The Three Village Central School District has implemented a mental health and performance coach for Ward Melville High School student-athletes. Mrs. Leah Jantzen, a guidance counselor in the district, has taken on the role to support student-athletes, coaches and families’ needs.

Mrs. Jantzen is a graduate of Ward Melville High School where she was an all-state tennis player, all-county volleyball player and went on to be a Division III lacrosse player. She recently competed at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.

“Mrs. Jantzen has tremendous experience using mindset and mental conditioning to enhance performance and help with common frustrations athletes face such as anxiety, pressure to perform, balancing sports and life, and much more,” said Director of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Athletics Kevin Finnerty.

As the mental health and performance coach, Mrs. Jantzen will incorporate mindset and mental health strategies during practices with athletes. She has met with many of Ward Melville’s spring teams and led discussions about goals, purpose, self-reflection and accountability. Additionally, she will meet with individual student-athletes as needed throughout the season.

Date Added: 4/5/2023