition into the OSRC Network on December 9, 2025.

This milestone reflects the long-held vision of USSU founder Dr. Thomas P. Rosandich, whose passion for Olympic sport and culture helped shape the University’s mission.

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RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC INITIATIVES CSOSC initiatives reflect a commitment to advancing Olympic scholarship through research, academic programming, and community engagement. Current and planned projects include: •

Undergraduate and graduate coursework exploring Olympic history and ideals, using The Games as a lens to examine broader social, economic, cultural, and physiological issues.

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Research by Dr. Cristian Zaharia, OLY, and Dr. Noemi Zaharia, OLY, on leadership characteristics of Olympians was presented at the 17th Annual International Symposium for Olympic and Paralympic Research in Naples, Italy, February 18–20, 2026.

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A special issue of The Sports Journal, published by USSU, titled “The Olympic Games in the USA,” is scheduled for publication in October 2026.

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Organization and cataloging of a significant Olympic archive and art collection established by founder Dr. Thomas P. Rosandich to support research in Olympic history, culture, and heritage preservation.

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Support for USSU’s annual Olympic Day celebration on June 23, which engages the local community through youth activities and scholarly events.

This designation formally includes USSU in the global network of Olympic Studies Centres and carries endorsement from the University’s faculty and administration, the USOPC, and the IOC Olympic Studies Centre. Affirming the quality and relevance of work already undertaken by USSU faculty, students, and research affiliates while positioning the University as a contributor to international dialogue on the Olympic Movement.

LOOKING AHEAD The recognition places USSU within the global network of Olympic Studies and Research Centres, creating new opportunities for international collaboration. The Center will continue supporting research and partnerships that advance understanding of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Movement.

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Olympian Leadership in Napoli Arrival in Napoli: Culture, Chaos, and Scooters Italy reveals itself instantly. Within moments of leaving the Naples airport parking lot, the world transforms into a thrilling real-life obstacle course where scooters zip past on both sides, streets narrow into mountain-clinging ribbons of asphalt, open-air markets explode with color, and centuries-old buildings lean gracefully toward the road, wearing their dignified decay with pride.

Beyond it all, the Mediterranean glimmers as if painted into the horizon. For two former Olympians accustomed to intense athletic pressure, this new kind of adrenaline, felt like an entirely different form of competition.

A Symposium Set in 19th Century Elegance The Symposium itself took place at the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” inside a majestic mid-19th-century building adorned with frescoes, soaring ceilings, and an aura that invited serious scholarship. Walking into the main hall felt like stepping into a space where history encouraged intellectual discovery.

The event, organized in partnership with Western University, Canada, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK, the University of Oregon, US, and the International Olympic Studies Centre in Lausanne, embraced the theme “The Games in a Digital World: Human Flourishing, Olympic Values, and Sustainability in the Age of AI.” Scholars representing countries across every continent shared a viewpoint on sport, technology, ethics, and society. Presenters from Brazil, Japan, Switzerland, China, France, Germany, Ukraine, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Korea, and beyond filled the halls with conversation, transforming the venue into a global crossroads of ideas.

Meaningful Conversations and New Collaborations Throughout the Symposium, Dr. Noemi and Dr. Cristian participated in stimulating discussions with ethics scholars, sport management experts, philosophers,

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doctoral students, and even undergraduates delivering impressive early research. A particularly impactful moment was meeting Ms. Maria Bogner, IOC Head of the Olympic Studies Center, whose leadership and vision left a strong impression, and Julian Buhajezuk, Manager of Academic Relations at OSC. They also engaged with directors from Olympic Research Centers worldwide.

Dr. Noemi and Dr. Cristian had promising conversations with Dr. Yoav Dubinsky from the University of Oregon, dialogues that may evolve into significant future collaborations. Parallel efforts are also underway to build similar partnerships with Arizona State University’s Olympic Research Center and with emerging ORCs throughout the United States.

The Presentation: Showcasing Olympian Leadership On the third day, the two Olympian scholars stepped onto the main stage to present their findings. The room was filled, the atmosphere lively, and the response overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Their research explored leadership traits developed through elite athletic training, the transferability of Olympian strengths into organizational environments, the reasons employers should actively recruit Olympians, and strategies for Olympians to articulate and quantify their leadership value during career transitions.

Academics sought methodological insight, corporations wanted to understand how to identify and leverage Olympian talent, and students were eager to learn from both the research and the presenters’ firsthand experiences.

“Olympians bring uniquely measurable leadership qualities, discipline, resilience, global recognition, determination, and an enduring drive for excellence.”

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Napoli Beyond Academia Outside the Symposium’s frescoed hallways, Napoli revealed itself as a city shaped by Greek origins, Roman development, and Spanish influence, overflowing with character and vitality. Dr. Noemi and Dr. Cristian visited the Royal Palace, explored the Archaeological Museum and its extraordinary Pompeian artifacts, and admired countless frescoes and sculptures that testified to centuries of human creativity. The culinary experience alone became part nourishment, part art, and sometimes an unexpectedly emotional encounter.

