5.4.2011

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University Associate AD for Student-Athlete Enhancement and Senior Woman Administrator Michelle Meadows has announced the recent appointment of Maya Ozery as the Athletics Department's new Academic Services Advisor. Ozery previously served as an administrative assistant for the Barry University Athletic Department from 2008-10. She has worked as a mental conditioning coach for both the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic and the Evert Tennis Academy in Florida since 2009. Ozery earned both her Bachelor of Science in psychology, and her Master of Science with a specialization in sports and exercise psychology from Barry.

“I am extremely excited to announce the addition of Maya to our staff,” said Meadows. “Her character, leadership and excitement will help propel our student-athlete enhancement initiatives to the next level. I am confident that our student-athletes and staff will find her to be a tremendous resource to their development and success.”

Ozery will serve as an Academic Coach for several Lancer teams, according to Meadows, while assisting with course scheduling, monitoring NCAA eligibility and graduation requirements, and counseling student-athletes in academic, athletic, career and personal endeavors. She will serve as the coordinator for the department's study table, tutoring, and textbook programs while assisting with the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program as well.

“I am thrilled to join the Longwood family and be a member of a department that emphasizes supporting students in their academic, athletic, personal and career goals,” said Ozery. “I hope to contribute to a culture that strives for success as much in the classroom as out on the field.”

Ozery assisted with the implementation of Barry's NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program, coordinated new student-athlete forums encouraging self-development, worked with the community to promote community involvement, monitored NCAA compliance adherence, and was involved in the daily operations of athletics compliance.

A native of Moshav Givat Yearim, Israel, Ozery was a two-year team captain and player of the year in women's soccer at Barry (2006-08). Prior to that, she was a two-year women's soccer team member at Florida International University (2004-06). In addition, Ozery was a member of Israel's National Women's Soccer Team (1999-2006), while a two-year team captain for Israel's U-19 National Women's Soccer Team (2001-03). She earned numerous academic honors during her time at both Barry and FIU, and was featured in the NCAA Champion magazine as well for her leadership role in promoting women's sports in Israel. Ozery has made four scholarly presentations involving sport and exercise psychology since 2009.