LAS VEGAS (October 10, 2026) – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) had a strong showing at the 2026 Alliance of Social Workers in Sports (ASWIS) Annual Symposium, continuing its growing leadership in the field of sport social work.
The symposium, held Sept. 23-25 in Las Vegas, brought together sport social work leaders from across the world, including several CoSW faculty, staff, students and alumni. The College used its presence at the conference to highlight the work of the International Institute for Sport and Behavioral Health, Sport Social Work Research Lab (SSW-RL) and its growing educational programming in sport social work.
This year’s theme, “Practice Makes Progress,” highlighted how dedicated practice drives advancement in the field of sport social work.
Among the faculty representing CoSW was Carly Kimiecik, Ph.D., who helped lead two presentations, including Mind in Motion: A university-school-community partnership model to support high school student-athlete mental health. Kimiecik also served on the symposium planning committee.
Other CoSW representatives contributing to presentations included associate professor and associate dean of academic and student affairs Matt Moore, Ph.D., and current and former CoSW students Anne Stauffer, Levone Lee, Serenity Burnett-Perry, and Abbey Seiberling. Together, their presentations highlighted work spanning student-athlete mental health, coaching and the athlete experience.
“As a member of the symposium planning committee, I enjoy seeing our yearlong effort come to fruition and the positive impact this event has on researchers and professionals,” Kimiecik said. “The ASWIS Symposium is always a supportive environment to share, discuss and connect.”
The symposium was especially meaningful for Kimiecik, who had the opportunity to present alongside CoSW colleagues and reconnect with several CoSW alumni, including 2026 Doctor of Social Work (DSW) graduate Kristine Proctor, DSW.
Proctor presented on Attuning to athlete experience: Enhancing the Coaching on the Wave Model through the integration of the SENSE Framework. The presentation brought together Proctor’s doctoral research and the Coaching on the Wave model, developed by SSW-RL Director and CoSW faculty member Tarkington Newman, Ph.D.
“The ASWIS Symposium was a great experience and an opportunity to spend time with a fantastic group of professionals committed to advancing sport social work. The variety of presentations reflected the breadth of work happening across the field, and the collaboration and connections with others were highlights,” Proctor said. “It was also fun to reconnect with fellow 2026 DSW graduates from the inaugural Sport Social Work concentration.”
The College’s presence at the symposium reflects a broader investment in advancing sport social work through education, research and practice. Most recently, CoSW launched the Sport Social Work Graduate Certificate, the first graduate certificate of its kind in the nation.
The College is home to the Sport Social Work Research Lab and International Institute for Sport and Behavioral Health and is affiliated with the Sport Social Work Journal and Alliance of Social Workers in Sports through the Sport Social Work Collaborative. CoSW also offers the world’s only Doctor of Social Work concentration in sport social work.
Together, these efforts reflect the College’s continued commitment to building the field of sport social work and preparing professionals to support athletes and sport communities at every level. Through new educational opportunities, interdisciplinary research and partnerships with leaders across the field, CoSW is investing in the future of sport social work while helping shape how the profession continues to grow.