A Maradona Pilgrimage and Final Reflections A visit to the celebrated Diego Maradona mural displayed the city’s profound devotion to its legends. Visitors from around the world gathered there, singing, laughing, reflecting, united by admiration for the iconic footballer. Nearby, the Spanish Quarter enveloped them in aromas of sizzling Neapolitan dishes and the charm of a community both quirky and elegant.

A Journey to Remember What began as a scholarly trip evolved into a personal and cultural awakening, blending leadership, friendship, research, and Mediterranean magic into a single unforgettable experience. For Dr. Noemi Zaharia OLY and Dr. Cristian Zaharia OLY, the Symposium itself was a triumph, yet it was Napoli that transformed the journey into a story worth telling.

Written by

Dr. Noemi Zaharia, OLY

+ Dr. Cristian Zaharia, OLY

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NEW AND NEWLY P repar in g t he N ext Genera ti o n i n Sp or t Ps y chol og y a t USSU For Dr. Stephanie Cameron, the M.S. in Sport Psychology program reflects both the growing importance of mindset in performance and the unique strengths of the university’s faculty. The program was designed to help students better understand how mental skills influence performance, well-being, and resilience in sport and performance environments.

“What excites me most about this program is the faculty we have here,” Dr. Cameron said. “USSU has an exceptional collection of faculty with diverse perspectives and experiences, and that positions us to offer something both rigorous and exciting.” She notes that across all levels of sport, mindset is widely recognized as a major driver of performance. That shared knowledge helped faculty shape a program specifically designed for students pursuing applied sport psychology careers and professional certifications.

The program was developed with the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology in mind. As a result, the curriculum focuses on how sport psychology theory, frameworks, and research translate into real-world consulting and performance environments.

Students also explore mental skills such as confidence, motivation, resilience, and pressure management that are essential to high-level performance.

As a sport-focused university, USSU is also able to bring in guest speakers from specialized areas of sport who can share how psychology shapes their work and performance. These experiences help students build valuable professional networks while learning from experts working across the sport industry. They also give students insight into the many career paths available within the field of sport and performance psychology.

Students can expect a balance of foundational knowledge and practical application. The first year focuses on the core theories and research of sport psychology, while the second year emphasizes applying those skills through a supervised internship with a mentor. “The throughline of the whole program is that we’re not just discussing concepts,” Dr. Cameron said. “We’re earning them and putting them to work.”

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T R A N S FO R M E D U S SU P rogr ams Pre p a re Students f or Growi ng A l l i ed Hea l th C a reer s Dr. Mark Deaton sees the revision of the Exercise Science programs at USSU as both a professional milestone and a personal passion. Leading the development of the Bachelor of Sport Science (BSS) and Master of Sport Science (MSS) programs has given him the opportunity to shape a curriculum that will have a lasting impact on students pursuing careers in health, fitness, and performance.

“Having this opportunity to revise the Exercise Science programs for USSU has been an honor,” Dr. Deaton said. “It allows me to pour my passion and expertise into an academic program that can have a substantial positive impact on many individual lives.”

The Exercise Science Allied Health track is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for a wide range of career opportunities across the growing exercise science field.

From clinical healthcare and rehabilitation to corporate wellness and professional athletics, career paths in exercise science continue to expand. The Allied Health track creates exciting opportunities for graduates to apply their knowledge in a variety of impactful professional settings. As the field continues to evolve, programs like this help prepare the next generation of professionals to meet the changing needs of the health and performance industries.

What makes the program especially distinctive is its strong alignment with leading professional organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The curriculum has been intentionally designed to meet the standards required for future accreditation through the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This alignment ensures students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and preparation needed to pursue national certifications and diverse career pathways.

Students can expect a dynamic learning experience that blends classroom instruction with hands-on practical training and opportunities to connect with professionals currently working in the field. At USSU, students are encouraged to be active participants in their education and are supported by faculty and mentors dedicated to their success.

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S p or t Leadershi p Prog ra m La unchi ng Aug us t 2026 Dr. Noemi Zaharia, OLY, believes that effective leadership in sport goes far beyond strategy and performance, it is about shaping environments where athletes, teams, and communities can thrive.

That philosophy is at the heart of the university’s revised Sport Leadership program, a degree designed to connect the science of sport with the real-world challenges leaders face in today’s athletic environments.

“I am truly excited about the launch of our new Sport Leadership program because it creates a meaningful bridge between evidence-based sport education and the real-world leadership demands of today’s athletic environments,” Dr. Zaharia said. “Today’s sport leaders are in high demand, as they are an integral part of our communities and uphold ethical and moral standards to ensure the well-being of all participants and spectators at sporting events.”

