McCay Mathis Hired as Athletics Counselor, Highlights Newest Additions to UTC Sports Medicine Staff
6/27/2023 2:52:00 PM | General, Sports Medicine, Student-Athlete Academic Enhancement Cen
The UTC Sports Medicine full-time staff has been bolstered by the hirings of McCay Mathis (Athletics Counselor) and Gracie Thurson (Asst. Athletic Trainer).
CHATTANOOGA --- Chattanooga Athletics and Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine Nate Barger have announced new additions to its full-time sports medicine staff, which is highlighted by Athletics Counselor McCay Mathis who will oversee all mental health aspects for UTC student-athletes.
"We are extremely excited to have McCay Mathis join our staff as Athletics Counselor. She brings a wealth of experience from her time at the University of South Carolina and Lee University," said Barger.
"McCay will help streamline our mental health protocols and enhance our collaboration with mental health professionals both on and off-campus."
McCay Mathis, Athletics Counselor
An experienced professional in the industry, Mathis arrives in the Scenic City following similar roles at the University of South Carolina and nearby Lee University, both working directly with student-athletes in the mental health area.
Mathis received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Furman University in 2019 before earning her Masters of Social Work from South Carolina in 2020. She also earned a graduate certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies during her time at USC.
While obtaining her MSW at USC, Mathis served as an Athletics Counselor Intern and completed her advanced year internship placement with the Director of Mental Health in the University of South Carolina Athletics Department. With the oversight of the director, she conducted assessments and provided individual counseling services to student-athletes of all sports struggling with a variety of mental health and wellness challenges.
Prior to USC, she served as the Director of Student-Athlete Welfare and Athletic Counseling at Lee University before working as an Outpatient Therapist at the Carolina Center for Behavioral Health in Greenville, S.C. Mathis is a Level 2 member of numerous professional organizations and associations including the Clinical/Counseling Sport Psychology Association (CCSPA).
Gracie Thurson, Assistant Athletic Trainer
In addition to Mathis, Gracie Thurson has accepted an Assistant Athletic Trainer role and will oversee all sports medicine efforts of the men's basketball and spirit programs.
Before UTC, Thurson served as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer before earning an elevation to an Assistant Athletic Trainer role at Valdosta State in Georgia. She handled all sports medicine efforts for the men's basketball, volleyball, and cheer & dance programs while at VSU.
Thurson graduated with an Athletic Training degree from West Florida in 2019 before earning her Master's in High Education from Valdosta State in 2021. The Neptune Beach, Fla., native is certified in dry needling and is also a certified nutrition coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Buy officially licensed gear in our online store. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page or on Twitter. Find out how to join the Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here.
"We are extremely excited to have McCay Mathis join our staff as Athletics Counselor. She brings a wealth of experience from her time at the University of South Carolina and Lee University," said Barger.
"McCay will help streamline our mental health protocols and enhance our collaboration with mental health professionals both on and off-campus."
McCay Mathis, Athletics Counselor
An experienced professional in the industry, Mathis arrives in the Scenic City following similar roles at the University of South Carolina and nearby Lee University, both working directly with student-athletes in the mental health area.
Mathis received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Furman University in 2019 before earning her Masters of Social Work from South Carolina in 2020. She also earned a graduate certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies during her time at USC.
While obtaining her MSW at USC, Mathis served as an Athletics Counselor Intern and completed her advanced year internship placement with the Director of Mental Health in the University of South Carolina Athletics Department. With the oversight of the director, she conducted assessments and provided individual counseling services to student-athletes of all sports struggling with a variety of mental health and wellness challenges.
Prior to USC, she served as the Director of Student-Athlete Welfare and Athletic Counseling at Lee University before working as an Outpatient Therapist at the Carolina Center for Behavioral Health in Greenville, S.C. Mathis is a Level 2 member of numerous professional organizations and associations including the Clinical/Counseling Sport Psychology Association (CCSPA).
Gracie Thurson, Assistant Athletic Trainer
In addition to Mathis, Gracie Thurson has accepted an Assistant Athletic Trainer role and will oversee all sports medicine efforts of the men's basketball and spirit programs.
Before UTC, Thurson served as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer before earning an elevation to an Assistant Athletic Trainer role at Valdosta State in Georgia. She handled all sports medicine efforts for the men's basketball, volleyball, and cheer & dance programs while at VSU.
Thurson graduated with an Athletic Training degree from West Florida in 2019 before earning her Master's in High Education from Valdosta State in 2021. The Neptune Beach, Fla., native is certified in dry needling and is also a certified nutrition coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Buy officially licensed gear in our online store. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page or on Twitter. Find out how to join the Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here.
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