Aurora University Athletics

Spartan Faculty Mentor Program

In an effort to develop stronger connections between academics and athletics at Aurora University we would like to partner a faculty member with each athletics team. Each faculty member will serve as a liaison for their specific team to support the academic and personal development of the student-athletes. This program is intended to benefit students in their success both on and off the field by having an additional faculty member as a resource to offer advice on academics (e.g., discuss study strategies) and managing college work (e.g., provide information about different programs and services). A major goal is to help players reach their potential in the classroom and to feel more connected to the university independent of their athletic participation.   
 
The program is designed to enhance the support coaches are already providing to members of the team.  Faculty liaisons provide an additional resource so that coaches can help their players achieve and maintain academic success.  This program also will provide faculty members with an opportunity to learn more about athletic programming and the commitments of our student athletes.  
  

SPORT	FACULTY MENTOR (Department)
BASEBALL	Mark Wolfington (Religion)
MEN'S BASKETBALL	Mark Soderstrom (History)
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL	Beth Grabowski (Marketing)
MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY / TRACK AND FIELD	Mike Belbis (Business)
WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY / TRACK AND FIELD	Zeb Koran (Nursing)
FOOTBALL	Shaun Neitzel (Sport Management)
MEN'S HOCKEY	Elbert Hearon (Business)
WOMEN'S HOCKEY	Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills (President) Carolyn Foor (Business)
MEN'S LACROSSE	Brandon Kooi (Criminal Justice)
WOMEN'S LACROSSE	Terry Shapiro (Psychology)
MEN'S SOCCER	Cristian Pastorello (Music)
WOMEN'S SOCCER	Kym McKay (Sport Management)
SOFTBALL	Haley Zimmerman (Athletic Training)
MEN'S VOLLEYBALL	Carlos Estrada (Exercise Science)
WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL	Becky Vacco Guidice (Social Work)
MEN'S WRESTLING	Brandon Kooi (Criminal Justice)
WOMEN'S WRESTLING	Brandon Kooi (Criminal Justice)