Michigan State Athletics Announces Leadership Transition in Student-Athlete Wellness
12/19/2024 1:00:00 PM | General
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State Athletics is excited to announce the promotion of Shayna Bruno to Director of Student-Athlete Wellness. Bruno, who previously served as Associate Director, brings over a decade of experience in clinical mental health counseling, a deep commitment to student-athlete care, and a wealth of expertise to her new role.
"Our student-athletes and department are in great hands with Shayna Bruno at the helm," said Ashton Henderson, Deputy Athletic Director/Championship Resources. "Her clinical acumen, empathy, and unwavering dedication to supporting student-athletes are truly unmatched. We are immensely grateful to have her leading our Student-Athlete Wellness unit."
"I am truly honored to accept the role of Director of Student Athlete Wellness at Michigan State University," said Bruno. "I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Alan Haller, Ashton Henderson, Dr. Molly McQueary, and Dr. Jeffrey Kovan for their unwavering support and belief in my vision for this program. I would also like to thank Dr. Lionel Rosen and Dr. Ruth Baer, whose guidance has shaped my understanding of wellness in athletics. Together, we will continue to create a supportive environment where every Spartan feels valued, empowered, and equipped to thrive both on and off the field. This opportunity reflects not just my passion, but also MSU's unwavering commitment to the mental health and holistic wellness of our student-athletes. Thank you for this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our community."
Bruno, a former NCAA student-athlete herself, is uniquely positioned to lead the department in this critical area. Licensed in the state of Michigan, Bruno is a member of Michigan Counseling Association, Michigan Mental Health Counselors, Clinical Counseling Sports Psychology Association, Chi Sigma Iota and American Counseling Association. She is also the co-author of Autism in Early Childhood: Assessment & Diagnosis, demonstrating her commitment to advancing knowledge and care in the mental health field.
"It has been a joy to see Shayna continue to flourish as a leader and practitioner at Michigan State," said Dr. Jeffrey Kovan, Director of Sports Medicine and Performance. "Our student-athletes, head coaches, and health care providers will greatly benefit from her expertise and compassionate approach in this expanded role."
Spartan Athletics would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Molly McQueary for her exceptional service, innovation, and empathetic leadership in this role over the past two and a half years. Dr. McQueary's contributions have been instrumental in advancing the mental health resources available to Spartan student-athletes. As she transitions to her next chapter, Dr. McQueary will remain on retainer with the department for the next three months to ensure a seamless continuity of care for student-athletes.
Michigan State has been a leader in sports psychiatry for more than four decades, thanks to the pioneering work of Dr. Lionel Rosen and Dr. Ruth Baer, along with the dedication of numerous local community professionals who have contributed to the university's robust support network. The commitment continues to this day as MSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Alan Haller has prioritized the mental health and overall well-being of Spartan student-athletes during this transformative time in college athletics. In addition to the current leadership provided by Dr. Rosen and Dr. Baer, along with the newly appointed Director of Student-Athlete Wellness Shayna Bruno and Associate Director Doron Willis (Licensed Clinical Therapist), the department will begin the search for an additional mental health clinician early in the new year, with the goal of having the position filled by March 1, 2025.