OMAHA, Neb. - Omaha Athletics announced Friday the hiring of Nedu Izuegbunam, LIMHP as the Mavericks' new Associate Athletic Director - Clinical and Performance Psychology/Sports Psychologist. Izuegbunam takes the reigns of the office from Dr. Lindsey Hauser, the inaugural holder of the position, who was recently announced as the Boys Town organization Vice President of Outpatient Behavioral Health.
Izuegbunam will oversee the Sports Psychology and Mental Health Unit, which was established in 2023. This operation now plays a critical role in holistic support of Mavericks student-athletes by providing psychological services, mental skills training, team building and leadership development for all student-athletes and coaches.
"It's not by coincidence that since the launch of our Sport Psychology and Mental Health Unit that we have experienced an unprecedented level of athletic success," said Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell. "I want to thank Dr. [Lindsey] Hauser for her leadership in establishing this operation and we look forward to continuing this tremendous support with Nedu. We are proud to continue as a leader in this space among our peers under Nedu's guidance."
Izuegbunam (ih-zoo-eh-bwuh-nem) is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and joins the Mavericks from Kansas (NCAA Division I - Big 12) where he served as the primary mental health team liaison for KU's men's basketball, baseball, men's golf and rowing.
In his role with the Jayhawks as an athletic counselor/therapist, Izuegbunam provided clinical services that included, but not limited to, individual counseling and group counseling available to each of KU's 16 athletic programs, as well as crisis intervention, psychoeducation and case management. His work focused on assisting student-athletes in developing and enriching skills towards performance enhancement and mental health.
"From growing up in Omaha and now being able to say I work for UNO is beyond a blessing," commented Izuegbunam. "Like others, I've taken notice of the University's growing reputation and amelioration this athletic department is making in Division I. I have an incredible opportunity to learn from this staff and develop relationships with our student-athletes to cultivate a mindset to be their best selves in and out of sport.
"I look forward to contributing to Omaha's momentum by leveraging my experiences from KU and Nebraska to carry this department to another level. My dad is an alum, my wife is an alum and now I can officially say I'm a Maverick, too," he concluded.
An Omaha native, Izuegbunam worked with the Nebraska Cornhuskers (NCAA Division I - Big Ten) for four years, serving as an athletic counselor for athletics. In Lincoln, he created and facilitated individual counseling, team workshops and substance use programming for Husker athletic student-athletes, staff and coaches while also serving as the liaison between sport psychology staff and life skills unit.
"We are proud to continue our commitment towards the robust holistic development of Maverick student-athletes," said Senior Associate Athletic Director, Athletic Performance/Physical Therapist Dr. Taryn Ninemire. "Nedu's background and experience align seamlessly with our comprehensive approach and we are confident he will significantly enhance the resources and guidance available to our student-athletes. His addition further strengthens our mission to provide meaningful pathways to success, both in competition and in life after sports."
Izuegbunam graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He later matriculated with a Master of Education, Psychology (Athletic Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling) from Springfield College.
Connect with Omaha Athletics on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, @OMavs.
