It takes a village: The team behind Bisons student-athletes

Behind every UM student-athlete is a dedicated team supporting their health, mindset and performance. The Bisons Integrated Support Team (BIST) brings together experts in athletic therapy, sports psychology, nutrition and strength and conditioning to collaboratively maximize each student-athlete’s potential.

“It’s comforting knowing that there is a team of professionals behind me — people who genuinely want the best for you. It really does take a village,” says Simone Crevier, a track and field and cross-country athlete.

Simone Crevier, a fifth year Bisons track and field student-athlete

BIST supports student-athlete health through a personalized, team-based approach. The team ensures student-athletes receive consistent, integrated support that blends expertise across roles to keep their minds and bodies healthy. BIST meets once a week to talk about every team — what they have noticed and how they can better support the student-athletes.

Athletic Therapist Brad Bergen says the effectiveness of BIST comes from its team approach. He says that instead of one person trying to do everything, student-athletes get a whole group of professionals who communicate constantly, taking a holistic approach to their care.

Strength and Conditioning coach Adam Stevenson says, “If someone is clearly dealing with a mental block, I can refer them to Sports Psychology, which has been incredibly helpful.”

Sports Dietitian Janelle Vincent emphasizes the supportive, student-athlete-centered approach of the team. “Our goal is to meet student-athletes where they are—physically, mentally and across their sport—to help them feel their best.”

Athletic Therapist Brad Bergen (right) alongside a Athletic Therapy Certification Candidate

BIST team members say seeing student-athletes grow and transform is what makes their work so meaningful. For Bergen, supporting athletes from their very first appointment all the way to returning to their sport is what makes being part of Bison Sports truly special.

“Seeing how happy and accomplished they are, that’s such a gratifying feeling,” says Bergen.

For Stevenson, the most rewarding part of his role is seeing someone achieve a goal they knew was going to be lofty.

“Whether it’s winning a medal, beating a long-time rival, or coming back after a serious injury, those moments are incredibly satisfying. Everyone has goals and helping them reach what once felt impossible is why we do this work.”

Vincent adds that the most rewarding part of her role is when a student-athlete comes in struggling—low energy, recurring injuries, or just not feeling their best—and after working together, they start to notice a real difference. “They often say, ‘I feel so much better, physically and mentally.’ That’s the part I love most.”

BIST emphasizes that seeking support demonstrates strength and is a skill student-athletes can carry with them for life. Bergen echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the team truly cares for the student-athletes. “I’m invested in their progress and their success,” he says.

The impact of BIST is clear in the experiences of student-athletes like Crevier. “Having this team behind me, and all of the student-athletes, has made a huge difference in my career,” she says.

Crevier encourages others to take full advantage of the resources available. “They’re amazing. If you want to perform at your best, lean on BIST—the resources are there to support you.”

Kendall Marriott