Personal Development

Supporting the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth, and decision-skills.


Trojan P.O.W.E.R. Programs

The P.O.W.E.R. program is a mandatory lecture series composed of four events that all student-athletes must attend (2 per semester). These lectures feature keynote speakers who discuss issues and topics pertinent to student-athlete such as:
  • Academic Achievement

  • Emotional Health

  • Substance Abuse

  • Diversity

  • Decision Making

  • Leadership
Substance Abuse will be addressed annually, while topics for the other three P.O.W.E.R. lectures will vary. These lectures are intended to be educational, interactive, and thought-provoking. The hope is that these lectures will inspire self-reflection and be a catalyst or support for conscious decision making, positive action or change.

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. Workshops
Challenging and Helping Athletes Reach Goals through Education.

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. workshops are voluntary. They are facilitated by SAAS staff, Counseling Center staff, University personnel or experts in that respective field. Similar to the POWER lecture series, these events are opportunities for student-athletes to become further educated on topics and issues that facilitate personal development. Topics include: health and nutrition, how to manage stress and anxiety, study skills, how to apply for a job, internship or graduate school, knowing the business of professional sports, etc. These workshops typically occur one time per month.

Health and Wellness Committee
The purpose of the Health and Wellness committee is to discuss issues and concerns facing student-athletes from all areas (i.e., academics, athletics, emotional health and physical health, etc.) The committee will consist of staff members from various athletic department offices including Life Skills Coordinator, Senior Womens' Administrator, Director of SAAS, Head Athletic Trainer, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, and two Head Coaches, as well as the SAAC President. Meetings will be held one time per semester (or as needed). The goal of the Health and Wellness Committee is to establish a more holistic approach to addressing student-athlete issues, and collaborate departmental efforts to meet student-athlete needs.


Mentor Program
The Mentor Program partners current student-athletes with seasoned college graduates in an attempt to offer the student emotional support as they navigate through the test and trials of life as a student-athlete at USC. The goal of the program is to couple students with a "neutral" person who has a wealth of life experiences and an objective perspective with hopes that they will develop a long-lasting relationship that inspires personal and professional growth.