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Nikolia Kanaris is a graduate student at New York University studying Public Health Policy while also being the assistant throws coach for their track & field team. She is a graduated student-athlete from Cornell University where she studied Biology and Society with minors in Plant Science & Exercise Science. Kanaris holds the Freshman Shot Put Record and 5th All-Time Indoor mark graduating with a best throw of 48'3.25” at Cornell University. Kanaris talks with us about the impact of a great support system, the strength in vulnerability, and the importance of student-athlete mentalities.
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What was it like having a coach transition as soon as you started your collegiate career?
At first, it was weird because you were recruited by one coach and now you're doing all of your business through another. What made it easier on me as a freshman were the upperclassmen in the throws group. They helped me get acclimated and taught me the culture. What was also great was that our head coach involved us in the process of finding our events specific coach. It made me feel like they sincerely cared about me and no matter who was coaching me I would be taking care of.
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What has your mental journey been like and how has it affected you within athletics and beyond?
I'm very open about how hard it was for me at Cornell. I got such a great education but it was very hard for me and very challenging to keep a balance between academics and athletics. I found support in my teammates and within Cornell Health that gave me access to a Licensed Therapist who was able to help me. I was very fortunate because they do receive so many cases. At the end of the day, I put a lot of pressure on myself because I felt I was at such a prestigious school and I was the only one struggling.
Has your experience helped you guide others?
I would like to think so. I know that sometimes people are at different stages of their mental health journey and are not as open about it, but if my vulnerability can help at least one person, then it is all worth it. I try to use my past experiences as a guide to help others in figuring out what they can do in their own situations.
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When it came to competition day how did you handle your mentality?
There were definitely days at practice where the weight of school was significantly affecting my performance. My coach really helped me out in grounding myself on those days. What works for me is focusing on being present in the moment. It is really easy to let the little things creep up on you, but at the end of the day, I have put a lot of time and effort into my training and I learned it is a balance to stay present during competition.
Photo source: Cornell Photos
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* Originally published on June 21, 2022, by Catherine Light