Drawing on her expertise of leadership skills of Olympic athletes, Dr. Zaharia played a key role in designing the new Sport Leadership degree. Her academic perspective, professional experience, and Olympic background helped shape an innovative curriculum aligned with the evolving needs of the sport industry.

As program lead, she will guide its continued development while mentoring students as they prepare to become effective leaders in sport organizations and communities.

A defining feature of the program is its experiential approach. Students will not only study leadership theory but also apply it through hands-on projects, mentorship opportunities, and learning experiences with sport industry professionals.

By blending sport science insights with leadership development, the program is designed to equip graduates with the confidence and practical skills needed to lead teams, programs, and organizations.

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DRIVING SUCCESS THROUGH PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY The United States Sports University recently hosted its first Performance Psychology Conference.

Through lectures, discussion, and applied learning activities, participants explored strategies for improving focus, managing pressure, and strengthening confidence in competitive environments.

Attendees also completed interactive worksheets and short assessments throughout the conference, and those who successfully finished the required activities were awarded certificates of completion.

Dr. Cameron discussed the importance of integrating mental performance strategies into daily training routines, including simple pre-performance routines that help athletes shift into “game mode.”

“ATHLETES USE SIMPLE PRE-PERFORMANCE ROUTINES TO FLIP THE SWITCH INTO GAME MODE. BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS CAN DO THE SAME BEFORE BIG MEETINGS OR PRESENTATIONS TO SHOW UP FOCUSED AND READY TO PERFORM,” SAID DR. CAMERON. Guest speaker Dr. E. Gaylon McCollough shared insights on the importance of mental preparation and resilience in high-performance settings. Drawing on his experience as a medical doctor, organizational leader, and former Alabama football player under Coach Bear Bryant, he provided practical examples of how anyone can apply psychological techniques to improve performance and consistency.

The conference also featured Dr. Roch King, Chair of Sport Coaching at the United States Sports University, who emphasized the connection between effective coaching, leadership, and the psychological components that influence athlete performance.

Attendees appreciated the engaging and practical nature of the sessions. One participant shared: “The sessions were instructional but also entertaining in nature. I really enjoyed the lectures along with hearing all the practical examples. Now I have a better understanding of how to handle pressure.”

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A SEASON OF GROWTH

By Emily Silbernagel & Shealynn Miller

USSU athletic department continues to build momentum both on and off the field, highlighted by the addition of a new Sports Information Director and a successful fall season that brought national recognition for several student-athletes.

Streng theni ng L ea d er s hi p i n A thl eti c C om m uni ca ti ons In January 2026, Nolan Kotila joined the United States Sports University athletics staff as Sports Information Director. In this role, he serves as the primary media contact for all USSU varsity teams, overseeing athletic communications, media relations, and digital coverage for the Eagles.

“Nolan is a tremendous addition to our athletic department,” said Director of Athletics Shealynn Miller. “His expertise in game-day management, athletic communications, and storytelling will play a vital role in elevating how we share the USSU Eagles story. We’re excited for the creativity, energy, and vision he brings to our department.”

Prior to joining USSU, Kotila served as Sports Information Director at Spring Hill College beginning in 2022, promoting the college’s athletic programs and student-athletes through communications and media outreach. In 2024, he received the Spring Hill College Spirit of Spring Hill Award for exemplifying the institution’s mission and identity.

Earlier in his career, Kotila worked at the University of South Alabama as a Communications and Digital Media Assistant, serving as the primary contact for several Jaguar athletic programs, including track and field, women’s soccer, and men’s golf. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of South Alabama in 2021 and is an active member of College Sports Communicators (CSC).

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Student-A thl e te Succes s a nd N a ti ona l Recog ni ti on USSU also celebrated significant athletic milestones during the past year.

In June 2025, the University was officially named a full member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), granting the Eagles postseason eligibility.

During the Fall 2025 season, several USSU student-athletes earned national recognition. Women’s soccer standouts Ansley Warner and Katherine Solis were named First Team All-Americans by the USCAA, while teammate Cameron Cain earned Second Team All-American honors. Cross-country runner Hamilton Washo also earned Second Team All-American recognition after finishing 10th at the USCAA National Championship race.

E xpan din g Co mp eti ti ve Opp ortu ni ti es Looking ahead, USSU continues to expand its athletic offerings. The University is preparing to launch a women’s flag football program, which will become the institution’s 10th varsity sport, with an inaugural season targeted for 2027. “Women’s flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States,” said AD Miller. “As a university dedicated to sport education, we want to be on the cutting edge of new opportunities for young athletes.”

USSU has also applied for membership with the National Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NAIA), a move that would support regional competition opportunities and increase national visibility for the Eagles. These developments reflect the continued growth and momentum of USSU athletics as the Eagles look toward an exciting future.

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